From the Center for Disease Control (CDC): More Than 20% of Seniors over 65 had untreated cavities in 2008.

USA Today reported that “cavities are not just for kids.” Figures from the CDC indicate that “more than 20% of people over age 65 had untreated cavities in 2008,” with “poor people, men and non-white…especially at risk.” The article also pointed out that Alice Boghosian, DDS, “a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association, “was not surprised by the patient’s age.”

Meanwhile, HealthDay reported, “Gum disease and tooth decay cause about 90 percent of tooth loss, the American Dental Association says, “Dental surgeon Dr. Martin Hogan, of the Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL, explained, “The good news is gum disease is largely preventable through regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings,” while the bad news is that not many people like flossing their teeth, and many brush improperly.”