Health Article

Adult Dental Health – Quick Facts

Due to the widespread use of fluoride in water and toothpaste, the Baby Boomer generation will be the first where the majority will maintain their natural teeth over their entire lifetime.

Adults and Tooth Loss

• Over the past 10 years, the number of adults missing all their natural teeth has declined from 31% to 25% for those aged 60 years and older.
• The numbers are even lower for those aged 40-59: those without teeth make up only 5%, down from 9% in previous years – however, 5% means a surprising 1 out of 20 middle-aged adults are missing all their teeth.
• 70% of adults reported visiting a dentist in the past 12 months.

Adults and Tooth Decay

• Over 40% of low-income patients aged 20 and over have at least one untreated decayed tooth compared to 16% of those with higher incomes.

Adults and Mouth Pain

• Almost 1 of every 4 adults reported some form of facial pain in the past 6 months.
• Women report certain painful mouth and facial conditions (TMJ disorders, migraine headaches, and burning mouth syndrome) more often than men.
• Every year more than 400,000 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer from oral problems such as painful mouth ulcers, impaired taste, and dry mouth.

Adults and Gum Disease

• Most adults show signs of gum disease. Severe gum disease affects about 14 percent of adults aged 45 to 54 years.

Source: Centers for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov

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