Halloween is almost here! Between the festive décor, scary movies, and terrifying costumes, you may think you’ve already seen all this spooky season has to offer. However, you haven’t really got a fright until you hear some of the latest dental statistics. Keep reading to learn what they are and some important oral health tips.
5 Frightening Dental Statistics
If you’re looking for a fright, here are a few of the latest dental statistics:
- More than 15% of children between the ages of 5 and 19 have untreated cavities.
- 91% of adults have at least one cavity by their 21st birthday.
- Roughly 50% of adults over the age of 35 have periodontal (gum) disease.
- 25% of adults over the age of 65 have lost all their teeth.
- Around 40% of adults didn’t go to the dentist last year.
7 Spooktacular Oral Health Tips
Although the above statistics are downright shocking, it’s important to remember that the majority of dental problems, from tooth decay to gum disease, are preventable with the right best practices in place. Here are a few to implement (if you aren’t already):
- Visit your dentist on a biannual basis for a checkup and cleaning.
- Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush for two full minutes after each meal.
- Floss every day.
- Rinse with mouthwash at the end of your oral hygiene regimen.
- Limit your consumption of sugary foods and beverages.
- Eat a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet.
- Avoid unhealthy dental habits, like smoking and chewing on ice.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Cavities this Halloween
Throughout October (and the holiday season for that matter), there will likely be candy nearly everywhere you turn. Therefore, it’s a good idea to be proactive by only eating a piece or two and keeping up with your oral hygiene regimen. When you do indulge, make sure to drink plenty of water to rinse the sugary particles from your mouth. It’s also a good idea to partake during mealtime, which is when your saliva production is the highest.
A healthy smile is essential in many ways, from helping you communicate clearly to ensuring you can chew properly. So, the last thing you want is to become a part of the above statistics. Fortunately, with a solid oral hygiene routine in place and the help of a skilled dentist, you won’t!
About the Practice
Our team at University Dental Group knows all too well how scary the prevalence of dental problems, like tooth decay, can be – it’s one of the reasons we focus on delivering high-quality dentistry! From meticulous checkups to tooth-saving restorative dentistry, we go the extra mile to help our patients enjoy healthy, happy smiles for life. If you’re overdue for your six-month visit or simply want to learn more about properly caring for your smile at home, get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at 508-960-6495.