4 Frightening Oral Health Stats

There’s growing evidence supporting a link between oral and general health. Researchers have found that several dental problems can increase the risk of multiple medical issues. With your mouth the gateway to your body, a healthy smile is more important than ever. Brushing and flossing are your first lines of defense against preventable dental conditions, like tooth decay and gum disease; however, they aren’t enough. The American Dental Association recommends a cleaning and checkup every 6 months, but 35% of adults haven’t seen a dentist in over a year. If you’re skipping your cleanings and checkups, here are 4 alarming facts you should know about oral health. 

1. 91% of adults have cavities.

Cavities are preventable; however, tooth decay is more common than childhood asthma, but children aren’t the only ones at risk. 25% of adults have untreated decay. Routine dental appointments allow your dentist to monitor your oral health for early detection and treatment. You’ll preserve your smile and avoid costly treatments later. 

2. 50% of adults have gum disease.

Tooth decay isn’t the only threat to your smile. Gum disease is also a leading cause of missing teeth. Although it’s preventable, half of adults have the infection. Not only can it cause tooth loss, but research has found it can contribute to a variety of health issues, like cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetic complications. Your dentist checks your gum health at each semi-annual appointment to look for any signs of infection, like red, swollen, or bleeding gums. 

3. 1 in 6 Americans has a dental emergency.

You may never expect one to happen to you, but dental emergencies are common. Often, they result from untreated dental issues, like tooth decay. You can prevent a dental emergency from ruining your day by visiting your dentist regularly. They’ll ensure there aren’t any concerns lingering in your mouth. Besides scheduling an appointment, don’t forget to wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports. It’s also a good idea to keep inedible objects out of your mouth, like your fingernails, and don’t use your teeth in place of scissors or other tools. 

4. 1 person every 24 hours dies from oral cancer.  

You don’t have to smoke or drink alcohol to be at risk of oral cancer. 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with it annually. Sadly, the five-year survival rate is only 67%, which is attributed to late detection. Medical professionals believe 80% of new cases can be diagnosed early through oral cancer screenings performed at routine dental appointments. 

Your smile doesn’t have to become another statistic. It’s never too late to invest in your dental health. If it has been a while since you’ve seen a dentist, schedule a cleaning and checkup today. 

About Dr. Jayme Martinez

Dr. Martinez achieved his dental degree at the Baylor College of Dentistry and has regularly continued his education to provide advanced services, like sedation, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry. He is a proud member of various professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. If you need a cleaning and check, contact our office today to request an appointment.