Dental Visits Linked to Healthier, Happier Lives, Regardless of Income
New Gallup data reveal a strong link between regular dental visits and overall well-being, from better self-rated health to greater daily energy. Even after accounting for income, those who prioritize oral care tend to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
A new Gallup poll provides compelling evidence that regular dental visits are not only good for the mouth, but for the mind and body as well. Adults who visited a dentist in the past year were significantly more likely to report excellent or very good overall health (42%) compared to those who had not (26%). This strong association between oral care and general well-being held true across income levels, making dental care a standout indicator of broader health.
The data, gathered from nearly 12,000 United States adults, show that 71% of Americans reported seeing a dentist within the past 12 months. Yet access remains deeply tied to income. Just 46% of individuals earning under $24,000 visited the dentist, while 86% of those in the highest income bracket ($180,000+) did the same.
Despite this gap, the benefits of dental visits transcended income brackets. From low to high earners, people who received dental care were more likely to feel productive, energetic, and generally satisfied with life. Interestingly, at very high income levels, life satisfaction became more influenced by wealth than by dental habits, suggesting diminishing returns on dental care’s well-being impact among affluent populations.
On the flip side, skipping dental care was associated with a host of negative indicators: lacking a personal physician, smoking, food insecurity, loneliness, and poor mental health. These findings reinforce the bidirectional relationship between oral care and total well-being. Click here to read more.
