Historically, tooth loss was simply part of getting old. Before dentists encouraged preventive care for our smiles, missing teeth were a common, almost expected, aspect of aging. But today, we have more power to keep our natural teeth than ever before. Tooth loss has declined significantly since the 1970s, but a few factors still cause total tooth loss to impact 27.3 percent of older adults. Our dental health impacts how we smile, speak, talk, and can also affect our quality of life, so be sure you know how to maintain oral health on a daily basis.
Income level, education, and tobacco consumption have the greatest impact on tooth loss. If we have healthy oral hygiene habits and access to dentists throughout our lives, we’re much more likely to have healthy teeth into old age. The dental health of older adults is largely dependent on lifestyle habits, not just those developed in the past five or 10 years. Start healthy oral hygiene habits young for a natural smile that lasts well over 65.
So, how does Virginia stack up when it comes to the dental health of older adults? See our infographic below to find out:
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