The majority of Americans see the connection between oral and overall health, according to the Delta Dental Plans Association "2023 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report."
The report, released May 10, is based on research commissioned by the Delta Dental Plans Association that was conducted Jan. 6-23 by Material Holdings, a global insights and strategy consultancy. The report includes 1,000 Americans that are 18 or older and 1,253 parents of children ages 12 and under.
Here are five report takeaways:
1. Ninety-two percent of adults believe their oral health is very or extremely important to their overall health.
2. The primary motivator for adults maintaining proper oral care is saving money and avoiding unexpected costs.
3. Twenty-six percent of parents of children ages 3-12 reported their child having an oral health issue in the past 12 months.
4. Fifty-nine percent of adults have dental insurance.
5. Thirty-five percent of those without dental coverage cited not being able to afford the monthly payment as a barrier to having insurance.