If you’re in the mood for a Halloween scare, you don’t need to go to a local haunted house to get your fix. Sometimes, the scariest things are all around us. One unexpected place to look is in your mouth! Read on to learn three dental statistics that will ignite so much fear in you that you might just give your dentist a call!
A Shocking Number of People Skip Out on Dental Visits
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted their National Health Interview Survey in 2025, and what they found was scary to say the least. Only 66.7% of adults aged 18 and older visited their dentist for an exam or cleaning in the past year. That’s just over 100 million people that haven’t been to the dentist in the past year at a higher risk of developing dental pain, infection, and decay.
Tooth Decay is More Common Than You Could Ever Imagine
It’s estimated that about a quarter of the population (21% to be more precise) between the ages of 20 and 64 have one or more permanent teeth with untreated tooth decay. When left untreated, cavities can develop into infections, which can lead to painful toothaches and tooth loss if still ignored. Routine checkups and cleanings with your dentist will allow them to diagnose and treat cavities while they’re in their early stages, preventing worsening dental concerns from developing.
Gum Disease is the Leading Cause of Tooth Loss
Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in the world, and it’s also one of the most common dental problems, estimated to impact one out of every two adults in the United States. People most affected by tooth loss include men, smokers, and those with underlying immunocompromising conditions, such as diabetes.
How Can You Fight the Fear & Keep Your Smile Healthy?
Even though these facts may keep you frozen in fear, there are some actionable steps you can take to make sure they don’t become your reality. The key to a healthy smile is prevention. By following these helpful measures, you can keep cavities and gum disease at bay:
- If you experience dental anxiety or fear, ask your dentist about sedation options
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time
- Use fluoridated toothpaste and dental products to strengthen teeth
- Balance your diet by not consuming too much sugar or carbohydrates
- Avoid tobacco products or work on quitting using tobacco
- Visit your dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings
If you follow these protective steps, you can avoid the need for extensive dental treatments and emergency situations. These dental statistics aren’t as scary as they sound after all!
About the Practice
At Fort Dental, our team includes four compassionate, gentle, and highly experienced dentists committed to your health and wellbeing. We make care as simple and streamlined as possible by utilizing the latest technology, offering sedation for those with dental anxiety, and always doing right by our patients. To learn more about our practice or schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit our website or call 817-292-5957.