Frightening Oral Health Statistics You Should Know Of

Halloween is a time where people find amusement in the things that easily frighten them. From haunted houses to scary movies to terrifying costumes, this spooky season has a lot to offer. However, you’re in for a real treat once you hear some of the latest oral health statistics. In this blog post, we’ll share a few of the latest frightening dental statistics as well as tips to keep your smile bright and healthy.

Scary Oral Health Statistics

Are you looking for a fright this Halloween? Let’s take a look at some shocking oral health statistics:

• Almost 18% of children ages 5-19 have untreated cavities
• 91% of adults have cavities, and 27% have untreated tooth decay
• Roughly 50% of adults over the age of 35 have some form of periodontal (gum) disease
• 25% of adults 65 years and older have lost all of their teeth
• About 40% of adults didn’t visit the dentist in the past year
• Dental expenses are the main reason adults don’t see a dentist when they have an oral health problem
• About 45 million adults don’t have dental insurance coverage

Tips for a Healthy Smile

The oral health statistics listed above are certainly frightening, but you can easily avoid being a part of those numbers by taking good care of your teeth and gums. Here are some steps you can take to keep your smile happy and healthy:

• Practice good oral hygiene. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. These practices are critical for keeping your mouth free of bacteria, plaque, and other harmful substances that can contribute to dental problems.
• Visit your dentist regularly. Aside from being diligent about brushing and flossing, you must visit your dentist every six months. Regular checkups and cleanings allow your dentist to prevent, detect, and treat any problems before they become complications.
• Eat a well-balanced diet. Stick to a diet full of foods that meet all your nutritional needs, such as whole grains, dairy products, lean proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
• Avoid poor habits. Smoking, using tobacco products, and chewing on ice are poor habits that can wreak havoc on your dental health.

How to Lower Your Risk of Cavities This Halloween

Many families look forward to Halloween as it’s a chance to dress up in costume and go trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, collecting bags of free candy that will (hopefully) last through winter. Unfortunately, having all those treats lying around the house means your family will be more likely to eat sweets this season. To prevent cavities, encourage everyone to eat only a piece or two at a time. Make sure your family continues to practice good oral hygiene and drink plenty of water to wash away sugary particles from your mouth.

The last thing you want is to become a part of the frightening oral health statistics listed above. Luckily, you can avoid it with a solid oral hygiene routine and the help of a qualified dentist!

About the Author

Dr. Alvin Aquino is passionate about helping patients achieve their happiest, healthiest smiles. After earning his DMD from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, he attended a General Practice Residency program with Morristown Medical Center. Dr. Aquino enjoys educating his patients to help make them confident and informed decisions about their oral health. For more interesting dental statistics, visit our website or call (732) 582-4224.