Adults how many teeth
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Number of Teeth in Adults: Insights from Recent Research
Average Number of Teeth in Adults
The number of teeth in adults can vary significantly based on several factors, including age, oral hygiene practices, and socioeconomic status. On average, adults tend to have around 21 to 25 natural teeth. For instance, a study on Finnish adults found that 48% of women and 52% of men retained at least 21 teeth, while 20% of women and 23% of men had between 11 to 20 teeth2. Similarly, the Adult Dental Health Survey in the UK reported that the mean number of teeth among dentate adults increased from 21.9 in 1968 to 25.7 in 20094.
Impact of Oral Hygiene on Tooth Retention
Frequent tooth-brushing is strongly associated with the retention of a higher number of teeth. The Finnish study highlighted that individuals who brushed their teeth more frequently retained more teeth, regardless of gender or income level2. This underscores the importance of regular oral hygiene practices in maintaining dental health.
Functional Dentition and Chewing Ability
Maintaining a functional dentition, defined as having 20 or more natural teeth, is crucial for adequate masticatory function. Research involving Japanese adults indicated that those who could chew all types of food had an average of 23.4 natural teeth and at least eight functional tooth units, which include both natural and artificial teeth3. This suggests that a minimum of 20 natural teeth is essential for effective chewing and overall oral functionality.
Socioeconomic and Occupational Influences
Socioeconomic factors and occupational environments also play a significant role in the number of teeth retained. A study on older adults found that those with higher education levels and those working in less physically demanding environments, such as offices, retained more teeth compared to those in hospital or commercial settings8. This indicates that both lifestyle and work conditions can influence oral health outcomes.
Health Implications of Tooth Loss
Tooth loss is not just a cosmetic issue but is also associated with broader health implications. For example, fewer natural teeth are linked to higher odds of metabolic syndrome, which includes conditions like increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels1. Additionally, older adults with fewer teeth tend to have lower dietary diversity and worse nutritional status, which can further impact their overall health7.
Conclusion
In summary, the number of teeth in adults is influenced by a combination of factors including age, oral hygiene practices, socioeconomic status, and occupational environment. Maintaining a functional dentition of at least 20 natural teeth is crucial for effective chewing and overall health. Regular oral hygiene, healthier lifestyle choices, and supportive occupational environments can significantly contribute to better dental health and retention of natural teeth.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Associations between the number of natural teeth and metabolic syndrome in adults.
The number of natural teeth is inversely associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome in adults, with higher tooth loss increasing the odds of metabolic syndrome.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalRemaining teeth in Finnish adults related to the frequency of tooth-brushing.
Frequent tooth-brushing is strongly related to the number of remaining teeth in adults, with more teeth retained in both men and women when analyzing the number of teeth by income level.
Observational StudyMasticatory ability and functional tooth units in Japanese adults.
Maintaining 20 and more natural teeth and at least eight nif-functional tooth units is crucial in reducing the likelihood of self-assessed chewing difficulties in Japanese adults aged 40 to 75 years.
Observational Study
Highly CitedAdult Dental Health Survey 2009: transformations in British oral health 1968–2009
British oral health has improved significantly over the last 40 years, with 86% of adults having 21 or more teeth in 2009, and over 90% of those aged 35-44 having a realistic chance of retaining a functional natural dentition of 21 or more teeth by age 80.
Highly CitedAssociation of Number of Teeth with ADL/IADL in Korean Middle-Aged and Older Adults: An Analysis of the 7th Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging
Managing the number of teeth is crucial for maintaining health in middle-aged and older adults, as difficulties in daily living are associated with fewer natural and implant teeth.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalIncreasing number of teeth present in a quasi-longitudinal study in adults: a methodological note.
The paradoxical result of an increase in the number of teeth present in a quasi-longitudinal study in adults is due to lower response rates among persons with two edentulous jaws, highlighting the need for careful planning and resource allocation.
Observational StudyAssociation of the number of natural teeth with dietary diversity and nutritional status in older adults: a cross-sectional study in China.
Older adults with poor dentition in China have significantly lower dietary diversity and worse nutritional status compared to those with 20 or more natural teeth.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalProfessional occupation and the number of teeth retained among older adults aged 50 and above.
Older adults aged 50 and above have a higher risk of having less than 25 natural teeth due to age, education, and working in a hospital/commercial environment.
Observational StudyAssociation between the number of teeth and frailty among Chinese older adults: a nationwide cross-sectional study
Lower tooth count is significantly associated with frailty in older Chinese adults, with no teeth or fewer teeth being more likely to experience frailty.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalAge estimation in adults by dental imaging assessment systematic review.
Pulp/tooth area ratio calculation and pulp/tooth width-length ratio calculation are reliable, easy, faster, and predictable methods for dental age estimation in adults, while volume calculation methods require improvement.
Systematic ReviewHighly Cited