Tooth Loss and Oral Health Among Older Brazilians

Growing older does not automatically mean losing teeth. Even so, tooth loss remains a reality for a significant proportion of older Brazilians, with consequences that can extend far beyond appearance.

Oral health problems may make chewing more difficult, change dietary habits, affect speech and even lead people to stop smiling or taking part in social situations. Maintaining oral care throughout life is therefore also a way to protect independence and wellbeing.

Figures from the Ministry of Health’s SB Brasil National Oral Health Survey help illustrate the scale of this issue. Of the Brazilian people aged 65 to 74 assessed in the survey, 49.58% said they needed dental prostheses to replace missing teeth. In addition, 55.37% believed they required dental treatment.

Tooth loss remains common among older people

Despite progress over recent decades, tooth loss is still substantial within the older population. According to SB Brasil, the proportion of people aged 65 to 74 who had lost all their teeth fell from 53.7% in 2010 to 36.3% in 2023.

This represents an important improvement, yet it also shows that more than one-third of the older people assessed still experienced complete tooth loss. For Marcelo Rodrigues, a dentist at Oral Sin Implantes, these figures underline why tooth loss should not be regarded as a natural consequence of ageing.

“Figures help demonstrate that growing older does not have to mean living with limitations linked to oral health. Early diagnosis and the continuation of preventive habits can stop problems that are initially manageable from progressing into more complex situations,” he says.

Oral health also affects diet

When teeth are missing or chewing is impaired, certain foods can become harder to eat. In these circumstances, it is common for more solid or fibrous foods to be replaced with softer alternatives.

This adjustment can affect dietary quality, particularly if it continues over a long period. “When a person loses teeth, they also lose chewing efficiency. As a result, they often begin to avoid more fibrous or substantial foods. They then replace them with softer options that are not always more nutritious. Over time, this can affect nutritional status and general health,” says Marcelo Rodrigues.

The mouth is also involved in essential functions, including speech and the first stage of digestion. Changes in oral health can therefore affect several aspects of day-to-day life. “The mouth is the body’s gateway. It is involved in essential functions such as chewing, speaking and beginning the digestion of food. So, the health of the mouth is directly connected to the health of the rest of the body,” he explains.

Embarrassment about smiling can affect social life

The effects of tooth loss are not solely physical. The appearance of teeth can also influence self-esteem and the way a person interacts with others. SB Brasil found that more than half of the older people assessed reported some impact from oral conditions on everyday activities. The situations mentioned included difficulty eating and embarrassment about smiling or speaking. In some cases, this lack of confidence may reduce participation in gatherings, conversations and other social activities.

Population ageing brings greater attention to oral health

Discussion of oral health becomes even more relevant as Brazil’s population ages. Projections from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) show that the share of Brazilians aged 60 or over increased from 8.7% in 2000 to 15.6% in 2023. This group is expected to account for 37.8% of the population by 2070. As more people reach later life, prevention and dental monitoring become increasingly important for maintaining quality of life.

An oral health problem does not always cause pain at the outset. Waiting for symptoms to appear before seeing a dentist can therefore delay diagnosis. Bleeding while brushing, persistent bad breath, excessive sensitivity and loose teeth are among the signs that require professional assessment. Swelling, sores that do not heal, red or whitish patches, and bleeding with no known cause should also be monitored.

“Many oral diseases are silent at the beginning. So, the earlier they are identified, the simpler the treatment and the better the outcome,” warns Marcelo Rodrigues.

Simple habits help protect oral health

Prevention begins with straightforward habits that need to be part of everyday life. The main measures include:

• Maintaining good oral hygiene;
• Flossing every day;
• Cutting down excessive sugar consumption;
• Following a balanced diet;
• Avoiding tobacco use;
• Attending regular appointments with a dentist;
• Keeping teeth, implants and prostheses clean.

For people who have already lost teeth, oral rehabilitation may also offer a way to restore affected functions.

Implants can support oral rehabilitation

Dental implants are among the options used to replace missing teeth. However, their suitability depends on an individual assessment that takes account of clinical conditions, the available structure and each patient’s needs.

As well as filling the gaps left by tooth loss, rehabilitation may help restore chewing, speech and the confidence to smile. “The aim is to give the patient back the ability to carry out these everyday functions. When teeth are lost, dental implants are one of the most modern solutions,” explains Marcelo Rodrigues.

Every case must be assessed individually so that treatment can be determined according to the patient’s needs. “Each treatment is planned individually. The most important thing is to understand that oral rehabilitation does not just restore teeth: it restores comfort, confidence and independence,” the dentist concludes.

By Karla Mirela Brook