More adults retaining natural dentition

10 December 2010

A MAJOR dental survey has shown continuing improvements in adults’ oral health.

People are increasingly retaining at least some of their natural teeth later into life, according to the 2009 Adult Dental Health Survey. The report, which is published every 10 years, was commissioned by the NHS Information Centre and carried out by a consortium led by the Office for National Statistics. It provides a snapshot of dental health across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The report found that 86 per cent of adults had 21 or more natural teeth compared to only 74 per cent of adults in 1978.

The findings have been welcomed by the BDA. Their scientific adviser Professor Damien Walmsley said: “This survey confirms that the condition of people's teeth overall has got much better since this survey was first carried out. Fluoride toothpaste, greater awareness of the importance of a healthy diet and regular visits to the dentist have all undoubtedly contributed to the better dental health we see in adults today.

“While the growing number of patients retaining more of their teeth into later life is, of course, excellent news, this improvement brings its own challenges. The way that teeth are cared for will need to evolve to ensure that these challenges are met.”

But the survey also confirms a strong link between low socio-economic status and poorer oral health and it highlighted that a greater percentage of adults in Wales have dental problems compared to England and Northern Ireland.

Researchers interviewed around 6,500 adults across the three nations who had their teeth examined as part of the survey and were asked about their attitudes to dental hygiene and treatment. The 2009 survey – the fifth to be published – was delayed last year due to “departmental reorganisation”, according to the chief dental officer for England Barry Cockcroft.

Read the full report here