Keep the Scares Coming: Some Terrifying Dental Statistics That Will Have You Screaming

Halloween is the time of year when everyone takes a little extra time to get some frights in. Many people do this by watching horror movies or reading scary stories like Dracula, Frankenstein, and the works of Edgar Allen Poe. Dentists love a good scare just as much as everyone else, so if you’re in the mood for some terrifying Halloween reading, this list of frightening dental statistics will horrify you onto the straight and narrow path of proper oral hygiene.

Stay Away from Tooth Decay

Cavities are infections that will not get better without the intervention of dental professionals. If left untreated, they can lead to toothaches, tooth loss, and dangerous secondary infections like sepsis. Some unfortunate statistics about tooth decay are:

• Nearly one in five children have untreated cavities.
• More than 90% of adults have cavities.
• More than 25% of adults have untreated tooth decay.

Your Blood Will Freeze When You Read About Gum Disease

Gum disease begins as an insidious little nuisance that can lead to massive health problems if left untreated. While it is completely preventable, it is disturbingly widespread. Some unpleasant numbers about it include:

• Almost half of people older than thirty live with some form of gum disease.
• More than 70% of seniors live with gum disease.
• One in four seniors live with complete tooth loss.

You Won’t Believe What You’ve Seen When You Read About Neglected Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is your first line of defense against tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral infections. A few statistics that will help you appreciate good oral health habits include:

• Almost 20% of children have not seen the dentist in the past year.
• Almost 40% of adults never saw the dentist in the past year.
• About 45 million adults go without dental insurance.
• The most common reason people say they skipped seeing the dentist is cost.
• More people in the world own smartphones than toothbrushes.

The good news is that you don’t have to be one of these statistics. By practicing excellent oral hygiene and keeping up with regular dental appointments, you can create a multi-layered shield of defense around your teeth that can keep them strong, healthy, and beautiful for life.

About the Author

Dr. Laura Philipps earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine at Tufts University and has since studied at prestigious institutes like the Pankey Institute, the KOIS Center, and Spear Education. She currently serves as a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health. Her office in Midland, TX offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. To schedule an appointment, contact the office online or dial (432) 570-4433.