October has arrived, along with costume parties, trick-or-treating, and pumpkin spice lattes! There is a myriad of delicious foods and drinks this time of year to indulge in. Your dentist wants you to keep in mind, though, that too much sugar can be bad for your teeth. That means it’s more important than ever to be sure you’re following a regular dental routine. If your pearly whites are in prime condition, they’re less likely to develop oral issues that can have serious consequences. If you’re looking for a good scare this Halloween, keep reading to learn a few terrifying stats that will have you running for your toothbrush.
Creepy Cavities
Did you know that nearly 18% of children from 5-19 years old have at least one untreated cavity? To compound matters, 91% of adults aged 20-64 do, too. This is problematic because cavities only get worse in time. They don’t resolve themselves and can penetrate to the root of your tooth, spread to surrounding teeth, and even impact your jawbone.
Unfortunately, the sugar content from the foods we eat attracts bacteria that contribute to tooth decay. You won’t do yourself any favors hanging on to any leftover Halloween candy! The good news is that by limiting your consumption and regularly brushing, you can prevent cavities in the first place.
Petrifying Periodontal Disease
Your teeth make up only one aspect of your oral well-being. Your gums are equally important because they provide nutrients to your pearly whites and give them the support they need to stay in place. However, over 47% of adults 30 years or older have some form of periodontal disease. That figure increases to over 70% of adults 65 years or older. Yikes!
Gum disease happens in stages and is very difficult to detect early on because there are no symptoms until it has advanced. Because of this, it’s often referred to as a “silent” disease. What’s truly scary is that it’s also the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. This can impact your ability to eat and speak as well as progress into more serious conditions over time.
You can avoid tooth loss and the associated issues with proper care. Flossing twice daily is a simple and effective way to keep your gums in good health.
It’s normal to read these facts and figures and worry that your oral hygiene regimen isn’t up to par. If you don’t already brush and floss your teeth twice daily, there’s no better time than now to get started. That way you’ll know your pearly whites are protected so you won’t have a dastardly dental dilemma this Halloween.
About the Author
Dr. Alexandria N. Arditti has been helping patients of all ages improve their smiles since she started at the office in 2017. She completed a BS degree in health promotion and disease prevention studies as well as a BA degree in medicine and biological sciences from the University of Southern California. She then earned her doctor of dental surgery from the prestigious Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC. She is also a certified yoga instructor and has helped many scared patients feel relaxed and comfortable for their appointments. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (714) 592-4294.