Tennessee ranks among the worst in the nation for older adults’ oral health

Nearly one in five older adults in Tennessee have lost all of their teeth. That’s according to a new report by America’s Health Rankings.

The 2024 Senior Report aims to give a comprehensive look at health outcomes, like access to clinical care. It also quantifies social and behavioral outcomes that contribute to health, such as smoking rates and access to high-speed internet.

Researchers looked at the rate of older adults who have had all of their teeth removed due to decay, gum disease and other conditions. Nearly 7 million Americans over the age of 65 had none of their natural teeth.

“Complete tooth loss, also known as edentulism, is considered the ‘ultimate marker of disease burden for oral health,'” the report states. “Having all or some permanent teeth missing is associated with an increased risk of loneliness, isolation, disability, mortality, and reduced daily function and quality of life among older adults.”

Tennessee’s rate came in at 18.3%, placing the state at 45th for that outcome.

Nationwide, the average is about 12%. In Hawaii, which had the best oral health outcomes for older adults, the rate was below 6%.

Tennessee has long struggled with access to dental services. Traditional Medicare — the national health coverage program for older adults — doesn’t cover dental benefits. And for a long time, TennCare — the state’s Medicaid program for low-income people — didn’t either. That changed in January 2023.

This breakout from America’s Health Rankings shows some stand-out statistics in its report on older adults’ health in Tennessee.

That being said, even with dental coverage, it can be challenging to get care. Tennessee also ranks among the worst states for the number of working dentists per capita. Nearly all Tennessee counties — 86 of the 95 — have too few dentists, according to a University of Tennessee report. And 20 counties have fewer than 20 dentists per 100,000 people.

Several state programs are putting millions of dollars into the state’s dental schools.

The Senior Report found that, overall, the rate of total tooth loss is dropping across the country. But the improvements aren’t spread evenly.

Adults with less than a high school education are nearly eight times more likely to lose all of their teeth than those with a college degree. The data also revealed that people who live in rural areas and people who served in the military are more likely to experience tooth loss.

Tennessee’s overall ranking wasn’t much better — coming in at 43 for all health measures.