Most Americans view oral health as important to their life and overall health in well-being national survey
Proper oral health is crucial to a healthy life, according to a recent national survey from Delta Dental. The results reveal that more adults say their oral health (85 percent) is important to their life than their diet or nutrition (71 percent) or relationship with friends.
Making a health connection
The Delta Dental survey shows that most adults (85 percent) recognize their oral health is important to their overall health and having good oral health makes them feel confident on a daily basis (67 percent).
"There is a growing trend for Americans to correlate oral health with overall health and well-being," said Bill Kohn, DDS, chair of Delta Dental Plans Association's Dental Science Committee. "For example, mouth conditions can be associated with many important and serious systemic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and even some cancers."
Protecting America's smiles
The Adult's Oral Health & Well-Being Survey indicates that 88 percent of Americans are dedicated to the well-being of their mouth, teeth and gums.
While a quarter (25 percent) of Americans are extremely satisfied with the health of their mouth, teeth and gums, only a few (15 percent) would rate their current oral health as excellent, leaving most American adults with healthy room for improvement.
About the survey
The Adult's Oral Health & Well-Being Survey was conducted between December 13 and December 28, 2017, among 1,008 nationally representative Americans ages 18+, with a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.
SOURCE: Delta Dental Plans Association
