Halloween is a time for screams and frights, but the ghoulish volumes of candy being thrown around during this time of year can be especially scary for all the teeth in the world. While most oral health conditions can be prevented, the terrifying reality is that gum disease and tooth decay are far too common for comfort. Here are some frightening statistics about dental health to convince you to stay on the straight and narrow path to a beautiful smile.
How Bad Can These Dental Health Statistics Really Be?
Some unfortunate statistics on oral health include:
- Nearly 45 million adults go without dental insurance.
- Nearly 18% of children deal with untreated cavities.
- More than 90% of adults have cavities.
- 27% of adults deal with untreated tooth decay.
- About 20% of seniors have untreated tooth decay.
- Nearly half of people older than thirty have some form of gum disease.
- More than 70% of seniors deal with gum disease.
- 1 in 4 seniors have complete tooth loss.
- Nearly 20% of children haven’t seen the dentist in the past year.
- Nearly 40% of people eighteen and older haven’t seen the dentist in the past year.
- Many people forego seeing the dentist when they have an oral health issue because they are concerned that it will be too expensive.
How Can I Avoid Becoming One of These Statistics?
The best way to keep your teeth in top shape is to practice excellent oral hygiene, stay on top of your regular dentist appointments, and limit your sugar intake. By brushing at least twice and flossing and using antibacterial mouthwash at least once every day, you can eliminate most of the plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Showing up at your dental appointments allows your dentist to catch issues in their early stages while advising you on proper hygiene, and limiting your sugar intake will keep those populations of oral disease-causing bacteria in check.
It’s also important to remember that delaying a necessary dental treatment due to cost can lead to even more expensive and unpleasant dental problems in the future. Taking care of your teeth now can keep your smile in great shape in the long run.
About the Practice
Exceptional Dentistry & Sedation Center provides the best dental care available in Gainesville, FL. Led by Drs. Art Mowery, Kim Mowery, and Luis Rodriguez, the Ritz Carlton-trained staff is ready to exceed the highest expectations of any patient. Areas of expertise include preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more information on keeping your teeth in top-notch condition, contact the office online or dial (352) 332-6725.
