Newark Residents Face Alarming Dental Health Statistics
Walking through downtown Newark or enjoying a show at the historic Midland Theatre, you probably don’t think about the alarming dental health statistic that affects more than one in four American adults. According to the CDC, 25.9% of adults ages 20-44 have untreated dental decay—that means nearly 26 out of every 100 people in this age group are living with cavities that need immediate attention.
For Newark’s population of over 50,400 residents, this statistic represents thousands of people who may be unknowingly walking around with dental problems that will only get worse without professional intervention. At Newark Dental Associates, Dr. Brian Stickel sees firsthand how untreated decay affects local families and professionals throughout Newark, Heath, Granville, Johnstown, and Pataskala, OH.
Call our Newark dental office at (740) 344-4000 to schedule your dental appointment.
How the 25.9% Statistic Happened
When dental professionals talk about “untreated dental decay,” they’re referring to cavities that have been diagnosed but haven’t received proper restorative treatment like dental fillings, dental crowns, or root canals. This isn’t just surface-level tooth discoloration—it’s an active bacterial infection eating away at your tooth structure.
The 20-44 age group represents a particularly vulnerable population, and with Newark’s median age of 38.8 years, many of our residents fall squarely within this high-risk demographic. These are typically working adults juggling career responsibilities, family obligations, and financial pressures—often putting their own dental health on the back burner until pain forces them to seek emergency care.
Why Untreated Dental Decay is Common in Newark
Several factors contribute to this concerning statistic in our community. Newark’s median household income of $58,920 places many families in a challenging position where dental care feels like a luxury rather than a necessity. Many residents assume that quality dental treatment is prohibitively expensive, not realizing that preventive care and early intervention are far more affordable than emergency treatments.
The busy lifestyle common among Newark residents also plays a role. With many professionals commuting to Columbus for work or managing demanding local careers, finding time for routine dental appointments often gets postponed. Additionally, dental anxiety affects millions of Americans, causing people to avoid necessary care until problems become unbearable.
Access can also be an issue for some residents in Licking County, particularly those without reliable transportation or flexible work schedules that accommodate dental appointments during traditional business hours.
The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Dental Decay
The financial impact of untreated dental decay extends far beyond the initial cost of a filling. A simple cavity that could be treated with a filling today may require a root canal and crown if left untreated. In severe cases, tooth extraction and replacement with a dental implant can be more expensive than a regular dental cleaning.
Beyond the financial implications, untreated dental decay poses serious health risks. Research consistently shows links between poor oral health and cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic health problems. For working adults, dental pain can significantly impact job performance, sleep quality, and overall quality of life.
Parents with untreated decay also inadvertently model poor oral health habits for their children, potentially setting up the next generation for similar problems.
Warning Signs You Might Need Immediate Dental Attention
Many Newark residents are unaware they have untreated decay because early stages often don’t cause pain. Dr. Stickel encourages patients to watch for these early warning signs:
Early indicators of tooth decay include:
- Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- White or dark spots appearing on tooth surfaces
- Persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene
- Food consistently gets stuck in the same areas
Advanced symptoms requiring urgent dentistry care:
- Visible holes or dark spots in teeth
- Sharp pain when biting down
- Swelling around affected teeth or gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait—untreated decay progresses rapidly and becomes more expensive and complicated to treat. Contact our Newark dental office at (740) 344-4000 to schedule an appointment.
How Professional Cleanings at Newark Dental Associates Keep Tooth Decay at Bay
Regular dental cleanings and examinations are your best defense against becoming part of this troubling statistic. During routine visits at Newark Dental Associates, Dr. Stickel and his team can detect decay in its earliest stages—often before you experience any symptoms.
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup in areas that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach effectively. This is particularly important for preventing decay between teeth and along the gum line. Additionally, professional fluoride treatments help strengthen tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to bacterial acid attacks.
The cost-effectiveness of preventive care can’t be overstated. Most dental insurance plans fully cover routine cleanings, recognizing that preventing problems is far less expensive than treating advanced decay. Even without insurance, the cost of two annual cleanings and exams is typically less than the cost of a single filling.
Newark-Specific Solutions for Dental Health
At Newark Dental Associates, we understand the unique challenges facing residents of Newark, Heath, Granville, Johnstown, and Pataskala, OH. We offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate working professionals, families, and students. Our team works with most major insurance plans and offers payment plans to make quality dental care accessible regardless of your current financial situation.
Dr. Stickel takes a gentle, patient-centered approach that helps anxious patients feel comfortable during their visits. We believe that no one should avoid necessary dental care due to fear or financial concerns, and we work individually with each patient to develop treatment plans tailored to their needs and budget.
Don’t Wait—Take Action Today
You can avoid becoming part of the 25.9% statistic by prioritizing proper preventive care and seeking prompt treatment for any emerging dental issues. Maintaining excellent oral health is achievable throughout your life with these proactive measures.
If it’s been over six months since your last dental cleaning and examination, or if you’re noticing any warning signs, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Early intervention is always the best approach, being more comfortable, affordable, and successful than delaying care until problems worsen.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Stickel at Newark Dental Associates by calling (740) 344-4000. We’re dedicated to helping Newark area families achieve and maintain optimal oral health, ensuring your teeth remain healthy, strong, and pain-free for years to come.