What is the Hidden Cost of Missing Tooth?

The show host Steven Chia, who is turning 55 next year and still has 24 natural teeth, explores the impact of tooth loss among older Singaporeans. The programme highlights that 44% of Singaporeans aged 55 and above have fewer than 20 natural teeth, and the proportion increases significantly with age.

To understand the challenges of severe tooth loss, Steven wears a custom-made dental device that simulates having fewer than 20 teeth. He then shares a meal with seniors who have lived with significant tooth loss for years, experiencing first-hand the difficulties in eating and chewing.

The episode examines how having fewer than 20 teeth is associated with:

• Poor nutrition and malnutrition
• Muscle loss (sarcopenia)
• Dementia and cognitive decline
• Loss of independence and quality of life

The programme also featured findings from a recent National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) and Duke-NUS Medical School study, which found that older adults who retained 20 or more natural teeth enjoyed:

• More years of independent living
• Better overall health outcomes
• Improved quality of life in later years

A key question explored is whether tooth loss is an inevitable part of ageing. Experts stress that while tooth loss is common, it is not a natural or unavoidable consequence of growing old, and that prevention and early intervention can help people retain their teeth for life.

Steven also visited our mobile dental clinic in a nursing home to see the challenges faced by seniors with limited access to dental care.

The episode concludes by highlighting efforts such as the 8020 Oral Health Movement launched by NDCS, which encourages people to retain at least 20 natural teeth at age 80.

Dr Kong Rui Ling, Associate Consultant, Prosthodontics Unit, Department of Restorative Dentistry, and CI A/Prof Lui Jeen Nee, DCEO (Clinical and Regional Health), were featured in the segment filmed at NDCS' mobile dental clinic at St Andrew’s Nursing Home (Tampines North).

During the visit, Dr Kong conducted oral health assessments for three residents, highlighting the prevalence and impact of oral health issues among seniors.

CI A/Prof Lui explained that NDCS' mobile dental clinic is part of the broader 8020 Oral Health Movement (OHM 8020), which aims to help Singaporeans retain at least 20 natural teeth by age 80. She highlighted that retaining natural teeth is not just about oral health, but also about maintaining independence, quality of life and healthy ageing. Drawing inspiration from Japan's successful 8020 programme, which significantly increased the proportion of 80-year-olds with 20 natural teeth, NDCS launched OHM 8020 in 2021 to promote preventive care, regular dental check-ups and community-based oral healthcare. Recognising that achieving the 8020 goal requires lifelong oral health habits, NDCS is expanding the initiative beyond seniors to reach Singaporeans at every life stage, from infancy through older adulthood.