Tooth Loss Among the Elderly in China

Abstract

Tooth loss among the elderly is an important research and policy issue. The study we report in this chapter analyzed the edentulous and denture wearing status of 15,766 Chinese elderly (65−100+), using data from the 2002 CLHLS survey. Our results showed that age played an important role in tooth loss and denture wear. The older the elder, the fewer the teeth. There were gender and residence differences among those with tooth loss and those who were denture wearers. Males had more teeth than females, while life expectancy of females was longer than that of males. Rural elders in general lost more teeth than their counterparts in urban settings. Denture wear among the population was disproportionate to the level of edentulousness. Socio-economic factors also affected the patterns of dentate status of the elderly.