Approximately one in four Illinois adults (2.48 million) have untreated tooth decay. The disease does not affect everyone equally — adult oral health status depends on factors such as socio-economic status, educational attainment and geographic location. Our 2016 SOHA report shows that adult oral health visits to the emergency room is highest in rural and southern counties where access is more limited. Adults with lower incomes are less likely to visit the dentist and more likely to have tooth decay. While the percentage of Illinois adults age 65 who have lost all of their natural teeth is nearly the same as the national average (17 percent), the rate of tooth loss is higher among those with less education and lower incomes.
Review data and maps by clicking on the links below.
A phone survey by the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute provides insight into the oral health attitudes and experiences among Illinois adults.
The third volume of Oral Health America’s State of Decay report assesses the adequacy of state oral health systems in serving older adults. Illinois ranks 16th of 50 states with a Composite Score of 63%.