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What Delta Dental report says about Americans' oral health during pandemic

Delta Dental recently released its "2020 State of America's Oral Health Report" detailing oral health care trends in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report shows the opinions and behaviors relating to oral health of more than 2,000 U.S. adults and parents of children 12 and under, including oral health being prioritized as part of maintaining overall health.

Data was collected from Dec. 28, 2020, until Jan. 8.

Trends in oral healthcare in 2020:

Percentage of respondents who consider oral health to be very — if not extremely — important to overall health
Parents: 96 percent
Adults: 93 percent

Percentage of respondents who believe that throughout the pandemic, maintaining their child's/their oral health is essential to protecting their child’s/their overall health
Parents: 94 percent
Adults: 90 percent

Percentage of respondents who are paying closer attention to their child's/their oral care habits due to COVID–19
Parents: 82 percent
Adults: 72 percent

Recommended guidelines for oral care habits adults and children followed
Brushed teeth twice a day
Flossed once a day
Used mouthwash once a day

Percentage of people who saw their dentist in 2020
Children: 88 percent
Adults: 74 percent

Percentage of adults who will visit their dentist in 2021: 93 percent

Consumer agreement with oral health's connection to overall health
Respiratory health: 57 percent
Diabetes: 52 percent
High blood pressure: 51 percent
Strokes: 50 percent
Dementia: 39 percent

Percentage of respondents who, throughout the pandemic, believe maintaining their oral health is essential to protecting their child’s/their overall health
Parents: 94 percent
Adults: 90 percent

Percentage of people who report oral health has become more of a priority as a result of the pandemic
Parents: 73 percent
Adults: 65 percent

Percentage of respondents who are paying closer attention to their child’s/their oral care habits due to COVID–19
Parents: 82 percent
Adults: 72 percent

Percentage of adults who made a dental visit for a cleaning
2020: 57 percent
2019: 59 percent

Percentage of children who made a dental visit for preventive care
2020: 81 percent
2019: 89 percent

Percentage of adults seeking preventive care in 2021: 41 percent
Percentage of adults seeking reactive care in 2021: 43 percent

Percent of parents who report the pandemic has motivated them not to put off seeking treatment for their child’s oral health issues: 71 percent

Percentage of adults who visited the dentist in 2020
With dental insurance: 87 percent
Without dental insurance: 66 percent

Percent of children who visited the dentist in 2020
With dental insurance: 83 percent
Without dental insurance: 70 percent

Percent of respondents who experience emotional and financial benefits of insurance coverage
Peace of mind: 95 percent
Relief from worry: 95 percent
Lead a healthy life: 93 percent
Cost savings: 91 percent

To view the whole report, click here.

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