When was the last time you thought about the numbers behind your smile? Dental statistics might not seem like the most exciting topic, but they reveal a lot about how we take care of our teeth, the common issues we face, and what’s trending in oral health.
So, in this blog, we’ll explore some eye-opening dental statistics and break down what they mean.
Dental statistics
1. 91% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have cavities. (Source: CDC)
The vast majority of adults have cavities, which shows how important it is to stay on top of regular check-ups and good oral hygiene. But even with the best care, most people will deal with at least one cavity in their lifetime.
2. 27% of people have untreated tooth decay. (Source: CDC)
Unfortunately, many people are living with untreated cavities. Whether it’s due to cost, fear, or just putting it off, this can lead to bigger problems down the road if not taken care of.
3. 46% of adults who are 30 or older show signs of gum disease. (Source: NCBI)
Almost half of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease. This shows how easy it is to let oral health slip and how important it is to focus on it.
4. 87% of children in the U.S. visited a dentist in the past year. (Source: Statista)
The fact that most kids are seeing a dentist regularly is great news. Early dental visits are key to setting up healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
5. In the past year, 65.5% of U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 64 visited the dentist. (Source: Statista)
While it’s good to see that a majority of adults are visiting the dentist, there’s still a big chunk of people who aren’t. Skipping out on regular visits can lead to serious issues, especially for those who don’t notice problems until it’s too late.
6. 75% of adults have dental anxiety, with 5-10% of them suffering from dental phobia, a more serious condition. (Source: StatisticsStats.com)
Dental anxiety is something that affects most people, with a smaller percentage dealing with more serious dental phobia. This is a big reason why many avoid the dentist.
7. 65% of adults in the U.S. don’t have well-aligned teeth. (Source: American Association of Orthodontists)
Misaligned teeth are super common, and with options like Invisalign becoming more popular, many adults are looking to improve their smiles.
8. Over 40% of cigarette smokers between the ages of 20 and 64 have untreated tooth decay. (Source: CDC)
Smoking has a clear impact on oral health, which is why smokers are more likely to have untreated tooth decay. This stat shows why avoiding smoking is so important—not just for overall health but for your teeth too.
9. About 45% of smokers who are 65 or older have lost all their teeth. (Source: CDC)
Losing all your teeth is a harsh reality for many older smokers. It’s a reminder of the long-term damage that smoking can do to oral health, even after years of use.
10. About 13% of adults who are 65 or older have lost all their teeth. (Source: CDC)
Tooth loss is still a big issue for seniors, even beyond smokers. This stat is a reminder that good oral health habits early on can help prevent this outcome later in life.
11. 96% of adults who are 65 or older have had a cavity. (Source: CDC)
Cavities don’t go away as you get older—almost every senior has had at least one. It’s a clear sign that good oral care needs to be a lifelong commitment.
12. About 50% of men and 33% of women aged 30 or older have had some amount of periodontitis. (Source: CDC)
Gum disease is more common in men than women, but it’s a significant issue for both. Regular dental visits and proper gum care can make a big difference here.
13. About 31 thousand Americans are diagnosed with oral and pharyngeal cancer each year. (Source: CDC)
Oral cancer might not get as much attention as other types of cancer, but it’s a serious issue for thousands of people each year. Early detection is key, so make sure you regularly get your dental checkups.
14. More than 50% of children between the ages of 6 and 8 have had a cavity in their primary teeth. (Source: CDC)
Cavities, even for young children, are incredibly common, which is why it’s so important for kids to start good dental habits early. This stat shows that there’s still room for improvement in pediatric oral health.
15. Over $45 billion in U.S. productivity is lost each year because of untreated dental disease. (Source: CDC)
The economic impact of untreated dental issues is huge. When people aren’t taking care of their teeth, it not only affects their health but can also lead to missed work and lower productivity.
16. Oral disease affects almost 3.5 billion people worldwide (Source: WHO)
Oral health issues are a global problem, affecting nearly half of the world’s population. This highlights the need for better access to dental care and education, especially in underserved areas.
17. Dental care costs the U.S. more than $124 billion each year. (Source: Precedence Research)
Dental care is expensive, with billions being spent every year. This reflects both the cost of treatments and the prevalence of oral health issues.
18. In the U.S., about 1 in 3 adults floss every day. (Source: JADA)
Flossing isn’t as common as it should be, with only a third of adults making it a daily habit. So, if you are not flossing regularly, start!
19. Over 40% of adults reported feeling mouth pain in the past year. (Source: CDC)
Mouth pain is common and can signal a variety of dental problems. Many adults experience this because they have dental issues that go untreated for too long.
20. About 60% of adults with diabetes did not visit the dentist in the past year. (Source: NCBI)
People with diabetes are at higher risk for oral health issues, yet many skip dental visits. This highlights the need for better awareness of the connection between diabetes and oral health care.
21. 3 out of 4 millennials brush their teeth only once a day. (Source: Delta Dental)
While brushing once is better than not brushing at all, it still leaves room for plaque buildup and other dental issues. Dentists generally recommend brushing twice a day to keep things in check.
Visit Dr. Ruiz & Associates, Inc for a dentist in Burbank, CA
Hopefully, you found these dental facts interesting! They clearly highlight the importance of good oral health. So, you’re in the area and are looking for a Burbank dentist, come visit our office!
Dr. Ruiz is a renowned dentist, educator, and researcher who is known as a pioneer in supra-gingival minimally invasive dentistry, or “above the gums dentistry.” This is a healthier form of dentistry that protects soft oral tissues and produces results that are long-lasting. Check out our Google reviews and schedule an appointment with us today!
