Study of Oral Health and Chewing Function to Understand Arterial Stiffness and Vascular Aging in Adults from the INN.HEALTH Cohort

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether oral health, oral structure, and oral function can provide additional insights into vascular health in adults from the general population. The study focuses on how oral parameters may contribute to understanding central arterial stiffness, a marker of vascular aging and cardiovascular risk. This sub-study is embedded within the larger Innsbruck Health Promotion Program INN.HEALTH and aims to improve prevention strategies by exploring oral factors alongside known cardiovascular risk factors. Participants will complete a single oral assessment during Visit 4 of the INN.HEALTH study. This assessment includes a standardized test battery lasting about 20 minutes that evaluates oral health status, dentition, bite force, tongue pressure, chewing efficiency, chewing and swallowing performance using two standardized crackers, and questionnaires on oral health-related quality of life and food avoidance. Masseter muscle thickness is also measured by ultrasound. No treatments are assigned, as this is an observational sub-study. During the study visit, participants will undergo various evaluations including oral examinations, functional tests, questionnaires, and ultrasound measurements. Researchers will measure carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity from the parent study to assess arterial stiffness. Data collected will help determine if oral markers add value to cardiovascular risk assessments. The study expects to include about 750 adults and will provide normative data and explore potential links between sleep quality and oral function. Participation involves a single visit with no intervention or follow-up treatments.

Predication of Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Adults by Oral Health and Chewing Assessments