Tests are a way educational institutions make sure that students are learning and retaining the information they are taught. Many people dread tests, especially in the subjects they don’t know well. Over the years, easier and more fun ways to learn have emerged and the trivia challenge is one of them. Use your wits to try to correctly answer the trivia questions below.
It’s a fun way to learn more about taking care of your dental health!
Question 1: What percentage of Americans report that they floss their teeth each day?
Question 2: About 1out of every 4 American adults currently has a cavity. True or False.
Question 3: Almost half of all Americans 30 years and older have severe gum disease. True or False.
Question 4: Fifty million American don’t see their dentist every year. True or False.
Answers:
Question 1: Americans report brushing their teeth each day, but only 4 out of 10, or less than half of all Americans in a national poll reported flossing their teeth on a daily basis.1 Even more alarming is that 20 percent of Americans report not flossing at all.
While we were all taught to brush our teeth daily, and for most it became a habit when we were young, a lot of people never got into the habit of flossing their teeth. That is unfortunate because a toothbrush is only so effective. In fact, it is reported that brushing only eliminates about 25 percent of the bacteria in your mouth.
Question 2: True. This fact is startling but true according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention Oral Health Surveillance Report.2 The CDC also reports that about 19 percent of American children, age 5 to 19 years, also have untreated dental cavities.
That is why regular dental check-ups are so important to detect and eliminate these cavities early, saving the patient discomfort and additional cost. If a cavity is not detected before it grows too large it may be necessary to place a crown on the tooth and/or to have root canal surgery performed on the tooth.
Question 3: True. The CDC reports that 47 percent of Americans aged 30 years old and older have severe gum disease, which is the primary cause of tooth loss among adults.3 For people 65 and older that number jumps to 70 percent.
Women and those living below the poverty level are more likely than men to have periodontal disease. Gun disease and tooth decay are the two most common causes of tooth damage in the United States.
Question 4: False. The number is actually greater than 50 million. It is 100 million (of the 332 million people in America) who don’t see their dentist annually.4 Some reasons commonly cited for not seeing a dentist regularly are safety, fear, cost and time.
Since Covid emerged people are afraid they may catch the virus at the dentist. While no dentist can guarantee a virus-free visit, most dentists follow the American Dental Association guidelines for safe patient care, which include, and have always included, proper disinfection procedures.
Fear is another factor that comes into play. Talk to your dentist about your fears and ways to increase your comfort level with dental care. Don’t wait until you have a painful dental emergency and are forced to get help and relief from pain.
Cost is also an issue. Again, talk with your dentist or their office staff for ways, such as the CareCredit® credit card, which lets eligible borrowers pay their dental bill over time. People also cite not having time during the day to go to the dentist as a reason for not making their yearly check-up appointment. Most dentists have late hours at least one night a week and some even have weekend appointments available, so it is best to check with your dentist office to see if you can make arrangements which better fit your schedule.
Dental Care that Works for You
Sedki Dentistry in Commerce Twp has always put patient safety first and will continue to do so. We also have several financing options and have extensive training in sedation dentistry. Your visit to our full-service dental clinic ensures all you dental needs and concerns are met. We offer everything form general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry and dental treatments. Your teeth are in good hands with Dr Sedki. Call to schedule a Free Consultation about your oral health and smile needs!
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1 What’s the Best Way to Floss Your Teeth? by Valencia Higuera, 1/8/2020
Link: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-floss#how-to-floss
2 Dental Caries Among Adults and Older Adults
Link: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/OHSR-2019-dental-carries-adults.html
3 How Common is Periodontal Disease and Gingivitis in the U.S.? by Sa El, 4/2/2022
Link: https://www.simplyinsurance.com/how-common-is-periodontal-disease/
5 How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?
Link: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-visits/how-often-should-you-go-to-the-dentist#