Good News and Bad News on the Status of America’s Oral Health
New survey data reveal encouraging oral health habits among adults and children, along with some surprising gaps that oral health professionals can help close.
Delta Dental recently released its State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report, which includes data culled from a survey of 1,000 United States adults and 1,000 US adults who are also parents of children younger than 12. And good news abounds! Nearly 75% of those polled said they brushed twice daily and flossed daily. Yay!
Interestingly, more younger adults noted they brushed twice daily and flossed daily than did older adults. This bodes well for the future of oral health. Americans are also seeing the light when it comes to oral systemic health; 90% noted that preventive dental exams are just as important as a yearly physical check-up. When it comes to kids, there is more work to do but these results are promising: 75% of children brush twice daily and 64% floss daily.
On a less positive note, 67% of parents polled reported they were worried that their children’s dental problems would negatively impact their confidence. Also 55% of adults surveyed said they did not replace their toothbrush every 3 months as is recommended. Yuck! And 46% said they won’t replace a brush until the bristles are obviously worn. However, most of the news was encouraging, and demonstrates the important impact oral health professionals have on their patients. Click here to read the report.
