Prevalence of Tooth Loss Among Older Adults: United States, 2015-2018

Abstract

Complete tooth loss can diminish quality of life, limiting food choices and impeding social interaction (1). Reducing complete tooth loss is a national health goal monitored by Healthy People; although prevalence has decreased since the 1960s, disparities persist (2-4). Factors leading to complete tooth loss-untreated dental caries, periodontitis, and smoking-are preventable and differ by socioeconomic status and between men and women (5,6). This report examines disparities in complete tooth loss among U.S. adults aged 65 and over by sex, age, race and Hispanic origin, and education in 2015-2018 and trends from 1999-2000 through 2017-2018.