Which States Are More Likely To Look After Their Oral Health

Visiting your dentist regularly is one of the most important ways to look after your oral health. A dental care expert can make sure you get the care you need, and can help prevent dental problems and stop any potential existing issues from worsening. This can help to keep your natural teeth healthy throughout your life.

Gum disease and tooth decay are two common dental problems that can cause many issues, and may sometimes extend beyond just your oral health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in America, but the good news is that it can be prevented. One of the most effective ways to prevent gum disease or treat it before it causes tooth loss, is by visiting your dentist!

At Affordable Dentures & Implants, we wanted to explore which states have the best smile according to available data. Using the most recent data, we found out which states have the most adults that were able to visit their dentist within one year, and which states with the most adults that were not able to visit their dentist.

We also found out which states have the highest number of over 65 year olds who have lost all their natural teeth from tooth decay or gum disease, and which states have the least adults that have lost all their teeth from gum disease.

Our research also found out which states have the most adults under 65 without health insurance, and which states have the least amount of adults without insurance.

The 10 states with the most adults who have visited the dentist within 12 months.

Visiting the dentist is a key part of your oral health, as regular visits can help prevent, identify, and treat any dental problems you may have. Below are the top 10 states with the most adults who have been able to visit their dentist over the period of one year.

The 10 states with the most adults who have not visited the dentist

It is recommended that you visit your dentist at least once every 6 - 12 months. Below are the top 10 states with the most adults who were not able to see their dentist over the period of one year, according to the most recent data available. Visiting the dentist is important for several reasons, the first being a dental check up allows a professional to examine your teeth and gums, making sure there aren't any serious problems.

A dental examination can also help identify any potential problems, with expert advice and guidance offered. You may need to brush more frequently to prevent gum disease, or cut down on sugary drinks and food. Your dentist can also recommend certain dental products that may help you stay on top of your oral health, and prevent gum disease.

But the most important reason to visit your dentist is to give your dentist the opportunity to identify any potential problems, as the sooner issues are detected, the easier they are to treat.

The 10 states that have the most adults aged 65 and over who have not lost their natural teeth due to tooth decay and gum disease

Maintaining a good oral health routine can effectively help to prevent gum disease, which can reduce the risk of complete tooth loss later in life. Below are the states with the highest number of over 65 year olds that have not lost their teeth due to gum disease.

The 10 states that have the most adults aged 65 and over who have lost all their natural teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease

Our research revealed the states that have the most people who have experienced complete tooth loss due to gum disease and tooth decay, according to the most recent data available. Losing all your natural teeth can have a major impact on your wellbeing, with people who experience this often losing confidence and finding it harder to eat their favorite foods. Solutions like dental implants and dentures can help.

It’s striking to see that many of the states with the most reported cases of tooth loss in 65 year olds, are also in the top 10 states with the most adults who have not visited the dentist in the past year. Kentucky, West Virginia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Georgia all appear in both categories.

This overlap suggests there may be a link between not receiving dental care, and oral health issues that result in tooth loss. This stresses the importance of visiting your dentist, although we understand there are reasons why people might not be able to, such as financial pressure.

The 10 states with the least number of adults without health insurance

Health insurance helps Americans save money on medical bills, with many plans including dental care. Below are the states with the least people under the age of 65 without health insurance.

We found that some of the states with the least adults who do not have health insurance are the same states with the most adults that have not lost their natural teeth due to gum disease. Hawaii, Minnesota, and New Hampshire are all in the top 10 states that have not lost all their natural teeth, and are in the top 10 states that have the least adults without health insurance. These three states also appear in the top 10 states with the most adults who were able to visit their dentist over the period of one year.

Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin also appear in the top 10 states with the most adults who have visited the dentist in the one year period. This suggests there may be a link between being able to visit the dentist, and having health insurance, indicating financial problems might be stopping Americans from receiving the health care they need.

The 10 states with the highest percentage of people under the age of 65 without health insurance

Many Americans rely on health insurance to keep their teeth and gums in top shape. Health insurance allows us to save money on medical bills, and many plans cover at least some dentistry. Having no health insurance can make receiving medical care very expensive, which can put people off having important check ups as well as other care they may need.

We found that 18.7% of adults under the age of 65 in Texas do not have health insurance, and that 42.5% of adults in Texas have not been to the dentist over the past year. Oklahoma has the second largest percentage of adults under the age of 65 who do not have health insurance (13.5%), and is within the top 10 states that have the highest number of adults who have not visited the dentist in the past year (40.3%). Georgia, Mississippi, Arizona, and Tennessee are all in the top 10 of both adults who do not have health insurance, and adults who were not able to visit the dentist over the past year.

This could suggest that one of the reasons why some people avoid the dentist is due to the cost of treatment, which might be significant without health insurance. For many Americans, health insurance ensures that individuals have access to dental care, which can help to prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease.

Full overview of states and how they look after their oral health

Based on various factors from the data we collected, here is our full list of states comparing how they are looking after their oral health. This data shows adults without health insurance, adults visiting their dentists over the period of 12 months, and tooth loss due to gum disease and tooth decay in adults aged 65. We ranked these states based on this data. The higher overall ranking, the better position compared to other states.

How to best protect your oral health

Overall, the best way to protect your oral health and keep your teeth and gums happy and healthy is to visit your dentist regularly, and maintain proper oral hygiene through a consistent routine.

How to practice good oral hygiene

The best thing you can do for your oral health is create and stick to a consistent routine. Make sure to brush your teeth or dentures twice a day. Then make sure to floss and use mouthwash. It’s important to clean your teeth and gums, as this can effectively help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss.

Visit your dentist

Visiting your dentist means you can have any dental problems you may have identified and treated accordingly. Preventive care can help stop any problems from happening or getting worse over time. Make sure you visit your dentist as often as recommended for you, this is typically once every 6 months, or once a year, depending on your circumstances.

If you can, investing in health insurance is the best way to save money while receiving the health care you need. At Affordable Dentures & Implants, we accept many different health insurance plans, and a number of our practices offer financing services too. If you’re due a visit to a dentist, get in touch with us today. We provide expert, non-judgmental, and affordable dental care for those who need it.

Sources

Health Insurance data https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/HEA775223

Dentist visits and oral health https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health-data-systems/oral_health_data/oral-health-dashboard.html