Why Should I Brush My Teeth?

Statistics That Will Make You Want to Brush and Floss Right Away

In generations past, a grandparent having dentures or false teeth was not uncommon – it was accepted that, as an individual ages, their teeth would decay or suffer from disease dentures were often needed to solve the problem. While many people believed this is a natural part of life, what they may not know is that almost all oral diseases are completely preventable. In recent years, the practice of dentistry has greatly evolved and improved to better take care of our smiles and it is generally safe to say that individuals who brush, floss, and visit their dentist regularly will likely avoid any major problems.

But, even with this is mind, the statistics regarding tooth decay and other oral diseases are astounding:

• Over 15 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 19 suffer from tooth decay
• Almost 24 percent of adults ages 20 to 64 suffer from tooth decay
• Almost three-quarters of adults 35 and over have some form of gum disease
• Between 4 and 12 percent of adults in the United States have advanced gum disease
• One quarter of all adults ages 65 and over have lost all of their teeth
• Almost one-third of all Americans have not visited the dentist in the last year

These statistics are scary and it is not surprising that no one wants to be included in these numbers. It is important to remember that we only have one set of natural teeth and it is important to take care of them in order to keep them for the length of our lives. The easiest way to avoid being one of these statistics is by brushing twice a day, flossing on a daily basis and, of course, making appointments with your dentist on a regular basis for scheduled check-ups on your oral health.

Not only will following this routine help you keep your teeth longer but it will also help to keep you out of the dentist chair and having to undergo uncomfortable, possibly painful and expensive procedures. Having to have bridges or dentures made is an uncomfortable process, both physically and emotionally, and can be very expensive even with the assistance of dental insurance. Isn’t taking the time to brush, floss and visit the dentist regularly worth being able to avoid losing your teeth at an early age?

If you have not seen a dentist for some time because of a lack of coverage, consider using Wellness Dental Plan, a NH discount dental plan offering as much as a 20 percent discount on regular and emergency care visits. For more information about the plans offered, please click here.

*Photo Courtesy of aotaro via Creative Commons License