Are you curious about how many people have a particular dental problem, or what percentage of people neglect their dental visits?
Statistics are interesting to look over, but more importantly, they give us insight into how many people share a particular problem and how they approach it. We invite you to view these dental statistics and find out what you can learn about your own dental care habits compared to the rest of the world.
Sugar and Dental Problems
These stats explain why there’s been an increase in dental problems over the last several decades, and which dietary habits are causing them.
- Consuming 60g or more of sugar each day vastly increases your chances of developing cavities and gum disease.
- Over the past 50 years, sugar consumption has tripled, and this phenomenon is especially significant in developing countries.
- Teens and children should consume no more than 30g of sugar each day.
- There are 65 countries in the world, including the US, where people consume an average of more than 100g of sugars each day.
- Dental caries (cavities) is the 4th most expensive oral disease to treat and comprises 5-10% of healthcare budgets in industrialized countries.
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Tooth decay is the process by which plaque buildup leads to cavities and gum disease. As you can see from the following statistics, these are among the most common problems in the world.
- Globally, about 100% of adults and 60-90% of schoolchildren have tooth decay.
- Leading factors that cause tooth decay include a high sugar diet, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor oral hygiene.
- Factors that determine who has poor oral health include income level, availability of dental care, quality of oral hygiene, and even culture.
- About 64.7 million Americans over 30 suffer from gum disease.
- Multiple studies have confirmed the link between gum disease and other diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- 8.5% of American adults suffer from the most severe form of gum disease, advanced periodontitis.
- About 17.2% of seniors over age 65 suffer from periodontal disease.
Statistics Related to Dental Visits
Dental visits are crucial for a number of reasons, including the fact that only dentists like Dr. Darlene Hart can clean hardened tartar and spot diseases in their earliest stages. The following statistics demonstrate the importance and frequency of dental visits.
- According to the Adults Oral Health & Well Being Survey, 42% of Americans don’t see their dentist as often as they’d like.
- 58% reported that they visit the dentist at least once per year.
- 15% made their most recent dental appointment because they were experiencing mouth pain.
- Only 15% of people surveyed rated their oral health as “excellent”.
Count on Dr. Hart for Optimal Oral Health
These alarming statistics show that oral health conditions are more prominent than we might realize and that those who visit the dentist are healthier in the long run than those who don’t.
By simply brushing twice each day and making it to your biannual appointments at Sweet Hart Dental, you can avoid becoming a statistic. Contact us today or give us a call at (954) 437-9288 to schedule your next appointment — we’ll give you the top-quality dental care you need.