It is no secret that healthy oral hygiene habits can offer a lifetime of benefits. That is why Dr. Thomas Tang and our Brookfield, WI dental team provide families in our community with top-tier preventative, restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry procedures. Our commitment is to help our patients achieve and maintain a healthy, attractive smile.
To further stress the significance of oral health, our team would like to explore dental care statistics in this blog post. This information will help reinforce the importance of routine oral healthcare visits and proper hygiene.
How Important Is Dental Care to the Average American?
The Health Policy Institute, a subdivision of the American Dental Association, found that the majority of Americans find dental health extremely important.
In fact, 95 percent of individuals in the United States considered oral health essential to whole-body wellbeing. A staggering 85 percent believed that an attractive smile was the ticket to a happier, more successful life and career.
Dental Visits among Americans
Because so many Americans believe in the importance of dental care, it is really not surprising to learn that most individuals find routine dental visits essential. About 85 percent of Americans stated that biannual dental examinations and cleanings were crucial for their oral health.
Unfortunately, the actual statistics regarding dental care are a bit different. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that only 64 percent of U.S. adults aged 18 to 64 attended a dental appointment within the last 12 months. For those over the age of 65, that number dropped to 62.7 percent.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing two times a day minimum, for at least two minutes each time. But how many Americans follow through with this suggestion? Quite a few, actually. Delta Dental found that seven out of 10 individuals brush their teeth at least twice a day, most commonly at bedtime and upon waking.
Unfortunately, flossing statistics are not as impressive. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once daily. The same research study mentioned above found that only four out of every 10 individuals do so. Perhaps most surprisingly, about 20 percent of U.S. patients do not floss their teeth at all.
Cavities and Tooth Decay
Virtually everyone is affected by decay at some point in their lives. In fact, the CDC found that 91 percent of Americans aged 20 to 64 had at least one cavity. As patients grow older, the risk increases; the same study reported that 96 percent of individuals 65 and older experienced decay.
Gum Disease Statistics
The leading cause of tooth loss, gum disease, is rampant in the United States. Nearly half of all Americans will suffer from some form of the condition during their lifetime.
Tooth sensitivity may be a warning sign for decay or gum disease. Therefore, it is important to have the problem assessed. Sometimes, however, it is unrelated to any health issue. If you experience sensitivity, you are not alone; about 12 percent of patients have experienced it.
Contact Our Practice
Has it been awhile since you’ve visited the dentist? If so, schedule a consultation at Brookfield Family Dentistry. Our team can treat any existing problems and help you prevent further oral health issues. Contact us online or call our office at (262) 821-1000.