Tooth loss affects chewing, appearance and speech. Research also links the number of retained natural teeth with general health and healthy ageing, although these studies do not prove causation.
This content is general information, not a personal diagnosis or treatment recommendation. A dental examination is needed for individual symptoms.
Do not delay assessment for newly mobile teeth, uncontrolled bleeding, marked swelling, fever or rapidly worsening pain.
Tooth loss and general health
A 2019 dose-response meta-analysis of 18 prospective studies associated the loss of 10 teeth with about 15% higher all-cause mortality risk, 20 teeth with about 33% higher risk and 32 teeth (complete tooth loss) with about 57% higher risk.
Tooth loss and cognitive health
A 2023 meta-analysis of 18 cohort studies involving 356,297 people associated tooth loss with about 15% higher relative risk of dementia and about 20% higher relative risk of cognitive decline. Diet quality, chewing function, chronic inflammation and general health are among the possible explanations being studied.
Every natural tooth matters
In a study of 1,803 people examined at age 70, each retained natural tooth was associated with about 4% lower mortality risk over the following seven years. This was also an observational finding and does not establish cause and effect.
How should these figures be interpreted?
Tooth loss can occur alongside age, smoking, socioeconomic circumstances, nutrition and chronic illness. The studies therefore do not show that tooth loss directly causes dementia or death. Their shared message is that oral health should not be considered separately from general health.
Why preventive dentistry matters
The first aim of modern dentistry is not simply to replace missing teeth, but to keep existing natural teeth healthy and functional for as long as possible.
- Regular dental and periodontal reviews
- Early treatment of decay and gum disease
- Twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste
- Daily cleaning between the teeth
- Management of smoking and individual risk factors
Our approach at Ersa Dental
We view preventive dentistry as an important part of long-term oral health and healthy ageing. A personal prevention plan is based on examination findings and individual risk factors.