Here’s Why the Tooth Fairy Should Be Worried

Let’s get real—there’s never a line out the door at the dentist, and no one fights to be first to floss. But blowing off your toothbrush has consequences, America.

It’s a cavity calamity: More than a quarter (27 percent) of American adults have untreated tooth decay, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. And that’s not all. Less than 10 percent of us have a filling-free mouth—91 percent of 20- to 64-year-olds had at least one tooth with tooth decay or cavities.

Dentists have known for years that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children, but these findings are the first to reveal that adults aren’t much better off.

Cavities and tooth decay occur when bacteria eat through the enamel on your teeth. The simplest way to stop this? Keep your mouth clean, obviously.  Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss between your teeth after meals, and visit your dentist for regular checkups.

Take the first step towards a healthier mouth by stocking up on natural oral care products—like tea tree floss, toothbrushes made from recycled plastic, and nontoxic toothpaste—from Thrive Market.

Photo credit: Chenthil Mohan via Flickr