Explore the Dental Habits of the Average American

One way to know how your oral care skills measure up to the average citizen is to read recent statistics on the treatments and issues that are most prevalent. Plus, you can learn about what the worst dental diseases are as well as which ones most often go untreated. Check out these dental statistics that reveal alarming trends regarding the dental habits of Americans.

How Many Americans are Missing Teeth?

• Over 36 Million Americans are missing all of their teeth.
• 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth.
• 90% of those who are missing teeth wear dentures.

These statistics show that almost a third of the American population is missing at least one tooth. It’s also clear that dentures are still the most popular restoration, although they’re not as effective or durable as dental implants. Finally, the fact that so many people are missing all of their teeth shows the importance of educating people about oral care and restorative treatments.

Top Reasons Americans Avoid the Dentist

• 40% – Cost too much
• 33% – Don’t think they need it
• 14% – Not enough time

Avoiding dental care can quickly make oral health problems worse, but many Americans do for a variety of reasons. Having insurance helps offset the high cost of dental care, but for 40% of the population, it’s still too much. Others insisted they don’t have the time, but sacrificing dental care can lead to major problems in the future.

People who think they don’t need dental care probably don’t realize how vital it is to attend their biannual dental appointments. From the detailed cleaning which is superior to what can be done at home to the x-rays and oral cancer screening, there are many reasons to attend your biannual dental appointments.

Attending Dental Appointments

• Only 52.3% of adults attended their dental appointments every 6-months
• 64.6% of parents of children said they attended biannual dental appointments
• More than one-in-five people (21.3%) had not been to the dentist in years

The most alarming thing about these statistics is the vast number of people who choose to skip out on their dental care, a decision that sets their overall health up for failure. Even more disturbing is that about 35% of parents with school-age children are not bringing them to their biannual dental appointments. Oral health habits are developed early, and by neglecting this crucial treatment early on, these parents are setting their children up for problems in the future.

Don’t Be a Statistic – Get the Dental Care You Need Today!

Dr. Herman is experienced in a wide range of dental treatments and can help you and your family keep your smiles healthy for years to come. While many people neglect their dental care, resulting in the need for expensive treatments down the line, you can keep your smile strong by attending your biannual appointments. Contact us today if you’re ready to schedule your next one at Herman Family Dentistry.