The statistics don’t lie: Why it’s important to maintain your oral health

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Only 49% of men in the United States brush their teeth twice a day, compared to the 57% of women who do.

By Delta Dental of North Carolina

Oct 11, 2019

Your oral health is more important than you may think. While we prioritize many aspects of our overall health, we often forget about our teeth.

More than 100 million Americans fail to see the dentist each year despite the benefits of a semi-annual visit. Regular visits help to spot dental health problems early on when you can treat them simply and more affordably, before they escalate to major, often costly issues.

If you’re on the fence about going to see a dentist, here are a few facts that may change your mind.

• 92% of adults suffer from cavities at some point in their lifetime, due to inadequate preventive oral care.
• One in seven children in the United States ages 6-12 suffered from toothaches in the last six months. Children with poor oral health who live in North Carolina were nearly three times more likely to miss school due to dental pain compared to those with good oral health.
• 90% of all systemic diseases (diseases that affect the entire body) develop in the mouth, beginning as swollen gums, mouth ulcers, and dry mouth.
• Only 49% of men in the United States brush their teeth twice a day, compared to the 57% of women who do.
• One-third of adults never floss their teeth, leading to bad breath and plaque build-up that leads to both tooth decay and gum disease.
• 3.9 billion people worldwide are affected by oral disease, leading to serious pain and discomfort impacting their daily lives.

These issues can become painful not only to your mouth but also to your wallet. Having dental insurance can alleviate the stress of having to pay high prices for your oral health care, and encourage people to have regular checkups.

Families with dental insurance are almost twice as likely to get preventive care as those without it. Plus, those who develop more complicated oral problems are more likely to skip needed treatments due to cost if they don’t have dental insurance.

Delta Dental of North Carolina's mission is to improve the oral health of the communities it serves by providing the most affordable access to oral health care and helping you navigate the enrollment process. To view the full list of dental insurance terms, read our previous article on the Charlotte Business Journal here.