Patterns of tooth loss in the Australian population 2004-06

Main findings

• All measures of tooth loss were more prevalent among older age groups and people eligible for public dental care.
• Complete tooth loss was strongly associated with:
  • older age
  • eligibility for public dental care.
• Inadequate natural dentition (having less than 21 teeth) was more prevalent among:
  • those eligible for public dental care
  • people not covered by private dental insurance.
• The use of full or partial dentures by dentate adults was associated with:
  • lower education
  • living outside capital cities.
• There was a higher number of teeth missing due to dental disease among people who:
  • usually visit for a dental problem
  • are eligible for public dental care.
• Avoiding some foods because of dental problems was twice as prevalent among people who wear full or partial dentures than people who have their own natural teeth.