Statistics can sometimes be overwhelming. But it helps put things in perspective. According to the latest CDC data, Only 65% of all adults in the United States aged 18 and older visited the dentist in the year 2016.
Also 19% of children aged 5-19 have untreated cavities.
Also, 32% of adults aged 20-44 have untreated cavities.
And 47.2% of adults over age 30 suffered from untreated periodontal disease between 2009-2010.
I find it interesting that in 1955 a person that was aged 50 or older had an average of 14 permanent teeth present in their mouth. Today, people aged 65 and older have an average of 24 teeth present in their mouth. Considering most adults should have 28 teeth(if you had your 4 wisdom teeth removed when you were younger), I think we are doing pretty good keeping our teeth for the long-haul. However, there is still a large percentage of people(35%) that don't visit the dentist every year.
The sooner you develop positive oral health habits and get your mouth “under control”, the longer you will keep your teeth and the greater overall quality of life you will have.
Dr. Michael
REFERENCES: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/dental.htm
