Your smile is more than just aesthetics. The numbers behind dental health reveal important patterns about how Americans care for their teeth and what you can do to maintain optimal oral health throughout your life. For many families in Burien, understanding these statistics provides valuable context for making educated decisions about preventative care and treatment options.
At Burien Signature Dentistry, Dr. Andy Kim focuses on preventive and conservative care for patients ages 10 and up. We believe informed families make better healthcare decisions, which is why we want to share what the data shows about dental health trends and how regular care can help you avoid serious problems in the future.
The Growing Need for Emergency Dental Care
Emergency dental visits account for a significant share of healthcare utilization in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average annual rate of emergency department visits for tooth disorders was 59.4 per 10,000 people from 2020 to 2022. While this is a decrease from previous years, nearly 2 million Americans still visit hospital emergency departments for dental pain every year.
These emergency visits often result from conditions that endodontists treat. The American Dental Association reports that abscesses and dental caries accounted for nearly 80 percent of dental-related emergency room visits, both of which are largely preventable conditions with proper dental care. Adults aged 25 to 34 account for the most significant percentage of emergency department visits for tooth disorders at 29.2 percent, highlighting the need for accessible, specialized care during working years.
The Growing Impact of Cosmetic Dentistry
More Americans than ever are investing in their smiles through cosmetic dentistry. The desire for a confident, attractive smile has made cosmetic dental treatments increasingly popular across all age groups. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, nearly all adults (99.7 percent) believe a smile is a key social asset, and 74 percent feel an unattractive smile can hurt career success.
The statistics also reveal that first impressions matter significantly. Studies show people form opinions about others within seconds of meeting them, and your smile plays a crucial role in that initial assessment. Research indicates that nearly half of adults believe a smile is the most memorable asset after first meeting someone, even more memorable than what the person says.
Cosmetic dentistry encompasses a range of treatments that enhance the appearance of your teeth and smile. Teeth whitening is one of the most frequently sought-after cosmetic procedures, with millions of Americans seeking brighter smiles each year. Professional whitening treatments can remove years of staining from coffee, wine, and tea, as well as from aging, often lightening teeth by several shades in a single visit.
Beyond whitening, treatments like porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding, and tooth reshaping address multiple concerns simultaneously. These solutions can correct discoloration, chips, gaps, and minor misalignment, creating comprehensive smile transformations. For patients with more extensive concerns, smile makeovers combine multiple treatments for dramatic, life-changing results.
Washington State’s Dental Workforce
Understanding the dental landscape in Washington provides context for accessing specialized care. According to the Washington State Department of Health, the number of dentists per 100,000 population increased slightly to 74 in 2016, up from 71 in 2007. The American Dental Association estimates that Washington has 72 dentists per 100,000 population, indicating a more robust overall supply than the national average of 61 per 100,000.
However, dental professionals remain unevenly distributed across Washington’s counties. The total number of dental hygienists licensed in Washington increased from 4,796 in 2007 to 5,754 in 2016, a 20 percent increase. The University of Washington School of Dentistry operates postdoctoral specialty clinics that train dentists in endodontics and other specialties, thereby contributing to the state’s specialized dental workforce.
Preventive Care Makes a Difference
The statistics consistently show that regular dental visits and preventative care reduce the need for complex treatments. The American Dental Association recommends dental checkups every six months for most patients. These regular visits allow your dental team to detect problems early, provide professional cleanings, and offer personalized guidance for maintaining oral health at home.
Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing cannot eliminate. Professional cleanings help prevent gum disease, which affects nearly half of American adults over age 30, according to the CDC. Early identification and treatment of gum disease helps prevent tooth loss and may reduce your risk of other health complications.
For children and teenagers, preventive treatments such as dental sealants and fluoride applications provide an added layer of protection during the cavity-prone years. Research shows these treatments significantly reduce the incidence of tooth decay in young patients.
Experience Preventive and Conservative Care at Burien Signature Dentistry
The statistics demonstrate that preventive dental care is the best way to maintain your natural teeth for life. Dr. Andy Kim and our team at Burien Signature Dentistry combine this evidence-based approach with personalized care to help families throughout Burien, Kent, Federal Way, and SeaTac maintain healthy smiles.
We focus on conservative treatments that preserve your natural tooth structure while achieving lasting results. Whether you need routine preventative care, restorative treatments, or cosmetic dentistry services, our welcoming practice provides the comprehensive care you deserve. We accept most major PPO insurance plans and offer Cherry financing to make quality dental care accessible for your family. Ready to receive care backed by proven success rates and delivered with a personal touch? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and experience the benefits of preventative dental care.
