More adults aware of link between oral health, overall wellness: Report

More adults are aware of the link between oral health and overall wellness, according to Delta Dental's 2024 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness report.

The Delta Dental Plans Association partnered with market research firm Material Holdings to create the report, which used online surveys of two groups: 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and over and 1,000 parents of children ages 12 and under. The report was published May 2. 

Here are four key findings from the report: 

1. Ninety-one percent of adults believe dental visits are as important as annual physicals.

2. Ninety-two percent of adults believe protecting their oral health allows them to be more confident.

3. Seventy-seven percent of adults said oral health is connected to mental well-being.

4. More adults connect poor oral health to various health conditions and diseases compared to 2023. For example, 49% of adults connect poor oral health with heart disease compared to 43% in 2023. 

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