How Many Seniors Have No Teeth? Understanding Edentulism Rates

Oct 10, 2025 4 min read •

senior care dental health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 12.9% of adults aged 65 and over had complete tooth loss between 2015 and 2018. This addresses the question of how many seniors have no teeth, but the figure varies significantly based on age, income, and race, impacting a senior's overall health and quality of life.

Quick Summary

The prevalence of complete tooth loss, or edentulism, among seniors in the U.S. was about 13% for adults aged 65 and older in the years leading up to 2018, though it increases sharply in the oldest populations and is influenced by socioeconomic factors and race.

Key Points

Edentulism is declining but still common: Although the rate of complete tooth loss has decreased over decades, a significant portion of seniors, especially those over 75, still have no teeth.
Disparities exist in tooth loss: Rates of edentulism are higher among seniors who are non-Hispanic Black, have lower incomes, or have less education, pointing to systemic inequities in healthcare access.
Tooth loss impacts overall health: The absence of teeth can lead to poor nutrition, and is linked to chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and even cognitive impairment.
Restorative options are available: Seniors can choose between dentures and more stable dental implants, each with varying costs and benefits regarding function and jawbone health.
Prevention is the best approach: Proper oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and lifestyle changes are key to preventing tooth loss and maintaining a healthy mouth throughout old age.
Cost is a major barrier to care: Lack of comprehensive dental coverage, especially under programs like Medicare, makes dental care financially challenging for many seniors, particularly those with low incomes.

The Declining Prevalence of Complete Tooth Loss

While complete tooth loss, or edentulism, is still a significant issue for many older adults, its prevalence has been steadily declining over the past few decades due to improved oral health care and preventive measures. For instance, data indicates a significant drop in edentulism among seniors aged 65–74, from nearly 50% in the 1960s to approximately 13% more recently. Despite this positive trend, a substantial portion of the senior population continues to live without their natural teeth.

Current statistics on edentulism

Recent data from the CDC and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) offers more granular insights:

Overall Rate: As reported by the CDC, 12.9% of adults aged 65 and over experienced complete tooth loss between 2015 and 2018.
Age Matters: The percentage of edentulous seniors increases with age. While the figure was around 8.9% for those aged 65–69 (2015–2018), it jumped to 17.8% for those aged 75 and over.
Recent Figures: More recent data from 2017–2020 notes that approximately 11% of adults aged 65–74 and 20% of adults aged 75+ had lost all their teeth.

These statistics highlight that tooth loss is not an inevitable part of aging but a health condition influenced by modifiable risk factors.

Disparities in Edentulism Rates

Oral health outcomes are not distributed equally across the senior population. Systemic inequities and socioeconomic factors play a major role in determining an individual's risk of complete tooth loss. These disparities persist despite overall improvements in dental health.

Factors contributing to higher edentulism

Research has consistently shown higher rates of complete tooth loss among specific demographic groups.

Race and Ethnicity: Non-Hispanic Black older adults consistently show higher rates of edentulism compared to non-Hispanic white and Hispanic seniors.
Socioeconomic Status: Seniors with lower incomes and less education are significantly more likely to have lost all their teeth than their higher-income, more educated peers. This is largely due to financial barriers, as many seniors on limited incomes or without comprehensive dental insurance cannot afford regular dental care.
Lifestyle Factors: Current and former smokers also face a much higher risk of edentulism compared to those who have never smoked.

The Far-Reaching Impact of Tooth Loss on Senior Health

Losing teeth affects more than just a person's smile; it has a profound and cascading effect on their overall health and quality of life. The ability to chew and digest food properly is compromised, leading to a range of complications.

The health consequences of edentulism

Nutritional Deficiencies: Complete tooth loss often results in a restricted diet, forcing seniors to avoid hard-to-chew foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats. This can lead to a diet high in processed, less nutritious foods, contributing to malnutrition, obesity, and other chronic health issues.
Chronic Disease Management: Oral health and systemic health are closely linked. Untreated gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss, can make it harder to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Cognitive Decline: Studies have identified a significant association between severe tooth loss and an increased risk of cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. The exact mechanisms are still being explored, but inflammation and restricted diet are thought to play a role.
Psychosocial Well-being: The inability to eat, speak, or smile confidently can lead to decreased self-esteem, social isolation, and a reduced quality of life.

Restorative Options and Preventive Care for Seniors

Fortunately, solutions exist to address tooth loss and its consequences. From restorative treatments to preventative practices, seniors have options to improve their oral health.

Common restorative dental solutions


Feature	Dentures	Dental Implants
Cost	More affordable upfront; cost increases over time with replacements and adjustments.	Higher initial cost; can be more cost-effective over a lifetime due to longevity.
Stability	Can be unstable, may slip, and chewing efficiency can be reduced.	Highly stable; function more like natural teeth with no slipping.
Jawbone Health	Does not stimulate the jawbone, which can lead to bone loss over time.	Integrates with the jawbone, preserving bone health and facial structure.
Maintenance	Requires daily cleaning and soaking; needs regular adjustments and replacements.	With proper care, can last a lifetime, requiring similar care to natural teeth.
Procedure	Less invasive; does not involve surgery on the jawbone.	Surgical procedure required for implant placement; may involve a healing period.

For more information on the scope of dental health issues and treatments, authoritative resources are available from institutions such as the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

The importance of preventative care

Prevention remains the best strategy. Simple, consistent habits are crucial for maintaining oral health as we age.

Routine Visits: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential, even for those with dentures.
Daily Hygiene: Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily are fundamental.
Healthy Habits: Avoiding tobacco, limiting sugary snacks, and managing systemic health issues like diabetes contribute significantly to better oral health outcomes.

Conclusion: A Clear Path Forward

The question of how many seniors have no teeth reveals not just a statistic, but a window into broader health disparities and systemic issues. While the prevalence of edentulism is decreasing, it remains a serious problem that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Addressing this requires a multi-pronged approach that includes expanding access to affordable dental care, promoting preventative practices, and ensuring effective restorative solutions are available to all seniors. By prioritizing oral health, we can significantly improve the overall health and well-being of the elderly and work towards a future where fewer seniors must face the challenges of living without their teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Edentulism is the complete loss of natural teeth. According to recent CDC data, approximately 12.9% of adults aged 65 and over were edentulous between 2015 and 2018. However, the prevalence increases significantly with age.

Yes, significant disparities exist. Statistics show that edentulism is more common among non-Hispanic Black seniors, those with lower incomes, and those with less than a high school education.

Beyond cosmetic concerns, complete tooth loss can lead to malnutrition due to difficulty chewing, and is linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. There is also a correlation with cognitive decline.

The primary treatment options are dentures and dental implants. Dentures are a more traditional, less expensive upfront option, while implants are a more stable, long-term solution that also helps preserve jawbone health.

Traditional Medicare does not cover most routine dental care, including most costs associated with dentures or implants. Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may offer basic dental benefits, but coverage for major procedures is often limited.

Prevention is crucial. Key strategies include practicing good daily oral hygiene (brushing and flossing), attending regular dental check-ups, and avoiding lifestyle risks like tobacco use.

Tooth loss can negatively affect a senior's quality of life by impacting their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. This can lead to low self-esteem and social isolation.

No, standard dentures do not prevent jawbone loss. In fact, wearing dentures can accelerate bone loss over time because they do not provide the necessary stimulation to the jawbone. Dental implants, by contrast, integrate with the jawbone and help maintain its density.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.