Among U.S. adults, awareness of the link between oral health and other medical conditions has declined compared to 2024, according to the Delta Dental "2025 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report."
Additionally, dental visit anxiety and decreased at-home oral care have affected adults and children, according to the report, which included 1,000 U.S. adults and 1,000 parents of children ages 12 and under who participated in online surveys through email invitations in January.
"As the nation's leading dental benefits provider, we are committed to ensuring continued dialogue and supporting access to care so that everyone can prioritize and safeguard their oral and overall health,” James W. Hutchison, president and CEO of Delta Dental Plans Association, said in a press release dated May 20.
More than 9 in 10 adults (91%) recognized oral health as a vital part of their overall well-being, and nearly all parents (95%) felt the same about their children’s oral health. However, in 2025, fewer adults recognized the connection between oral health and specific conditions like heart disease (44% vs. 49% in 2024), respiratory illness (31% vs. 35%), high blood pressure (27% vs. 32%), and stroke (26% vs. 30%), according to the report.
While most adults understood proper oral health habits, adherence to key routines has declined since 2024. Fewer adults brush twice daily (74% vs. 79%), floss once a day (71% vs. 76%), and use mouthwash daily (66% vs. 74%). Also, there has been an 11-point drop since 2023 in those who replace their toothbrush every three months.
Furthermore, more than 1 in 5 adults (21%) have avoided dental visits due to anxiety, and 1 in 7 parents (14%) have done the same for their children. Notably, 26% of parents reported that their child feels anxious about cleanings and exams, especially those ages 6 to 12, who are nearly twice as likely to experience anxiety during preventive visits compared to younger children (31% vs. 17%), according to the report.
"As the nation's leading dental benefits provider, we are committed to ensuring continued dialogue and supporting access to care so that everyone can prioritize and safeguard their oral and overall health,” Hutchison said in the release.
