Antiaging Checkup: Evaluation of Oral Age

The word “loss of teeth” appears in Confucius’s “Analects.” It is a term that signifies the end of life. Since the era before the Common Era, losing teeth was synonymous with impending death. The positive correlation between the number of teeth retained and lifespan, and the increase in the incidence of periodontal disease with age, led to the development of an oral age index that comprehensively evaluates teeth and periodontal tissues. This index is used to assess an individual’s oral health status and to evaluate dental health services at each workplace. The index is calculated by applying the number of healthy teeth of the survey subject and the number of segments with a Community Periodontal Index (CPI) code of 0 to a formula. This allows for the understanding of regional disparities in oral health status and the characteristics of dental patients in each region. It also raises awareness about oral health among patients, leading to an increase in dental visits. Liang and others have used the current number of teeth, CPI, biting force, and repetitive saliva swallowing test to evaluate oral age.