How Are You Doing?
In 2010 Statistics Canada undertook a massive study of Canadian Dental Health. (The State of Oral Health in Canada) The results were encouraging when compared to a similar study done in the early 1970’s. “Canadians have experienced significant decreases in levels of dental decay over the past 40 years.” According to the study 75% of Canadians see their dentist at least once each year, and 86% go at least once every two years. In the 70’s less than half of Canadians visited their dentist annually.
Statistics like this can help put in perspective your own dental health and habits. So how are you doing so far? Are you part of the ¾ of Canadian’s who get an annual checkup? The report had more statistics that might be good for self-analysis or comparison.
Consider Who Has Access to Dental Care
- Approximately 80% of Canadians have a dentist
- 85.7% of Canadians visit a dentist every 2-years
- 68% of Canadians have dental insurance at some level
Inconvenience, or Fear?
According to this study there are approximately 2.6 million Canadians that have dental insurance and still do not see a dentist annually. What could be the reason so many avoid going to the dentist even with insurance?
Convenience could be one reason? Canadian’s work hard and study hard. The same study found 2.26 million schooldays are lost annually due to dental visits and 4.15 million working-days for adults. Fear of pain and discomfort is another reason why some do not get to their dentist annually? One poll taken by 18,000 people worldwide, found 61% of the respondents said they’re afraid of going to the dentist and almost 4% of them said they’ve never been to a dentist.
Erbsville Dental the Solution
Erbsville Dental offers after hours and weekend appointments for those with busy schedules. In addition, sedation dentistry can help with fear and anxiety. Dr. Mathews is sensitive to such fears and offers sedation options for adults as well as children.
Consider just one more statistic from this Canadian study. 6.4% of Canadians have no teeth. Dentists can help prevent most of the conditions that result in tooth loss. But only if you have regular checkups. Preferably at least once per year.
Canadians are setting the bar for the world with a great report of good dental health. However, there is still room to improve. You deserve healthy teeth. Don’t let anything stop you! Erbsville Dental is here for you, let us know how we can make your visit better? Call us or email, and book your visit today.
