With Halloween approaching, you might want a good scare. That’s only natural – many like to spend October with scary movies, haunted house attractions, and similar fare. As it turns out, though, even dental facts can provide a bit of terror. The right ones could even give you goosebumps. So, let your local dentist explain some frightening stats on oral health and ways to maintain a healthy smile.
Scary Oral Health Stats
Truthfully, many oral health facts are pretty spooky. These include the following:
Tooth Decay Rates
The facts about tooth decay are downright scary. As it happens, 91% of US adults (ages 20-64) have cavities in their mouths! Worse, 27% have untreated tooth decay. Children aren’t left out, either – 18% of kids (ages 5-19) have untreated cavities. As for the elderly, one in five seniors also suffer from unchecked tooth decay.
Widespread Gum Disease
Many of the stats on gum disease are also frightening because they allude to how common the condition is! In reality, pediatric gingivitis is almost as big an issue as childhood cavities. The risk for adults isn’t much better, as over 47% of those aged 30 and older also have it. The odds also worsen with age – up to 70% of seniors (i.e., those 65 and older) deal with some form of periodontal disease.
Old Age & Tooth Loss
Total tooth loss is rare, but it still happens enough to inspire fear. People of all ages can suffer it, and 25% of adults 65 and older have lost all their teeth. This scenario usually occurs due to bad oral hygiene and similar health problems. Restorations like dentures and implants can compensate a bit, but they can’t wholly substitute for a natural smile.
How to Maintain a Healthy Smile
Despite the stats above, getting and maintaining a healthy smile is possible. Just use the tips listed below:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene – Your teeth will stay vibrant if you keep them clean and fresh. So, remember to brush twice daily, floss once daily, and rinse often with mouthwash.
- Eat a “Mouth Healthy” Diet – By eating “mouth healthy” foods like lean proteins, leafy greens, and whole grains, you’ll strengthen your tooth enamel and protect your grin from decay.
- See a Dentist Often: To avoid scary oral health issues, see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. These visits let them diagnose and treat dental problems before things get serious.
Hopefully, these frightening stats on oral health prompted some fear. If so, let that terror inspire you to take better care of your smile!
About the Practice
Market Heights Family Dental is based in Harker Heights, TX. Led by Dr. Angie Lim, our practice always provides excellent oral care. To that end, we offer comprehensive dental services, including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments. Our team can also provide emergency dentistry, as well as oral sedation options. That means we can handle nearly all of your tooth and gum needs! For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (254)-699-3565.