Since the coronavirus pandemic began, it has been difficult for many Americans to maintain checkups or schedule new appointments with their healthcare providers. Many offices closed or restricted access. Patients everywhere cancelled routine appointments due to social distancing and other health concerns.
Research shows, however, that many adults were forgoing regular visits to the dentist before the pandemic began.
65% of Pre-Pandemic Adults Went Without Dental Care
In 2019, before coronavirus started impacting businesses and healthcare services, less than 65% of adults in the United States had visited a dentist in the past year. According to data from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey, conducted by the Center for Disease Control, only 64.9% of all adults aged 18 and older had met with a dentist in the past year, while the number of children aged 2-17 years who had seen a dentist was much higher at 85.9%.
A significant number of adults who had not seen a dentist recently did not have access to affordable care in their area. In communities that lacked multiple locations to receive dental care, and in families with lower income levels, adults chose to skip routine dental visits instead of footing the bill for expensive services.
The Importance of Routine Dental Appointments
Regular dental cleanings ensure the removal of hard-to-reach buildup that can lead to tooth decay. When left untreated, tooth decay can lead to cavities, tooth loss, infection and expensive emergency bills later down the line. Routine exams and x-rays allow your dentist to catch the very first signs of decay and detect dental issues as they arise.
Contact All Smiles to Schedule a Checkup
The award-winning team at All Smiles Dental Group provides a wide variety of affordable services to our neighbors in the Colorado Springs Area. We understand the need for affordable care, and we strive to provide our patients with excellent service as well as flexible payment options.
All Smiles Dental Group is your one-stop shop for dental care. In addition to low-cost exams, x-rays and cleanings, our compassionate staff of dental professionals specializes in orthodontics, emergency care, implants and more. Schedule an appointment to meet with one of our dentists today.