In order to maintain good oral health, it’s important to have a dental checkup and teeth cleaning twice a year. In some instances, children and adults may need to schedule appointments more often, however. This may be the case if they are experiencing pain, have several cavities, chip a tooth, or have another dental condition. When left untreated, there are a variety of dental issues that can negatively affect an individual’s overall health and well-being.
A Brief Overview of Dental Visits
Many individuals may not go to the dentist on a regular basis. Over the past year, however, data indicates that the following percentage of children and adults visited a dentist:
- Children two through 17 years of age: 84.6%
- Adults 18 through 64 years of age: 64.4%
- Adults 65 years of age and older: 64.3%
Prevalent Dental Issues
There are a variety of dental issues experienced by people within the United States. Untreated tooth decay is common, and 27% of adults have this issue. When cavities aren’t treated, infections can develop. Furthermore, this can potentially lead to tooth loss.
Periodontal, or gum disease, can also cause someone to lose one or more teeth. Adults 30 years of age and older often begin to exhibit this disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 50% of Americans in this age group have periodontitis, which is an advanced form of the disease. This amounts to roughly 64.7 million people. Since the initial symptoms may not be noticed, less than 60% of the individuals with gum disease may be aware that they have it.
Oral cancer is another serious condition. This is more prevalent with adults over 55. Smoking and heavy alcohol intake have been known to contribute to the development of this type of cancer.
Learn More About Dental Services
In addition to visiting your local dental office, there may be mobile dental services available in your area. This can be especially convenient when you have a busy schedule as well as when you or someone in your family is experiencing a dental emergency. Mobile dental care is also beneficial for individuals without reliable transportation. Remember that twice-annual visits are recommended. This includes seeing a dentist for a professional checkup and a hygienist for cleaning.
