---
title: "What Is Edentulism (toothlessness)? Dental Glossary"
description: "Edentulism means having no natural teeth. It can be complete or partial, and it affects chewing, speaking and how the face looks."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/edentulism-toothlessness
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Conditions

# Edentulism (toothlessness)

Edentulism means having no natural teeth. It can be complete or partial, and it affects chewing, speaking and how the face looks.

Edentulous means without teeth. Edentulism is the state of having lost all, or sometimes some, natural teeth. NIDCR reports that about 2% of adults ages 20 to 64 have no remaining natural teeth.

Causes include untreated decay, gum disease and injury. Smoking is linked to higher rates. Losing teeth can make it harder to chew and speak.

Options for replacing teeth include [complete dentures](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/complete-denture-full-denture) and [dental implants](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-implant). Our office describes these on its [dentures page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentures). A dentist can talk with you about what fits your needs.

[Town Center Dental can helpDentures](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentures)

## Related terms

-   [Complete denture (full denture)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/complete-denture-full-denture)
-   [Dental implant](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-implant)
-   [Bone loss](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bone-loss)
-   [Implant-supported denture](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/implant-supported-denture)
-   [Partial denture](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/partial-denture)

## Sources

1.  [NIDCR: Tooth Loss in Adults (Ages 20 to 64)](https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/tooth-loss/adults)
2.  [American Dental Association: Glossary of Dental Terms](https://www.ada.org/publications/cdt/glossary-dental-terms)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)