Ready for a Halloween Scare? Read These Terrifying Dental Statistics!

Since it’s the Halloween season, you might be looking for a good scare. Maybe you’ve already read Frankenstein, Dracula, and a plethora of other classic horror novels, but you’re finding that the scares just aren’t real enough to really make you jump. If you’re looking for some true-to-life terror, your dentist has you covered. Here is a list of some of the scariest dental health statistics around, and it’s so terrifying that you’ll be too frightened to bite your nails (because biting your nails is bad for your teeth).

Be Afraid of Tooth Decay!

Here are a few ghastly statistics about the state of people’s teeth. You’ll be horrified to learn that:

• Close to 20% of children have untreated tooth decay.
• More than 25% of adults deal with untreated tooth decay.
• More than 90% of adults have cavities.

You’ll Cry to Be Released from Gum Disease!

Gum disease is an insidious threat that can creep up on you if you’re not careful. Some scary statistics include:

• Nearly half of people older than 30 have some form of gum disease.
• More than 70% of seniors live with gum disease.
• One in four seniors has lost all their teeth.

Stats About Oral Hygiene That You’ll Wish Could Be Unseen!

Proper oral care is the only way to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and many other oral health problems. Unfortunately, you’ll be aghast to read that:

• Nearly 20% of children didn’t see a dentist in the past year.
• Nearly 40% of adults skipped seeing the dentist in the past year.
• More people on Earth own a smartphone than a toothbrush.
• Nearly 45 million adults go without dental insurance.
• The most common reason why adults don’t go to the dentist is cost.

How Can I Keep My Teeth Healthy?

Halloween is a time of year for spooky sights and frightful fun, but you don’t want a scary smile to be part of your costume year-round. Luckily, there are certain precautions you can take to avoid becoming a dental health statistic. You can protect your mouth from tooth decay and gum disease with a daily regimen of brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash. This will eliminate plaque and food debris on a daily basis while making your mouth less habitable for infectious bacteria.

It’s equally important to see your dentist as recommended. Dental appointments allow your teeth to be inspected and cleaned by a professional who can advise you on better hygiene habits and catch any problems in their early stages. Your dentist and your oral hygiene routine together form a multi-layered shield that will keep your teeth safe and strong.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Stapleton earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2005 before completing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency in 2006. He has achieved Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Minnesota Dental Association. His office in Chaska, MN offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule an appointment, contact the office online or dial (952) 448-2868.