How many people on average are missing a tooth?

How many teeth is the average person missing? The average number of missing teeth is 6.5 for adults between the ages of 20 and 64 years old. In other words, in that age range, the average number of teeth is 25.5. Most adults would have 32 teeth if they weren't missing any.

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How many people are missing 1 tooth?

According to epidemiological studies, it is estimated that 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and about 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth.

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How common is losing a tooth?

If you think tooth loss only affects a small percentage of people, think again: Experts estimate that about 178 million men and women (69% of adults) in the United States have lost at least one tooth. Roughly 40 million Americans (15% of adults) are missing all their natural teeth.

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Is it rare to have missing teeth?

It's a form of dental agenesis — a term healthcare providers use to describe congenitally missing teeth. (“Congenitally” means you're born with the condition.) Specifically, a person with hypodontia is missing one to six teeth (not counting wisdom teeth). Between 2% and 8% of the general population has hypodontia.

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Do most people have missing teeth?

It's not uncommon to have missing teeth. In fact, a survey in 2015 found only 48% of American adults ages 20–64 have a full permanent (or secondary) set. Nearly 1 in 5 seniors over 65 are missing all of their teeth (called edentulism).

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Consequences of Missing Teeth

33 related questions found

Is missing one tooth a big deal?

Any number of missing teeth can cause serious oral and overall health issues. Ultimately, tooth loss begets more tooth loss. So, if you have just one missing tooth, it's very likely that more will follow if it isn't replaced.

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Is a missing tooth a big deal?

Age, illness, injury, and infection all take their toll on your teeth. If you've lost one or two over the years and haven't addressed the gaps because you think it's no big deal, think again. Lost teeth are often the starting point for more serious conditions.

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Is it OK to live with a missing tooth?

While some may worry more about a highly visible missing tooth (like a front tooth), the serious consequences of a missing tooth — including an increased risk of decay, a negative impact on eating and speaking, and possible bone loss — will impact an individual no matter where the missing tooth is.

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Is it embarrassing to have missing teeth?

Feeling embarrassed by missing teeth is very common, but even if you're missing one, two, or more teeth, you're absolutely not alone.

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Why do so many people have a missing tooth?

Tooth decay, gum disease, and injury are common causes of missing teeth. Some people are born without certain teeth, and this condition is called congenitally missing teeth. Genetic factors cause congenitally missing teeth and this condition is often seen in generations of a family.

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What percentage of adults are missing a tooth?

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, around 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth — that means roughly 50% of the population.

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What are the cons of losing a tooth?

If you lose a tooth, you may experience some shifting or misalignment. Your teeth support each other in your mouth and losing one can cause an entire shift in their current positioning. The movement of your already settled teeth can perpetuate gum disease and cause debilitating discomfort.

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What is the average age of tooth loss in adults?

So, the average 21 year old American starts their adult life with 28 teeth but by the time they reach 44 years old, 69% have lost at least one tooth, by the age of 50 they have lost 12 teeth (including wisdom teeth) and by age 74, 26% have lost all of their teeth.

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Why you should never ignore a missing tooth?

When there's a gap in your teeth because of a missing tooth, there's space for bacteria, tartar, and plaque to get into your gum line. This puts you at greater risk of gum disease. Once gum disease sets in, you're at greater risk for some serious medical conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

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Is it OK not to replace missing teeth?

More Serious Health Issues – The longer you wait to replace a missing tooth, the greater your risk for getting gum disease, which studies show can lead more serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's and even cancer.

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How long can you leave a missing tooth?

It is advised to replace missing teeth as soon as possible to prevent teeth shifting. If you had a tooth extracted it is advised to wait four to six months to have the tooth replaced.

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How noticeable is a missing tooth?

It's not just your smiling teeth that affect your appearance. Even a missing back tooth is noticeable when you laugh, speak, or yawn. Plus, over time, your cheeks can sink in over the remaining gap, affecting your facial contours and dramatically aging your appearance.

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Is it ever too late for a dental implant?

There is no time limit on getting dental implants. You could get dental implants throughout your entire life—age doesn't play a role. The only factors about dental implants are whether they will work for your dental goals and whether your jaw can support them.

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What is the oldest age to lose teeth?

Most children lose their last baby tooth around the age of 12. All non-wisdom teeth are typically in place around your child's 13th birthday. Wisdom teeth may wait until age 21 to make their presence known.

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What age is tooth decay most common?

Among adolescents aged 12 to 19, more than half (57%) have had a cavity in their permanent teeth. Among adults aged 20 and older, about 90% have had at least one cavity. 1 in 4 adults aged 20 to 64 currently has at least one cavity.

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Can losing teeth cause depression?

In all these cases, researchers concluded that depression and anxiety were related to tooth loss. Poor self confidence, poor diet and pain are often the unfortunate consequences of tooth loss that can result in depression.

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Is losing a tooth traumatic?

Tooth loss is regarded as a traumatic occurrence, regardless of the “why” and “how” of the case. Our smile is considered to be one of the most important resources at our disposal. The mouth helps us communicate, make impressions, raise our morale, and improve our self-esteem.

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What's the worst a tooth can be saved?

Stage IV: Involvement of the pulp

Stage IV is serious, and a root canal is the only treatment at this point, saving a complete extraction.

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What are the most painful teeth to lose?

Stage 5: (25-33 months) For some children, this is the most painful stage of teething. During this time, the large molars emerge. These are the biggest teeth, and parents may find their normal soothing techniques are no longer effective.

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Which teeth decay the most?

Decay most often occurs in your back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have lots of grooves, pits and crannies, and multiple roots that can collect food particles. As a result, they're harder to keep clean than your smoother, easy-to-reach front teeth. Certain foods and drinks.

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