Why Is It Important to Preserve Your Natural Teeth as You Age?

Many people assume that losing teeth is simply a natural part of growing older. While age can increase the risk of dental problems, tooth loss is not an inevitable consequence. With proper oral hygiene, preventive care, and timely treatment, it’s entirely possible to keep your natural teeth healthy well into your golden years.

We often think of teeth mainly in terms of eating and appearance, but did you know that retaining at least 20 natural teeth is closely linked to better overall health.

Many older adults may not fully realise how deeply oral health impacts overall well-being. Beyond chewing and aesthetics, tooth loss can affect everything from mental well-being to the management of chronic diseases.

Yet according to the National Adult Oral Health Survey conducted by SingHealth and the National Dental Centre Singapore in 2019, only 56% of Singaporeans aged 55 and above retain 20 or more of their natural teeth. This highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and better dental care practices among older adults.

A person requires at least 20 natural teeth – or 10 pairs of opposing teeth – to maintain acceptable chewing function. This is known in dentistry as the Shortened Dental Arch concept¹. Even without a complete set of teeth, having enough functional pairs, particularly in the front and premolar areas, can still support effective chewing.

Chewing isn’t just about eating comfortably. It also plays a vital role in digestion, allowing you to enjoy a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, meats, and other nutrient-dense foods. When tooth loss reduces chewing ability, people often begin to avoid harder-to-chew items, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time.

Beyond its function, having enough teeth also supports clear speech and a well-defined facial structure. Missing teeth can result in slurred speech, sunken cheeks, and visible changes in facial appearance, often affecting confidence and social interaction.

In short, retaining 20 or more natural teeth helps ensure your ability to eat well, speak clearly, and maintain a natural, confident appearance.

While appearance and function are the most immediate concerns, the consequences of tooth loss go far beyond the mouth. Oral health is closely linked to overall health, especially in older adults.

One key area of concern is frailty. Frailty is characterised by reduced strength, balance, and physical resilience – factors essential for maintaining independence in later life.

Research indicates that tooth loss is associated with a more rapid progression of frailty over time.² Difficulty chewing often leads to a less nutritious diet, which in turn contributes to muscle loss and physical decline.

A 2006 Japanese study further highlighted this connection.³ It compared older adults in their 80s who had 20 or more natural teeth with those who had fewer. The results showed that those with more teeth had significantly better oral health, bone density, grip strength, chewing ability, and balance – all strong indicators of healthier ageing and physical wellbeing.

Another lesser-known impact of tooth loss is its association with cognitive decline. A Singapore-based study,⁴ using data from the Panel on Health and Ageing of Singaporean Elderly (PHASE), found that older adults who retained more natural teeth performed better on cognitive assessments. The findings suggest that preserving natural teeth may help maintain brain health and potentially reduce the risk of dementia.

In essence, keeping your natural teeth isn’t just about eating or smiling – it’s also about preserving your general health, protecting your independence, and maintaining quality of life as you age.

How to Preserve Your Natural Teeth as You Age

Good oral health isn’t just a matter of genetics or luck – it’s the result of consistent habits and preventive care, especially as we grow older. Here are key steps you can take to keep your natural teeth healthy for life:

• Brush twice a day and floss daily
  This removes plaque, helps prevent tooth decay, and protects your gums from disease.

• Visit your dentist regularly
  Even if you’re not experiencing pain, routine dental check-ups allow for early detection of issues before they become more serious.

• Schedule professional cleanings and regular scaling & polishing
  Regular 6-monthly dental cleanings help manage gum disease, remove tartar, and support overall oral health.
• Adopt a tooth-friendly diet
  Limit sugary foods and drinks, and stay hydrated to promote saliva production, which is essential for protecting your teeth.
• Replace missing teeth promptly
  In the unfortunate circumstance of losing a tooth, it’s essential to consult with your dentist about replacement options, such as bridges, implants, or dentures. Prompt replacement helps maintain jawbone health, preserves your ability to chew, and prevents other teeth from shifting or becoming misaligned.

Tooth loss doesn’t have to be part of ageing.

With the right habits, regular dental visits, and timely treatment, maintaining a strong and healthy set of natural teeth is entirely within reach.

While modern dentistry has come a long way – and prosthetics like dentures, bridges, and implants are readily available for replacing missing teeth – there’s still nothing quite like your natural teeth. Preserving them not only supports chewing and speech but also plays a vital role in physical health, cognitive wellbeing, and overall quality of life.

By brushing and flossing daily, eating well, and seeing your dentist regularly, you’re not just protecting your smile – you’re protecting your independence, strength, and vitality as you age.

References

1. KÄYSER, A.F. (1981) ‘Shortened dental arches and oral function’, Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 8(5), pp. 457–462. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2842.1981.tb00519.x. 
2. Komiyama, T., Gallagher, J.E. and Hattori, Y. (2024) ‘Relationship between tooth loss and progression of frailty: Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging’, Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 127, p. 105572. doi:10.1016/j.archger.2024.105572.
3. Hashimoto, M. et al. (2006) ‘Oral condition and health status of elderly 8020 achievers in Aichi Prefecture’, The Bulletin of Tokyo Dental College, 47(2), pp. 37–43. doi:10.2209/tdcpublication.47.37.
4. Kiuchi, S. et al. (2023) ‘Effect of tooth loss on cognitive function among older adults in Singapore’, Journal of Dental Research, 102(8), pp. 871–878. doi:10.1177/00220345231172109.