Missing teeth

In total, 57 per cent of the adult population admits to having one or more missing teeth, while 20 per cent of people are without five or more teeth.

The figures are from research by the Implantium Network, a group of dentists from across the UK who provide dental implants. The findings reveal the average person aged 65 and over has on average just over four missing teeth, compared to 3.5 for those aged 55-64.

On a regional basis, Scotland has the highest percentage of adults with missing teeth, 65 per cent. In terms of the average number of teeth missing per adult, Scotland again tops the league table with 2.88 teeth, compared to 1.96 for the South West (the lowest in Britain).

Jason Buglass, managing director of The Implantium Network, commented: ‘These findings are staggering, and the implications are huge. Our research shows three per cent of people with missing teeth have said this has led to them feeling depressed; 15 per cent said it made them feel self conscious and two per cent (some 417,000 people) complained it has adversely affected their love lives.’