Halloween is all about the spooky stories, ghouls, and fun scares! However, you might be surprised about some of the teeth-clattering statistics revolving around oral health. The good news is that you can effectively prevent some of these issues from haunting your smile by practicing certain tips. Keep reading to learn some bone-chilling oral health facts and how to maintain a healthier grin in the long run.
5 Spooky Dental Statistics
By caring for your smile, you’ll be able to steer clear of being part of the following dental statistics:
Tooth Decay
Well over 90% of adults struggle with tooth decay, meaning this issue is an incredibly common one for people to experience. If left unchecked, the bacteria can begin to develop uncomfortable cavities as well as increase the risk of tooth loss.
Periodontal Disease
About 47% of adults in the United States aged 30 or older often suffer from gum (periodontal) disease. This oral health problem can end up inflaming the gum line, leading to bleeding and even tooth loss, in more serious instances.
Excessive Sugar
Overindulging in sugar is one of the main culprits of the development of cavities. Unfortunately, the average American typically adds around 19 teaspoons of sugar to their meals or drinks every day. While sweet and enjoyable, this ingredient can wreak havoc on your smile and result in costly oral health issues if left unchecked, such as cavities and decay.
Smoking
Not only does using tobacco put your overall health at risk, but it can also negatively impact your teeth and gums. In fact, those who smoke have double the risk of losing their teeth compared to people who don’t, making this an extremely harmful oral habit.
Dental Anxiety
While not dangerous in itself, holding out on getting dental care due to anxiety or fear can keep you from addressing underlying/developing oral health problems early on. About 61% of people experience some form of dental phobia, which can have costly consequences if it doesn’t allow them to get the treatment they need.
How to Maintain Healthy Pearly Whites
While these statistics are alarming and important to consider, here are some oral health tips that can put your mind at ease:
- Schedule routine dental checkups: Other than brushing and flossing your teeth at home, visiting your dentist for early preventive treatment regularly can save you a world of trouble in the future.
- Minimize sugar intake: Limiting how often you eat sugar can make it safer for your teeth to avoid cavities. Try munching on healthier snacks too, like fruits and veggies, to help promote your oral health.
- Refrain from smoking: Smoking can harm your teeth, gums, and bodily health. Be sure to seek resources and support to make this oral habit a little easier to break.
- Talk about dental anxieties: Inform your dentist of any fears you might have towards dental visits, and they might be able to help you feel more comfortable, such as with sedation dentistry.
Don’t be a percentage in the scary oral health statistics. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to enjoy a much healthier smile for the long term!
About the Author
Dr. Eric Buck does everything he can to ensure patients feel relaxed and confident about their dental care. He is always happy to provide essential preventive treatments to maintain smiles and can even offer sedation dentistry to create a more pleasant experience. If you’d like to know more about preserving your teeth or wish to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or reach out to us at 614-792-1800.