Are You Scared Yet? Here Are Some Frightening Dental Health Statistics

Jack-o-lanterns are lots of fun, but they aren’t known for having the best teeth in the world. Unfortunately, that’s an all-too-common problem for people too. Given that oral health issues are almost completely preventable with proper oral hygiene, smart eating decisions, and regular dental appointments, gum disease and tooth decay are much more prevalent than they have to be. Here are some scary dental health statistics to inspire you to stay on the white and shiny path to excellent oral health.

But Is the Situation Really That Bad?

In a world where refined sugar is a common ingredient in foods and beverages, the dental community can get quite frustrated with the oral health landscape of the world today. A few interesting statistics include:

• Nearly 20% of children go untreated for cavities.
• More than 90% of adults have cavities.
• Almost 20% of seniors live with untreated tooth decay.
• Almost 50% of people over 30 deal with gum disease.
• More than 70% of seniors live with gum disease.
• 25% of seniors deal with complete tooth loss.
• Almost 20% of children went without seeing the dentist last year.
• Almost 40% of adults didn’t see the dentist last year.
• An estimated 45 million adults go without dental insurance.
• The most common reason for adults to forego seeing a dentist for an oral health problem is because they worry that it will be too expensive.

How Can I Keep Myself from Becoming One of These Statistics?

Oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease can be prevented with a proper oral hygiene regimen and regular dental appointments. A solid daily dental cleaning routine comes in three parts:

Brushing

Brushing your teeth can eliminate most of the plaque and food debris from your teeth. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue with gentle, circular strokes for about two minutes every time. Brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed.

Flossing

Floss is just as important as brushing because it can clear plaque and food debris from places a toothbrush cannot reach. Cut off about two feet of floss and slide it into the space between two teeth. Use a gentle back-and-forth and up-and-down motion to clean the inner surfaces before moving on to a new section of floss and repeating the motion in the next space. Keep going until your whole smile has been flossed.

Antibacterial Mouthwash

Antibacterial mouthwash isn’t just a bonus for dental perfectionists. It’s a necessary finishing touch to proper oral hygiene. Rinsing with this concoction will kill more than 99% of the germs that cause tooth decay, gingivitis, and other oral infections. It also leaves your mouth with a wonderful minty, fresh feeling.

As great as this routine is, it’s not enough to protect your smile on its own. Seeing your dentist for regular checkups can allow them to advise you on proper hygiene practices and catch oral issues in their early stages. A healthy smile is a great accessory for any occasion.

About the Practice

Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry has been treating smiles in Lynchburg, VA since 1980. Led by Drs. James M. Peery Jr., James M. Peery III, and Samuel E. Woolwine III, the staff provides patients with excellent dental care in a comfortable environment. Services include general, pediatric, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more information on keeping yourself from becoming a dental health statistic, contact the office online or dial (434) 847-5331.