THE NHS faces increasing pressure on its stretched dental resources because more pensioners have kept their own teeth.
A study revealed they will need more restorative work such as fillings and crowns rather than having dentures.
Even in the 85 years and over group, nearly half the British population are expected to have at least a few natural teeth.
The findings were published today by The British Society of Gerodontology (BSG) - the science of looking after older people's teeth.
The NHS dental service has been in the spotlight as increasing numbers of dentists switch to private work only, claiming funding reforms forced them out.
The first age group to benefit in their early years from free NHS dental treatment are now around retirement age and are much less likely to require dentures than previous generations.
In 1968, more than a third of the population had no natural teeth, but 30 years on the figure is one in eight.
While in 1968 almost 80% of people aged 65 to 74 had no natural teeth, by 2025 it is estimated 80% of over-65s will not have any dentures.
But some of the increased demand from pensioners will be offset by younger people whose oral health is improving.
The BSG recommended that old people should have an in-depth consultation with their dentist to map out a long-term healthcare plan.
The society also believed more specialist dentists for older people were needed.
One of the report's authors, Professor Jimmy Steele, a consultant at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, said: "This change in oral healthcare demands is going to hit the NHS hard in the next decade or so.
"These people, who were born during the early years of the NHS, have benefited from regular dental treatment throughout their lives and they have higher expectations as a result."
