Halloween is a great time of year to have a good scare, but some statistics about dental health can be a little too frightening to read. The situation is quite regrettable because almost all oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease can be prevented by good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Here’s a brief list of scary statistics about dental health that just might convince you to appreciate the value of proper oral hygiene a little more.
Brace Yourself for Some Scream-Inducing Statistics
Your teeth and gums are important parts of your body that play critical roles in digestion, communication, and socialization. Failing to take adequate care of them can lead to significant overall health consequences. A few scary statistics about the state of dental health include…
Terrifying Tooth Decay!
- Nearly 20% of children live with untreated cavities.
- More than 90% of adults have cavities.
- Almost 30% of adults deal with untreated tooth decay.
- About 20% of seniors have untreated tooth decay.
Ghastly Gum Disease!
- Nearly 50% of adults live with gum disease.
- More than 70% of seniors are afflicted with gum disease.
- One in four seniors has lost every single one of their teeth.
Nightmarish Neglect of Oral Hygiene!
- Nearly 20% of children did not see a dentist in the past year.
- Nearly 40% of adults went without a dental appointment in the past year.
- Almost 40% of seniors never saw a dentist in the past year.
- More people in the world own smartphones than toothbrushes.
- Nearly 45 million adults go without dental coverage.
- Cost is the most common reason for adults to skip seeing the dentist.
You’ve Got Me Good and Scared. How Can Avoid Becoming a Statistic?
The good news is that modern dental science can provide everything you need to prevent these things from happening. All it takes is a proper oral hygiene routine, smart eating decisions, and regular dental appointments. An excellent daily dental hygiene regimen includes brushing twice, flossing once, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash. Consuming sugar in moderation will deprive harmful bacteria of the food they need to multiply. Seeing your dentist as recommended allows them to catch and treat problems in their early stages and provide you with professional hygiene advice.
The terrifying truth is that your teeth are surrounded by microscopic monsters that are just waiting to eat them alive. Fortunately, with the proper precautions and cleaning routines, you can keep them at bay and your teeth clean and healthy for decades to come.
About the Practice
White Clay Dental Associates provides a welcoming environment and top-notch care to the community of Newark, DE. Led by Drs. Donald T. Bond and Timothy D. Ganfield, the staff provides one-on-one customer service along with modern and effective dental treatments. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more information on how you can avoid becoming part of these scary dental statistics, contact the office online or dial (302) 731-4225.