How many adult teeth do you have
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Summary
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These studies suggest that adults typically have 21 or more natural teeth, which is associated with better metabolic health and fewer chewing difficulties.
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Number of Adult Teeth: An Overview
Full Dentition in Adults
The typical number of adult teeth, excluding third molars (wisdom teeth), is 28. This is considered full dentition and is used as a benchmark in various studies to assess oral health and its implications on overall health. For instance, a study examining the relationship between the number of natural teeth and metabolic syndrome classified adults into groups based on their number of natural teeth: full dentition, 21-27 teeth, 1-20 teeth, or edentulous (no teeth).
Average Number of Teeth in Different Populations
British Adults
The Adult Dental Health Survey (ADHS) of 2009 provides a comprehensive look at the oral health of British adults over several decades. In 1968, the average number of teeth among dentate adults (those with at least one natural tooth) was 21.9. By 2009, this number had increased to 25.7, reflecting significant improvements in dental health over the years. The survey also highlighted that the proportion of adults with 21 or more teeth increased from 73% in 1978 to 86% in 2009, indicating a trend towards better retention of natural teeth.
Japanese Adults
A study on Japanese adults aged 40 to 75 years found that the average number of natural teeth decreased with age. However, those who reported no chewing difficulties typically had around 23.4 natural teeth. This study underscores the importance of maintaining a sufficient number of natural teeth for adequate masticatory function.
Functional Dentition and Health Implications
Metabolic Syndrome
The number of natural teeth has been inversely associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome. Adults with fewer teeth were found to have higher odds of metabolic syndrome, which includes conditions like increased body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose levels. This suggests that maintaining a higher number of natural teeth could be beneficial for metabolic health.
Masticatory Ability
Maintaining at least 20 natural teeth and a sufficient number of functional tooth units (including natural and artificial teeth) is crucial for adequate chewing function. Japanese adults with fewer than 20 natural teeth or insufficient functional tooth units reported more chewing difficulties. This highlights the importance of both natural and prosthetic teeth in preserving masticatory ability.
Conclusion
In summary, the typical adult has 28 natural teeth, excluding wisdom teeth. Studies from different populations show that the average number of teeth can vary, but maintaining a higher number of natural teeth is associated with better overall health and masticatory function. Efforts to preserve natural teeth through good oral hygiene and regular dental care are essential for long-term health benefits.
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