Now that October is here, you’re probably excited about the Halloween festivities. Whether you’re planning on decorating the porch with ghouls, watching horror flicks, or visiting a haunted mansion, you’ll likely get some frights in before it’s time for trick-or-treating. There are also several scary dental statistics that’ll make you run for the hills! Read on to learn what they are and several oral health tips for maintaining your pearly whites during the spooky season.
5 Alarming Dental Statistics
If you’re searching for something frightening, look no further! Here are a few dental stats that’ll make you tremble:
- 91% of adults tend to have at least one cavity by the age of 21.
- More than 15% of children between the age of 5 and 19 have developed cavities.
- About 50% of adults over the age of 35 have untreated periodontal (gum) disease.
- 25% of adults over 65 years old are missing all of their teeth.
- Nearly 40% of adults didn’t visit their dentist the previous year.
7 Fangtastic Oral Health Tips
While you might be shocked by the above dental statistics, you should remember that most oral health issues, such as decay, cavities, and gum disease, are avoidable through proper care. You’ll want to implement effective and consistent preventive measures, including:
- Schedule dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist every six months.
- Brush twice a day for two minutes, especially before bedtime.
- Floss at least once daily or after every meal.
- Rinse with mouthwash frequently.
- Stick to a nutrient-dense, vitamin-rich diet.
- Minimize your sugar consumption.
- Refrain from unhealthy oral habits, such as chewing on ice, using teeth as tools, and smoking.
How to Lower Your Risk of Cavities This Halloween
During the spooky season (and the other holiday months), there’s a high chance that you’ll be tempted to enjoy plenty of candies. While munching on sweet treats occasionally isn’t bad itself, overindulging in sugary snacks without preventive measures in place can be detrimental to your smile. That’s why you’ll want to be proactive and munch on your favorite candy in moderation. Be sure to drink lots of water to rinse the sugar content from your mouth. You should also eat your sweet treats during mealtime when saliva production is at its peak.
Since your oral health is crucial for everyday tasks like speaking clearly, chewing properly, and smiling confidently, you’ll want to ensure you aren’t part of the dental statistics. Keep these few tips in mind, and you should enjoy healthier pearly whites in the long run!
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Reed earned her dental doctorate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry and has delivered outstanding care for well over two decades. She’s also a member of numerous prestigious organizations like the American Dental Association and the American Association of Women Dentists. She provides a wide range of high-quality services, including dental checkups/cleanings, fluoride treatment, oral cancer screenings, and periodontal therapy. If you’d like to schedule your next appointment, visit her website or call 402-488-5007.
