Untreated Cavities in Older Adults who Smoke

Untreated tooth decay is higher in people who smoke cigarettes. Among adults aged 20–64 years, over 40% who currently smoke cigarettes had untreated tooth decay.

The percentage of adults aged 20–64 with untreated tooth decay between 1999–2004 and 2011–2016:

• Increased from 39% to 44% among current smokers.
• Increased from 20% to 25% among former smokers.
• Remained at 20% among those who have never smoked.