Dental Care Statistics: What Numbers Reveal About Canada's Smiles

For Canadians to really experience optimal health, it’s important that they have healthy teeth and gums. So many issues with general wellness and overall well-being are tied to your dental health. That’s why our Montreal, QC dental practice offers the latest in cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments as well as routine cleanings and dental care services.

Numbers, facts, and figures can offer a lot of perspective when it comes to people’s health problems and wellness needs. With that in mind, let’s take a moment to consider a few statistics regarding dental care in Canada. These will help you better appreciate the need for good oral hygiene and regular checkups.

Prevalence of Dental Health Problems

According to numbers from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), a fraction of the Canadian population suffers from some sort of dental problem that requires professional attention. About 12 percent of respondents reported that they have avoided certain food items in the last year because of a dental problem. Additionally, 12 percent of respondents reported some form of ongoing oral pain over the course of the year.

Statistics on Visits to the Dentist

In an average year, about 74 percent of Canadians visited the dentist in a given year. While these numbers are pretty strong, the cost of dental care unfortunately plays a role in overall wellness.

Approximately 16 percent of Canadians said that even though they went to the dentist, they avoided getting all of the treatments they required because of the cost of dental treatment; in fact, 17 percent of people in the CHMS study said that they avoided the dentist completely because of the cost of dental treatment.

Brushing, Flossing, and Oral Hygiene Practices

Preventative dental care is rooted in good at-home oral hygiene in addition to regular checkups. Thankfully, most Canadians are pretty good about oral hygiene, though improvements could be made.

Around 73 percent of Canadians brush their teeth twice a day, which is the minimum amount recommended by dentists. Flossing is another story, unfortunately. Only 28 percent of Canadians floss their teeth at least 5 times a week.

People should brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Ideally, you should consider brushing and flossing after every meal.

Tooth Decay Statistics

Cavities are a common problem in people of all ages. An estimated 96 percent of Canadians have dealt with at least one cavity during adult life. Among children, 57 percent of kids ages 6-11 have dealt with cavities; 59 percent of children ages 12-19 have dealt with cavities.

Gum Disease Statistics

Statistics have found that gum disease is just as common as tooth decay. According to the Canadian Dental Association, around 7 in 10 Canadians suffer from some form of gum disease. Good oral hygiene is essential for prevention, and regular dental visits are necessary for early diagnosis and treatment.

The Time Necessary for Dental Treatments

Good dental care takes times, so it’s interesting to consider how much productivity is lost in a given year because of dental treatments. Annually, dental visits result in a loss of 2.26 million school-days and 4.15 million working-days. That’s what it takes to keep Canada smiling.

Contact Smile Montreal

For more information about improving the health and appearance of your smile, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. We look forward to your visit and discussing these matters with you in greater detail.