Dental Care Statistics: Numbers About Smiles By Danny O'Keefe D.D.S. on July 26, 2018

Looking at your smile in a mirrorGood dental care is essential for people of all ages. Regular cleanings, proper oral hygiene, and preventative care can keep your smile looking healthy and feeling good for years to come.

The team at our Flowood, MS general dentistry practice would like to share some telling numbers about dental care in the United States. This should help you understand why regular trips to the dentist are so important.

How Important Is Dental Health to Average Americans?

According to the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute, dental health is considered very important by the vast majority of Americans. 95 percent of respondents in a study considered oral health a critical component of general wellness. In addition, 80 percent of people in the study felt that having a healthy and white smile helped with feeling good about their appearance, and played a role in career advancement.

Americans and Dental Visits

Routine dental visits are a key part of good dental health, which is why 85 percent of adults say they prefer going to the dentist twice a year for cleanings; an estimated 75 percent of people say they plan on seeing their dentist within the next year.

However, actual numbers on dental visits can vary. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 64 percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 64 visited their dentist in the last year; 62.7 percent of adults age 65 and older made a visit to their dentist.

Statistics on Brushing Teeth

Brushing your teeth is crucial for fighting cavities and tooth decay. A study by Delta Dental found that 70 percent of Americans brush their teeth twice a day, typically once before bedtime and once when they wake up. On average, Americans brush their teeth for 1 minute 52 seconds. The American Dental Association recommends people brush for 2 minutes at least twice a day.

Even though the 70 percent is heartening, sadly 23 percent of American have gone two or more days without brushing their teeth; for adults between the ages of 18 to 24, that number if 37 percent.

Statistics on Flossing Teeth

Flossing is just as crucial for fighting tooth decay and gum disease, but it’s much less common than brushing. Only 4 in 10 American floss their teeth at least once a day; 20 percent of Americans don’t floss their teeth at all. It’s recommended that people floss at least once a day.

Tooth Decay Statistics

The CDC found that 91 percent of American adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have suffered from cavities at some point. By the age of 65, that number is 96 percent.

Thanks to water fluorination, the rates of cavities have gone down. The CDC estimates a 30 to 50 percent drop in the rate of cavities thanks to fluoridated water alone.

Gum Disease Statistics

Gum disease remains a serious issue, just as bad for your oral health and wellness as tooth decay. The CDC estimates that 47.2 percent of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease. That’s approximately 64.7 million people. Among adults age 65 and older, the rate of gum disease is as high as 70.1 percent.

Contact Family Dental Care

If you are interested in improving your dental health and overall appearance of your smile, be sure to contact an experienced dentist. Our team will offer advice on oral hygiene and perform advanced preventative, cosmetic, and restorative procedures as needed.

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Dr. Danny O'Keefe

Family Dental Care

At Family Dental Care in Flowood, MS, Dr. Danny O'Keefe and his experienced team provide patients from throughout the greater Jackson area with superior general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care. Our office is equipped with modern dental technology and we offer complete sedation services to enhance patient comfort. Dr. O'Keefe is affiliated with:

  • The American Dental Association
  • The Mississippi Dental Association
  • The Academy of General Dentistry
  • The American Dental Society of Anesthesiology

To schedule an appointment, please fill out our online form or call (601) 936-2526.

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"This office has the most professional dentists and dental staff. They treat you like family every time you're there. I've been a patient for over 15 years and I don't plan on leaving anytime soon." Rita O., Current Patient

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