The ADA recently released a new survey which focused on dental care and how it affects the life of patients in ways that have not been measured before. The survey included about 15,000 adult patients across the US, and results showed that nearly all (97%) percent of adults surveyed valued their oral health; however 63% of them had not visited the dentist in at least a year. The number one reason cited was cost, and fear of the dentist was the second most common reason. Low-income adults were 10 times more likely to rate the overall condition of their mouth as poor. The survey also found that poor oral health dramatically impacts the quality of life for many adults. Many patients responded that the appearance of their mouth and teeth affected their ability to interview for a job. Many patients also experienced embarrassment, avoided smiling, reduced participation in social events, experienced difficulty in chewing, problems sleeping and experienced pain. Other key findings include:
- Across all income levels, nearly 30 percent said life is “very often” or “occasionally” less satisfying because of the condition of their mouth or teeth.
- One in four adults said they avoid smiling because of the condition of their mouth or teeth.
- One in five adults experiences anxiety over the condition of their mouth and teeth.