Have you seen a dentist or orthodontist lately?
Most people have – 60% of us who are 20 to 64 years old report doing so in the last 12 months. And a fourth of that age group rate the condition of their teeth and mouths as excellent or very good.
No one disputes the positive effect that regular dental hygiene and checkups have on a person’s quality of life. But with all the advances made in the last few years, a trip to the dentist or orthodontist now often means an elective procedure such as teeth whitening services, porcelain veneers, Invisalign treatment and other cosmetic dental services.
64.6% of parents say their children under 18 have been to a dentist every six months, and another 20.3% have gone every year. It’s been shown that about 20@ of those who are five to 11 have at least one decayed tooth that has not been treated. But now there are sealants that can be applied to reduce decay in permanent molars by 81% for the first two years and keep working for two more after that.
92% of us between the ages of 20 and 64 have had cavities (or dental caries)in our permanent teeth. An average of 3.28 of them are decayed or missing, and 13.65 of the permanent surfaces are in the same shape. And a study by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons determined that some 68% of adults 35 to 44 have lost at least one tooth to accident, gum disease, root canal or decay. Up to 15 million people in the United States have been fitted for crowns or bridges.
Regular contact with your dentist or orthodontist will keep you up to date on the latest techniques and procedures to make sure your teeth and gums remain in the very best possible condition.