Tooth loss is a common issue that affects many older adults. As we age, our teeth become more susceptible to decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. However, the percentage of seniors who lose all or most of their natural teeth has declined in recent decades thanks to improvements in dental care and education.
What is complete tooth loss?
Complete tooth loss, also known as edentulism, is when someone loses all of their natural teeth. This can happen for a variety of reasons:
- Tooth decay – Cavities that are left untreated can lead to infection and destruction of the tooth structure.
- Periodontal (gum) disease – Inflammation and infection of the gums can cause tooth loss if left unchecked.
- Injury – A blow or other trauma to the mouth can knock out teeth.
- Other oral diseases – Dental issues like cancer may require tooth extraction.
People who have lost all their natural teeth rely on dentures, bridges, or dental implants to restore their ability to eat, speak, and smile. However, losing one’s teeth can still have a significant impact on quality of life.
What percentage of seniors are edentate?
Historically, tooth loss was very common among older adults. In the 1950s, around 50% of seniors ages 65 and older had complete tooth loss. For those over age 74, the rate of edentulism was closer to 66%. But over the past several decades, the prevalence has declined significantly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the period from 2011-2014:
- 15.1% of adults ages 65-74 had complete tooth loss
- 22.4% of adults over age 75 had complete tooth loss
So while edentulism affects a substantial minority of the older population, most seniors today either have most of their natural teeth or have tooth replacements like dentures. Proper dental care throughout life makes a big difference.
Edentulism by gender and race
The percentage of seniors with complete tooth loss can vary based on demographic factors like gender and race/ethnicity.
By gender
Among older adults, women are more likely to be edentate than men. According to the CDC:
- 65-74 age group: 13.2% of men vs. 16.9% of women had complete tooth loss
- 75+ age group: 19.6% of men vs. 24.6% of women had complete tooth loss
By race
Tooth loss also varies by race and ethnicity. The CDC found:
- Non-Hispanic blacks – 29.9% of those 65+ had complete tooth loss
- Non-Hispanic whites – 16.9% of those 65+ had complete tooth loss
- Hispanics – 16.2% of those 65+ had complete tooth loss
- Other groups like Asians and Native Americans have lower rates of edentulism.
These disparities are linked to differences in socioeconomic status, access to dental care, and oral health behaviors over the lifespan.
Trends in older adult tooth loss
As the statistics above illustrate, complete tooth loss has become less common over time. The decline in edentulism has been dramatic since the 1950s and 60s. According to the CDC:
- 1950s – 50% of seniors 65+ had complete tooth loss
- 1960s-1970s – 36-38% of seniors 65+ had complete tooth loss
- Early 2000s – 24-26% of seniors 65+ had complete tooth loss
- 2011-2014 – 17.5% of seniors 65+ had complete tooth loss
There are a few key reasons for this change:
- Fluoridation of drinking water – Community water fluoridation became widespread in the 1950s and 1960s. Fluoride helps prevent cavities.
- Improved dental care – More seniors have access to preventive dental services and treatment.
- Dental insurance – More seniors have dental insurance now than in the past.
- Dental implants – Advanced tooth replacement options prevent the need for complete tooth extraction.
- Education – Greater awareness of the importance of oral health among older generations.
Thanks to these dental health improvements, many seniors now keep most or all of their natural teeth throughout their lifetime.
Partial tooth loss
While complete tooth loss has declined, partial tooth loss remains common among older adults. One-quarter of people over age 65 are missing 6-31 teeth. According to a Tufts University study:
- 23% of adults ages 65-74 are missing 1-5 permanent teeth
- 15% of adults over age 75 are missing 1-5 teeth
The most commonly missing teeth among partially edentate seniors are molars, premolars, and lower incisors. Tooth loss patterns reflect vulnerabilities to decay, periodontal disease, and dental injury. Proper ongoing dental care can help seniors preserve their remaining natural teeth.
Impact of tooth loss
Losing teeth affects more than just a person’s smile. It can seriously impact a senior’s nutrition and quality of life. Potential effects include:
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing foods
- Weight loss or malnutrition
- Embarrassment over appearance
- Low self-esteem and avoidance of social situations
- Speech difficulties
- TMJ/bite issues
- Bone loss in the jaw
Seniors who struggle with oral health tend to have poorer diet and nutrition. Tooth loss is linked to higher risks of conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia, and some cancers.
Treating edentulism with dentures or dental implants can help restore function. But the best approach is prevention through regular dental visits.
Conclusion
While tooth loss was once an expected part of aging, it is becoming less common among today’s older adults. About 15-20% of seniors over age 65 have complete tooth loss, down from 50% in the 1950s. Partial tooth loss affects around one-quarter of seniors. Ongoing access to dental care throughout life makes a big difference in oral health outcomes. Seniors who maintain a healthy mouth enjoy better nutrition and quality of life. But more progress is still needed to reduce disparities in tooth loss among disadvantaged groups.