Many dental patients in the U.S. may need to do better. They may not be doing enough when it comes to visiting the dentist regularly or maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine, according to a survey conducted by Risas Dental and Braces.
Furthermore, oral hygiene habits may vary by region, with some states being more satisfied with their dental health than others, according to the results.
"While many clearly prioritize a stellar smile, our survey found that 1/3 of Americans aren't brushing twice a day, and 13% are failing to floss altogether," Dr. Collin Bowerman, chief dental officer at Risas, said in the story.
While 63% reported brushing their teeth at least twice daily, 37% do so less regularly. Flossing followed a similar pattern with 42% flossing daily, while 24% do so less frequently. Despite these habits, 77% of participants believed that others may not be entirely truthful about their oral hygiene, according to the survey of 2,000 3Gem consumers.
When it comes to dental visits, 45% of respondents reported getting checkups every six months, while 20% reported only seeing a dentist when an issue arises. Nearly half agreed that cost was a major barrier, particularly for younger individuals, who were less likely to have insurance.
In Arizona, 66% of residents reported brushing twice daily, and 51% floss regularly. However, 75% believed that dental hygiene habits are often exaggerated. About 39% reported visiting the dentist every six months, while 24% only go when necessary. Residents rated their smiles a 7 out of 10, with 41% saying they would consider cosmetic work, according to the results.
In Texas, 59% reported brushing twice daily, and 41% floss regularly. However, 77% suspected others exaggerate their dental routines. In San Antonio, residents were less inclined to invest in cosmetic procedures, with an average willingness to spend $1,477. About 32% reported that they prefer their natural smiles.
Nevada residents, on average, rated their smiles at 7 out of 10, though 50% admitted they don't brush twice daily. A staggering 88% believed people exaggerate their oral hygiene habits. The average Nevadan has six fillings, with 27% having crowns or implants, according to the results.
"Regular check-ups and honesty at appointments are also crucial, allowing you to nip problems in the bud before they progress into anything painful or costly," Bowerman added.
