Loss of teeth in older adults

Number of teeth remaining in older patients is important for  oral function as well as esthetics and overall oral health−related quality of life. The World Health Organization has set a goal of preserving more than 20 teeth by age 80 years, but this has not yet been realized. The causes of tooth loss include oral and systemic diseases as well as sociodemog raphic factors. Periodontal disease and untreated caries are specifically associated with tooth loss, an association that can be heightened by lifestyle factors such as unhealthy nutrition or smoking, poor attitudes toward dental care, and lower educational and socioeconomic status of the patient.
Source: Dental Abstracts - Category: Dentistry Tags: Inquiry Source Type: research