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Tooth Loss

Tooth loss is a significant indicator of overall dental health and access to dental care.

Overall, the prevalence of both partial and total tooth loss in adults and seniors has decreased since the early 1970s. In spite of this improvement, significant disparities remain in some population groups, particularly those of low income.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss among adults.

Overall, the prevalence of both moderate and severe periodontal disease in adults and seniors has decreased from the early 1970s. In spite of this improvement, significant disparities remain in some population groups.

Oral Cancer

Approximately 54,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2022, and about 11,000 people will lose their lives to this disease. This largely preventable type of cancer affects the mouth and/or pharynx. Overall, since 2000, the rates of new oral cancer cases have not seen a significant increase. However, 5-year survival rates from these cancers have increased from the mid-1970s until the latest (2012–2018) National Cancer Institute survey. For both of these indicators, there are significant disparities in some population groups.

Open Wide and Trek Inside

For use with students in grades 1 and 2, this curriculum supplement focuses on oral health and the science of the oral environment.  Includes educational videos and games (in English and Spanish).  

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that protect the chewing surfaces of children’s back teeth from tooth decay.

Overall, the prevalence of sealants in children’s and adolescent’s teeth has increased since the early 1970s. In spite of this improvement, significant disparities remain in some population groups.

Tooth Loss in Adults (Age 20 to 64)

Overall, the prevalence of both partial and total tooth loss in adults has decreased from the early 1970s until the latest cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey oral health examination (2011–2016). In spite of this improvement, significant disparities remain in some population groups.

Tables 1 and 2 present information about tooth loss for adults aged 20 to 64 years and for selected population groups.

Number of Teeth Remaining (Table 1)

Periodontal Disease in Adults (Age 30 or Older)

The prevalence of periodontal (gum) disease continues to be an important public health problem in the United States as 2 in 5 adults are affected by some form of this disease. Significant disparities continue to affect some population groups and smoking remains a major risk factor for periodontitis.

The table below presents information about the prevalence of severe and nonsevere (mild or moderate) periodontitis among dentate adults 30 years or older.

Oral Cancer 5-Year Survival Rates by Race, Sex, and Stage of Diagnosis

Oral cancer survival rates have increased approximately 27 percent (nearly 15 percentage points) from the mid-1970s until the latest (2012–2018) National Cancer Institute survey. In spite of this improvement, significant disparities remain in some population groups.

Table 1 presents the most recent oral cancer survival rates (2012–2018) by cancer stage at the time of diagnosis for adult men and women of all ages and for selected racial groups.

Oral Cancer Relative Survival (2012–2018)

Oral Cancer Incidence (New Cases) by Age, Race, and Sex

Oral cancer incidence rates for both sexes have shown a small but significant increase from the mid 2000s until the latest (2015–2019) National Cancer Institute survey. The oral cancer incidence rates for Blacks have decreased significantly over the past three decades for both sexes, but especially for males. The age-adjusted incidence rate for Black men (includes Hispanics) has decreased from a high of 31.5 cases (per 100,000) in 1987 to a low of 12.8 cases in Black men, and from a high of 12.8 cases (per 100,000) to 4.9 cases in Black women (includes Hispanics).