Oral diseases impact nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide, with three out of four individuals residing in middle-income countries, according to the 2022 WHO Global Oral Health Status Report. While many types of dental diseases exist, some of the most common dental issues include gum disease and tooth decay. The WHO estimates that approximately 2 billion adults experience cavities in permanent teeth, while 514 million children experience primary (baby) teeth cavities.

As of 2020, 13.3% of U.S. adults 65 and older have lost all of their teeth because of tooth decay or gum disease, per data from the CDC.

How Many People Have Cavities?

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, are more common than people might think. In fact, over 90% of adults over 20 have experienced a cavity, with 82% of individuals having experienced at least one cavity by age 34.

Among children ages 6 to 8, more than half (52%) have had a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth, while more than half of adolescents ages 12 to 19 (57%) have had cavities in at least one of their permanent teeth, according to the CDC.

Despite the prevalence of cavities, they are often left untreated: One-quarter of adults ages 20 to 64 have at least one untreated cavity, and nearly 11% of children ages 2 to 5 have untreated cavities. It’s important to treat cavities when possible, as they can cause pain and infections, leading to issues with eating, speaking, playing and learning in children.

Dental Sealants Prevent 80% of Cavities

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars). While all children can benefit from dental sealants, the CDC recommends getting dental sealant around the ages of 6 and 12, when the first and second molars come in, respectively.

This treatment can help prevent 80% of cavities for over two years in the back teeth and continue to prevent 50% of cavities for up to four years. Despite the efficacy of dental sealants, less than half of children (42%) and adolescents (48%) have dental sealants on permanent teeth, according to the CDC.

How Common Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an overarching term for conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis, which involves inflammation or infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth. It’s the leading cause of tooth loss among adults, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Approximately 47% of adults ages 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease. That number jumps to 70% for adults 65 years and older, according to a 2013 report from the CDC.

While most people experience periodontal disease at some point in their lives, the CDC reports that the condition is more common in the following individuals 30 years and older:

• Men more commonly experience periodontal disease (56%) than women (38%)
• Individuals living below the federal poverty level (65%)
• People with less than a high school education (67%)
• Current smokers (64%)