Tooth Loss

Tooth loss is a sensitive indicator of overall dental health and access to dental care.

Overall, the prevalence of both partial and total tooth loss in adults and seniors has decreased since the early 1970s. In spite of this improvement, significant disparities remain in some population groups.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) has been an important source of information on oral health and dental care in the United States since the early 1970s. Click on the links below for details about the prevalence of tooth loss from the most recent survey (1999-2004).