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Article: Retention of natural teeth among older adults--United States, 2002.(Public Health and Aging)
- Article from:
- MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
- Article date:
- December 19, 2003
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 U.S. Government Printing Office. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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During the past several decades, the percentage of older adults who have retained their natural teeth has increased steadily (I). This trend is expected to continue, resulting in improved oral function and quality of life (2). To estimate the prevalences of tooth retention and total tooth loss in 2002 among adults aged [greater than or equal to] 65 years, CDC analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicated that in 26 (52%) states, more than half of older adults reported having most (i.e., losing five or fewer) of their natural teeth. However, rates varied substantially ...
<20% of persons, and in two states (Kentucky and West Virginia),>