Tooth Loss Statistics
Tooth loss is a common dental problem in the United States that often results from inadequate dental care. As many as 178 million Americans are missing one or more teeth, according to the American Academy of Prosthodontists. Of those individuals, an estimated 40 million adults in this country are missing all of their teeth.
If you recently lost a tooth or wish to restore oral function that was lost due to missing teeth, Dr. Scott Parr offers several restorative dentistry treatments at our Virginia Beach, VA. The absence of one or more teeth can cause adjacent teeth to drift. Jaw bone recession can be another undesirable result of tooth loss. Here, we review tooth loss statistics.
How Common Is Tooth Loss in the United States?
The main risk factor for tooth loss is age. As we age, our chances of experiencing accidents or trauma increase. Older adults are also more likely to have advanced gum disease. The loss of jawbone density, especially as we reach our 60s, 70s, and 80s further increases the likelihood of tooth loss.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, adults age 20 to 34 have an average of 26.9 of their original 32 teeth remaining. Adults between the ages of 35 to 40 have an average of 25.05 teeth while individuals between 50 and 64 have around 22 teeth.
The American College of Prosthodontists compiled the following statistics.
- Tooth loss can be a risk factor for certain forms of disease, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Most individuals (90 percent) who are missing an entire row of teeth use dentures.
- Among the elderly, around 23 million individuals are completely edentulous (missing all their teeth) while about 12 million are edentulous in one arch.
- By about 15 years, an estimated 200 Americans will be missing one or more teeth.
Causes of Tooth Loss
Tooth loss can result from a number of reasons. Some factors, such as accidents, are unavoidable in most cases. In the United States, tooth loss is commonly attributed to:
- Inadequate oral hygiene: One of the best ways to ward off gum disease is to brush and floss regularly. Surprisingly, only 13 percent of Americans floss daily while one-third of individuals in this country fail to brush twice a day.
- Gum disease: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly half of adults in this country have some form of gum disease. Advanced periodontitis can lead to gum tissue loss and jawbone recession.
- Inconsistent professional dental care: Nearly 50 million Americans do not have dental insurance included in their overall healthcare plans.
- Smoking: Smoking can cause a host of oral health problems, including bone loss, infection, and enamel staining.
- Disease: Certain diseases, including diabetes, can be a risk factor for periodontal disease.
Treatment Options for Tooth Loss
Dr. Parr offers several restorative treatments for tooth loss, including:
- Dental implants
- Dentures
- Implant-supported dentures
Restore Lost Teeth at The Smile Center
No matter the cause of your tooth loss, Dr. Parr has the right restorative treatment for you. Dental implants and implant-supported dentures can prevent jawbone recession by stimulating jawbone growth through the use of titanium implants.
To learn how you can stop being a statistic while regaining your youthful smile, contact our office online or call (757) 473-8482.