Total loss of Teeth in Adults, United States - 1960-1962

Estimates of the prevalence and distribution of edentulous persons-men and women who have lost all of their natural teeth-are in essence statistical summaries reflecting both the amount and extent of dental disease and the failure to obtain prompt and adequate dental care. Toothdecay and periodontal disease-a degenerative process which affects the structures that support the teeth- are, without question, the two leading causes of tooth loss. It is also true that both disorders are extremely prevalent throughout the United States. When treatment is not delayed too long, however, either can usually be arrested by the skills and methods commanded by most dentists. Failing that, tooth removal is a harsh but inescapable consequence which culminates for many men and women in the loss of all natural teeth. The first estimates which presented in true perspective the magnitude and extent of total tooth loss throughout the United States were published in 1960. The estimates were based on responses to the following question which was asked during 1957-58 at approximately 36,000 households comprising about 115,000 people: "Is there anyone in the family who has lost all of his teeth?" Responses from the interviewed households indicated that about 22 million people-13 percent of the Nation's population had indeed lost all of their permanent teeth. The existence of significant, nationwide trends associated with various demographic characteristics was also clearly revealed. The prevalence of total tooth loss which, as expected, mounted rapidly with age was higher among women than among men, higher among white than among Negro adults, and higher among poorer and less educated people than among more advantaged ones. In addition, some variation in prevalence by region appeared in the estimates. No difference in prevalence associated with population density was found.