The loss of the remaining natural teeth

Abstract

Abstract A survey was carried out of 453 people who had their remaining teeth extracted in a dental teaching hospital between January 1980 and June 1983. Seventy-two individuals at risk to endocarditis formed a Cardiac group, of which 57 per cent were women. The remaining 381 formed a Normal group which had a higher proportion of men (67 per cent). The mean age at clearance of the 453 individuals was 53·6 ± 13 years (men 53·4 years, women 53·8 years). The Cardiac group mean age was 54·4 years and that of the Normal group 53·4 years. The mean number of teeth extracted was 15·6 ± 2·9, however, there was great variation at all ages. Comparisons with studies of British groups carried out during the past 15 years support the conclusions that the mean age at which people become edentulous has increased, particularly in women. There was little difference between the pattern of clearance in men and women.