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What percent of people over 65 are without teeth? Statistics, Causes, and Prevention

5 min read

According to the CDC, approximately 15% of adults aged 65 and older have lost all of their teeth, a condition known as edentulism. This percentage, which answers what percent of people over 65 are without teeth, has declined significantly over recent decades due to better dental health practices and improved access to care.

Quick Summary

Rates of complete tooth loss among older adults are declining but still significant, with approximately 15% of those 65+ being without teeth. Prevalence increases with age and is disproportionately higher among non-Hispanic Black individuals, those with less education, and lower incomes.

Key Points

  • Declining Rates: Complete tooth loss in seniors has declined significantly over recent decades, dropping to around 15% for those 65 and older.

  • Prevalence Varies: The percentage of people over 65 without teeth varies greatly, being higher for individuals aged 75+, non-Hispanic Black adults, those with lower incomes, and less education.

  • Leading Causes: The main culprits behind tooth loss in older adults are preventable conditions like gum disease, dental decay, and dry mouth caused by medications.

  • More Than Aesthetics: Edentulism has serious health consequences, impacting nutrition, speech, and mental well-being, and potentially contributing to systemic health issues.

  • Prevention is Key: Maintaining consistent oral hygiene, scheduling regular dental check-ups, and managing risk factors are the most effective ways to prevent tooth loss in later life.

  • Modern Solutions Exist: For those with missing teeth, modern dentistry offers effective solutions like dental implants, dentures, and bridges that can restore function and confidence.

In This Article

The Current Landscape of Edentulism in Seniors

Edentulism, the medical term for complete tooth loss, has long been a marker of poor oral and overall health. Historically, rates were much higher, with roughly half of adults aged 65-74 being edentulous in the 1960s. However, significant public health efforts and advancements in dental medicine have helped drive this number down. Recent data from the CDC and NIDCR provides a clear picture of the current state of senior oral health in the U.S.

Prevalence by Age Group

The prevalence of edentulism increases noticeably with age. According to the CDC's 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report, based on 2017-2020 data, about 11% of adults aged 65–74 have lost all their teeth, while the figure rises to about 20% for those aged 75 and older. This upward trend highlights how the accumulation of risk factors over a lifetime contributes to the progressive loss of teeth.

Demographic Disparities in Tooth Loss

Not all seniors face the same risk of edentulism. Significant disparities exist across different demographic groups:

  • Race and Ethnicity: Non-Hispanic Black older adults consistently show a higher prevalence of complete tooth loss compared to their non-Hispanic White and Hispanic peers. For example, in 2015-2018, the CDC reported a 25.4% prevalence for non-Hispanic Black older adults, compared to 10.9% for non-Hispanic White adults.
  • Education Level: Prevalence is starkly higher for those with less education. In 2015–2018, adults aged 65 and over with less than a high school education had a 31.9% prevalence of complete tooth loss, a rate more than three times higher than those with a high school education or greater (9.5%).
  • Socioeconomic Status: Older adults with lower incomes face a significantly greater risk of losing all their teeth. Lower income often correlates with reduced access to dental care, lack of dental insurance, and inadequate oral hygiene.
  • Smoking Status: Current smokers over 65 are also more likely to be edentulous due to tobacco's detrimental effects on gum health.

Understanding the Main Causes of Tooth Loss

Complete tooth loss is rarely the result of a single event; instead, it is often the culmination of long-term oral health issues. Several primary factors contribute to edentulism in older adults:

  • Periodontal (Gum) Disease: This is the leading cause of tooth loss in seniors. When plaque and tartar build up, the gums become inflamed and pull away from the teeth. If untreated, the infection damages the bone and tissue supporting the teeth, causing them to loosen and eventually fall out.
  • Dental Decay (Caries): While cavities are common at any age, older adults face a heightened risk due to receding gums, which expose the tooth roots to decay-causing bacteria. Older, weakening fillings also leave teeth vulnerable.
  • Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): A common side effect of hundreds of medications taken by seniors, dry mouth reduces the protective saliva flow that neutralizes acids and washes away food particles. This significantly increases the risk of both decay and gum disease.
  • Wear and Tear: Decades of chewing and biting naturally wear down tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to chips, cracks, and fractures that can necessitate extraction.
  • Underlying Medical Conditions: Chronic diseases like diabetes and osteoporosis can negatively impact oral health. Diabetes, for example, impairs healing and resistance to infection, increasing the risk of severe gum disease.

The Impact of Edentulism

The consequences of losing all natural teeth extend far beyond cosmetic appearance. Edentulism can significantly reduce an individual's quality of life and increase health risks:

  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Without teeth, chewing nutritious foods like crunchy fruits, vegetables, and meat becomes difficult, leading to a restricted diet and poor nutrition. This can result in either unintended weight loss or, conversely, obesity from consuming softer, often less healthy, foods.
  • Speech and Communication: Teeth play a vital role in speech articulation. Missing teeth can alter speech patterns, leading to slurred or unclear speech and hindering social interaction.
  • Mental and Emotional Well-being: Tooth loss can cause embarrassment and self-consciousness, leading to decreased self-esteem and social isolation.
  • Facial Structure Changes: Teeth support the facial muscles and bones. The loss of teeth, particularly complete edentulism, can cause jawbone deterioration and a sunken, prematurely aged facial appearance.

Preventive Strategies for Senior Dental Health

While tooth loss can feel inevitable, it is largely preventable with proper care. Here are some key strategies for older adults and their caregivers:

  1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Floss or use interdental brushes daily. For those with dexterity issues, floss holders or electric toothbrushes can be helpful.
  2. Regular Dental Check-ups: Consistent visits to the dentist are essential for professional cleanings and early detection of issues like decay and gum disease. Even those with no natural teeth should have regular oral exams to check for other problems, including oral cancer.
  3. Use Fluoride Products: Using a fluoride toothpaste and, if recommended by a dentist, fluoride rinses can help protect teeth from decay, especially if dry mouth is a concern.
  4. Eat a Healthy Diet: Limiting sugary and acidic foods and beverages protects tooth enamel. A balanced diet rich in nutrients and low in processed sugars supports strong teeth and gums.
  5. Manage Underlying Health Conditions: Effectively controlling chronic diseases like diabetes is crucial, as it reduces the risk of oral health complications.
  6. Address Dry Mouth: Drink plenty of water and discuss medications with your doctor or dentist to manage or mitigate dry mouth symptoms.
  7. Avoid Tobacco: Tobacco use is a major risk factor for gum disease and tooth loss, so quitting can have a significant positive impact on oral health.

Modern Solutions for Tooth Replacement

For those who have already experienced tooth loss, modern dentistry offers excellent options to restore function and aesthetics:

  • Dental Implants: This permanent solution involves surgically placing titanium posts into the jawbone, which act as tooth roots for artificial crowns or bridges. Implants can replace a single tooth or support full-mouth restorations, looking and feeling like natural teeth.
  • Dentures: Both full and partial removable dentures provide a more traditional and often more affordable way to replace missing teeth. Advances in dental technology have made modern dentures more comfortable and natural-looking than those of the past.
  • Dental Bridges: For one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic that anchors to surrounding natural teeth or implants to fill the gap.
Demographic Edentulism Prevalence (2015-2018) Trends Over Time
Overall (65+) 12.9% Significantly declining since 1999-2000
Age 65-69 8.9% Lower prevalence than older age groups
Age 75+ 17.8% Higher prevalence than younger age groups
Education < High School 31.9% Higher than those with more education
Non-Hispanic White 10.9% Lower prevalence compared to non-Hispanic Black
Non-Hispanic Black 25.4% Higher prevalence than other groups

Conclusion

While a significant portion of older adults face the challenges of living without teeth, the prevalence of edentulism has been on a positive, downward trend for decades. The answer to the question, what percent of people over 65 are without teeth, reveals a complex picture with notable disparities influenced by age, education, and socioeconomic status. The good news is that with proactive prevention and access to modern dental treatments like implants and advanced dentures, it is more possible than ever for seniors to maintain a functional and healthy smile throughout their lives.

For more detailed statistics and information on oral health trends, refer to the CDC's report on tooth loss among older adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Edentulism is the medical term for the complete loss of natural teeth. It can affect the upper or lower jaw, or both, and is a significant marker of a person's lifelong oral health history.

Yes, tooth loss has been significantly declining among older adults for decades. For example, the prevalence of edentulism in adults aged 65 to 74 dropped from about 50% in the 1960s to around 13% today due to improved dental care.

The main causes include periodontal (gum) disease, dental decay (cavities), dry mouth often caused by medications, and the general wear and tear that occurs over a lifetime. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and certain medical conditions like diabetes are major contributing factors.

Yes, statistics show disparities in edentulism. Non-Hispanic Black older adults, those with lower incomes, and those with less education experience significantly higher rates of complete tooth loss compared to other demographic groups.

No, tooth loss is not an inevitable consequence of aging. With proper oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and the management of contributing risk factors, it is possible for older adults to retain their natural teeth throughout their lives.

Beyond cosmetic concerns, edentulism can lead to nutritional problems due to limited food choices, difficulties with speech, reduced self-esteem, social isolation, and potential links to other systemic health issues like heart disease.

Modern dental treatments include dental implants, which are a permanent and highly functional solution; removable dentures; and dental bridges. The best option depends on the individual's oral health, budget, and specific needs.

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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.