Adult Tooth Loss is Common: Here's How to Protect Your Oral Health

Most people don’t think much about their teeth until there’s a problem. That can spell trouble, though. If you aren’t proactive about caring for your teeth, you risk losing them. In fact, adult tooth loss is far more common than most people think. 

Here at Family Dental Care in West Palm Beach, Florida, Dr. Sujay Trivedi, Dr. Michael Westcott and our team want to help turn the tide on this nationwide issue. Visiting us for teeth cleanings twice a year goes a long way toward helping preserve your teeth. At your appointment, we can check your mouth for issues that increase your risk of tooth loss. 

If you think this issue isn’t that important, give us a little bit of your time so we can bring you up to speed on adult tooth loss across the country. 

Adult tooth loss statistics 

We’ll set the stage for this conversation with one major statistic: One in six adults in America over the age of 65 has lost all of their teeth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

But if you think this is only an issue that crops up with age, think again. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) reports that across the country, adults ages 20 to 64 have an average 25.5 teeth. There are 32 teeth in a full set of adult teeth, including four wisdom teeth. That means that even if every adult has all four wisdom teeth out, the national average is still more than two teeth shy of a full set. 

Socioeconomic factors do play a role; folks living below the federal poverty level had an average of 23.6 teeth, while those with less than a high school diploma averaged out to 23.8 teeth. 

Smoking and tooth loss

The NIDCR data factored in peoples’ smoking history. It found that people who had never smoked cigarettes had an average of 26.1 teeth, while former smokers averaged at 25.5 teeth.

Current smokers had two fewer teeth for an average of 23.5. In other words, that smoking habit directly puts (at least) two of your teeth on the line. 

Preserving your teeth

If you smoke, quitting is one of the absolute best things you can do to avoid tooth loss. If you need help, we can refer you to a smoking cessation program for support. Beyond that, you have two powerful tools to protect your teeth: A solid at-home oral hygiene routine and twice-yearly visits to our team.

Brushing and flossing on a daily basis removes plaque and the harmful bacteria living in it that cause tooth decay. It’s your first line of defense against tooth loss.

Seeing your dentist twice a year takes things a step further. At our office, we can clear away tartar, a hardened form of plaque that your toothbrush can’t remove. We also evaluate your teeth and gums to see if there are any issues we should address. Catching oral health problems early makes them easier to treat — and reduces your risk of eventual tooth loss. 

If you want to keep your teeth as you age, schedule your next teeth cleaning and exam with us today. Call our Family Dental Care team at 561-556-1698 during normal business hours, or use our easy online booking feature to schedule your appointment any time.