How many cavities does the average person get in a lifetime?

In general, adults develop an average of three cavities in their lifetime. This means that the average adult has three or four fillings in their mouth. Some patients end up with ten or more fillings, depending on how well they take care of their teeth. Adults between the ages of 20 and 64 show significant signs of tooth decay.

One in four adults will have at least one cavity. Adults in this demographic group have an average of more than 3 missing or decayed teeth and more than 13 decayed or missing tooth surfaces. Despite how prevalent and preventable tooth decay is, many people do not implement good dental hygiene practices that can deter tooth decay from forming. Cavities in children's permanent teeth or cavities in young children who still have years left before their permanent teeth come out are usually treated with direct fillings.