Does Your Family Have Untreated Cavities? The Important of Scheduling Regular Dentist Visits

Many people in the United States only visit the dentist once every three years. Since it is usually recommended that people visit the dentist at least once a year, cavities and other dental issues can develop during that time. Current data, for example, shows that approximately 20% of the American population has one or more untreated cavities. This situation often occurs with low-income individuals and families without dental insurance. Children are particularly susceptible to having untreated cavities in this instance.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reported that a large percentage of children have cavities in their primary teeth. According to their data, this is the case with 42% of children from the ages of two to 11. By the time they reach kindergarten, over 40% of children within this age bracket will have cavities. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 19% of children and adolescents have untreated cavities.

Given that cavities and other issues, such as broken or chipped teeth, can cause severe pain, many children with poor oral health miss school. It’s been estimated that when left untreated, these children are three times more likely to miss school than their peers that receive regular dental care.

It’s also important to note that tooth decay has become more common than other types of conditions and diseases. Recent data shows that tooth decay in children is 20 times more common than diabetes and five times more common than childhood asthma.

While some people may be too busy with work, family, and other obligations to visit their family dentist, others may avoid making appointments because they’re nervous about going to the dentist. Since there have been so many advancements in the field, dentists and their assistants can alleviate these concerns. Since good oral hygiene is integral to a person’s overall health, it’s important to schedule regular dental visits for the entire family.

A family dentistry office can provide a variety of important services to assist their patients with achieving and maintaining good oral health. In addition to regular check-ups, teeth cleaning, and cavity filling, a family dentistry office can also provide tips on oral hygiene. Furthermore, when someone has a dental emergency, a family dental office can address this as well.