October is dental hygiene awareness month! In celebration, here are some fun dental facts:
The first toothbrush with bristles was invented in China in 1498! Bristles from hogs, horses, and badgers were used.
Americans buy 14 million gallons of toothpaste a year!
25% of adults do not brush the recommended two times per day.
91% of people have had at least one cavity.
84% of children and 64% of adults visit their dentist at least once a year.
People who don’t have dental insurance are 66% less less likely to visit a dentist. In the United States, 40% of people do not have dental insurance.
Of people who HAVE dental coverage, only 70% of the costs of dental care are covered on average. The rest is out-of-pocket.
People who drink 3 more more glasses of soda or sugary drinks a day have 62% more tooth decay, fillings, and tooth loss.
Medicare offers no dental coverage.
The average dentist makes $173,000 a year. The average dental hygienist salary is $72,000.
