Top 5 Most Common Oral Health Conditions in the US

Have you ever wondered how common it really is to develop cavities or gum disease? No one would blame you for wanting to know! Some oral conditions are definitely more prevalent than others, and to satisfy your curiosity, this post lays out 5 of the most common ones in a tidy top 5 list. Read on to learn more about oral health in the US – and the power of regular dental appointments.

#5: Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can include cancers in the mouth, but also in the back of the throat. According to the NIH, oral cancer makes up about 3% of diagnosed cancers each year. It’s more common in individuals over the age of 40, and affects nearly twice as many men than women. Tobacco usage, alcohol consumption, and HPV are significant risk factors for oral cancer.

#4: Dental Sensitivity

If you experience tooth pain after eating overly hot or cold foods, then you’ve experienced dental sensitivity. The numbers vary, but the general consensus is that dental sensitivity is fairly common, affecting about 1 in 8 adults and increasing in prevalence after the age of 40.

#3: Tooth Loss

The CDC reports that complete tooth loss impacts 11% of adults between the ages of 65 and 74, and 20% of adults over 74. Given that these statistics don’t include partial tooth loss, it’s more than reasonable to include tooth loss as the third most common oral health condition.

#2: Gum Disease

There are actually many different stages of gum disease. Periodontitis, for example, is considered to be a more severe form of this oral health condition. This distinction can affect the numbers, but the NIH estimates that all forms of gum disease affect 42% or more of adults over the age of 30. That’s almost half of Americans!

#1: Cavities

Once again, the NIH reveals some troubling statistics: 90% of individuals between 20 and 64 years old have had a cavity in their lifetime. In a more recent study, the CDC also calculates that 50% of children ages 6 to 9 have had at least one cavity in either a baby tooth or permanent pearly white. So if it seems like almost everyone you know has experienced tooth decay, you’re not crazy – that’s pretty close to the truth.

The Power of Preventative Care

Though there has been improvement over the years, oral health conditions are still common in the US. Fortunately, the numbers also show that biannual checkups and cleanings can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a dental disaster.  Visit your dentist for regular preventative care appointments, and they can help you protect your smile!

About the Practice

Dr. Glenn Shtarkman and Dr. Caroline Salib are your gentle and caring dentists in Parma Heights. Both are known for their attentive care and for prioritizing patient comfort, and are experienced with a number of specialty treatments, enabling them to provide a comprehensive list of services to their patients. To make a checkup and cleaning appointment with Dr. Shtarkman or Dr. Salib, simply call 440-885-5354 or request an appointment online.