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If a person is described as edentulous, what does this mean?

  1. Approaching death

  2. Swelling caused by excess fluid in the body

  3. Lacking teeth, toothless

  4. Difficulty swallowing

The correct answer is: Lacking teeth, toothless

Describing a person as edentulous means that they are lacking teeth or are toothless. This term is often used in medical and dental contexts to indicate the absence of natural teeth in the mouth, which can result from conditions like periodontal disease, tooth decay, or age-related factors. The other choices pertain to different medical conditions or issues. The first option refers to a state that might imply imminent death, while the second option describes a specific kind of swelling related to fluid retention. The fourth option points to a difficulty experienced during the swallowing process, known as dysphagia. Each of these options describes distinct health-related concerns, making them irrelevant in the context of what edentulous specifically signifies.