Frightening Dental Stats You Should Know

If you don’t count candy, most people associate Halloween with frights of various sorts. Kids and adults often ring in October’s “spooky season” with horror movies, scary decorations, and terrifying costumes. Some even consider these things part of the holiday tradition! That said, you might not know oral health can also be a source of fear. In fact, your local dental practice is here to prove it. Read on to learn some frightening dental stats you should remember for this year’s Halloween.

Frightening Oral Health Stats

Good oral health is a crucial part of your overall well-being. For that reason, statistics like those below can inspire plenty of terror:

• About 91% of adults — those ages twenty to sixty-four —have cavities, with 27% having untreated tooth decay too.
• Roughly 18% of kids aged five to nineteen have untreated cavities.
• Half of all adults over 30 have some form of periodontal (gum) disease.
• Among adults 65 years and older, 25% have lost all their teeth.
• A whopping 40% of adults didn’t go to the dentist last year.
• About 45 million adults don’t have dental insurance coverage.

Preventive Tips for a Healthy Smile

To avoid being part of the stats above, you’ll need to ensure your smile stays healthy. Luckily, some tips can help. They include the following:

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: As you always should, remember to brush your teeth twice daily and floss them once daily. Doing so will keep your mouth free of bacteria and other debris that cause dental problems.
• Make Regular Dental Visits: You should visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months. That way, they can examine, diagnose, and treat dental issues before your health worsens.
• Eat Mouth-Healthy Foods: Rather than sugary sweets like those given on Halloween, stick to foods that meet your nutritional needs. Not only are things like whole grains, lean proteins, and leafy greens great for your body overall, but they also strengthen your teeth!
• Avoid Bad Oral Habits: If possible, avoid habits like smoking, using tobacco products, and chewing on ice. They can cause tooth stains, chips, cracks, and worse.

In the end, even oral health can get spooky if you know where to look. That said, follow the tips above so your smile doesn’t turn as scary!

About the Practice

Renaissance Dental is based in Fort Worth, TX. As led by Drs. Christopher Duong and John Kuan, our practice strives for high-quality dentistry in a comfortable setting. To that end, we perform custom preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, not to mention emergency care procedures. Our office is also certified for gum disease therapy and dental sedation services. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (817)-289-5200.