According to Delta Dental’s national 2020 State of America’s Oral Health Report, 93% of Americans consider oral health to be very or extremely important to overall health. However, Americans in general are still largely underinformed about the serious link between oral health and the rest of our well-being.
More than 120 diseases may be first detected by a dental exam because symptoms often appear first inside the mouth. Medical conditions that are closely linked to oral health include:
- Strokes
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- High blood pressure
And most Americans are not immune to dental issues, including 80% who will experience cavities, 76% toothache and 61% teeth sensitivity. These issues can impact not just your physical health, but also everyday life, resulting in:
- 51% of Americans facing unwanted consequences from oral health issues, including lost sleep and missed work
- An increase in the average number of cavities per child from one to two and children missing 4.5 days of school over the last 12 months
- 77% of parents worrying that oral health issues will have a negative impact on their child’s confidence
Good oral health starts at home, but dental insurance plays a key role in ensuring you get the dental care you need. If you missed your preventive visits last year due to the pandemic, now is the time to schedule your checkup! Dental offices are safer than ever and most Delta Dental plans cover exams and cleanings at 100%.
