About one-third of Americans have not visited a dentist in more than a year, according to a new report from Cigna Healthcare.
Cigna’s 2025 “Dental Trends” report highlights the link between oral health and mental health as well as the impact of social detriments of health.
Eight findings from the report:
1. Black adults are 67% more likely than white adults to experience tooth loss.
2. Patients with depression, anxiety or other mental health disorders are more likely to have dental disease.
3. Cigna cited a study that suggests integrating oral care into behavioral health settings can accelerate recovery from mental health or substance use disorders.
4. Fifty-six percent of study participants said their at-home oral health improved as a result of oral health education intervention.
5. Thirty-six percent of study participants scheduled a dentist appointment as a result of an oral health education intervention.
6. Forty percent of adults living in rural communities have not visited the dentist in more than one year, compared with 35% of urban residents and 30% of suburban residents.
7. People with food insecurity have a 30% lower likelihood of reporting good oral health.
8. When asked what prohibits them from proceeding with dental treatment, 50% of survey respondents cited the cost of services. Thirty percent cited the cost of dental insurance, while 20% reported other reasons.
