Useful Dental Statistics
Did you know that half of all American adults have gum disease or that 90% of those who are missing their teeth use dentures?
Statistics like these highlight commonalities in the population and their dental habits. We can learn a lot from dental statistics, such as the diseases that most often go undiagnosed and the amount of people that attend their dental appointments. Explore this data on the dental habits of Americans and see how your oral care compares to the masses.
How Many Americans Go to the Dentist?
- 84.6% of children ages 2-17 made it to the dentist in the past year
- 64.4% of adults ages 18-64 have been to the dentist in the last year
It’s recommended that American adults make it to their dental appointments at least twice each year. While the vast majority of kids and adults are attending these appointments, the most alarming part is probably those who aren’t making their visit to the dentist. Among kids, 15.4% of them haven’t been to the dentist in the past year, and over 35% of adults haven’t either.
The Problem with Skipping Dental Appointments
The fact that 35% of adults are skipping their dental appointments shows that people don’t understand the many benefits of their dental exams. From finding diseases early to oral cancer screenings, there are critical reasons why it’s vital to attend these regularly scheduled dental appointments. With about a third of Americans skipping these appointments, there’s an obvious need for an increase in dental education.
Cavities and Missing Teeth
- 91% of adults between 20-64 have cavities
- 96% of adults over age 65 have cavities
- 26% of adults over 75 have no remaining teeth
Dental caries, or cavities as they’re commonly known, are the most common dental problem. Often preventable by excellent oral care at home, cavities are holes or craters that develop in your teeth. The fact that over 90% of adults have cavities in their teeth shows a dire need for additional oral health education.
The Importance of Our Dietary Choices
Another takeaway that will help reduce dental caries among American adults is that a diet high in sugar will definitely result in an increase in cavities. Cavities can’t exist without sugar to attract the bacteria that eats through them. By simply choosing foods that are low in sugar and acids, you can make great strides in preventing cavities altogether.
Dental Implant Statistics
- Living without teeth can take 10 years off of your life
- Only 10% of dentists are qualified to perform implant dentistry
- Dental implants can last a lifetime if properly cared for
The top statistic shows a glimpse into the danger of living with missing teeth. From the inability to chew properly to loss of confidence when smiling, missing teeth is a destructive condition that can take 10 years off your life. Although the vast majority of patients with missing teeth end up with dentures, a far better solution is available.
Dental Implants – The Gold Standard in Restorative Treatments
Dentures have been the most common dental restoration for many years, but they aren’t the end-all solution. Dental implants are far better when it comes to durability, chewing power, longevity, and numerous other factors. Arguably the most important of these advantages is the fact that dental implants are permanent and are the only restoration that keeps the jawbone from shrinking. As the procedure becomes more affordable and available in the future, it can be expected that more people will invest in dental implants.
Our Team at Sycamore Creek Dental Can Keep Your Smile Fresh
Whether you’re due for a biannual dental exam or want to know more about the cosmetic treatments that are available, we have the solutions you need at our dental practice in Corona. If you have questions about a particular procedure, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation to find out if it’s right for you. Contact our team at Sycamore Creek Dental today.