#USA #Chicago #oral health #Delta Dental #Wellness Report

Understanding the Link Between Oral Health and Medical Conditions

Delta Dental has unveiled its latest findings in the 2025 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report, a significant nationwide study surveying 2,000 adults and parents of children aged 12 and under. Conducted by a third-party market research firm, this report sheds light on the prevailing perspectives regarding oral health among Americans.

Key Findings

The report indicates a generally positive understanding of oral health, yet highlights substantial gaps in knowledge regarding its direct correlation with serious health issues. While most adults acknowledge that oral health plays a crucial role in overall wellness, fewer understand its connection to specific medical conditions such as heart disease, respiratory infections, and high blood pressure. This knowledge deficiency may hinder efforts to enhance health outcomes, given that oral health could significantly impact these conditions.

James W. Hutchison, the President and CEO of Delta Dental Plans Association, stated that while awareness of the connection between oral and overall health is growing, it is not sufficient. He emphasized the necessity for intensified educational efforts to illustrate how oral health can prevent and manage chronic systemic conditions.

Anxiety and Access to Care

Another remarkable finding from the report is concerning dental anxiety, which appears to impede many individuals from seeking necessary care. Over 21% of adults admitted to avoiding dental visits due to anxiety, while 14% of parents reported skipping dental appointments for their children for the same reasons. Among the reasons cited for this anxiety, the fear of pain ranked highest, affecting 59% of adults and 72% of children experiencing similar apprehensions.

Importance of Prenatal Oral Health

The report also emphasizes the significance of prenatal dental care. It reveals that 54% of women who have been pregnant recognized the importance of dental check-ups as on par with yearly physicals. However, only 33% understood that pregnant women are at an increased risk for gum disease, which can lead to severe complications like premature births and low birth weight, noted by 26% of respondents.

Preventive Visits on the Rise

When it comes to preventive care, the report records a steady frequency of dental visits among adults, remaining at 84% in 2024, quite similar to the 83% reported in 2023. However, unexpected dental visits have dropped notably, declining from 36% last year to 22% this year. Conversely, cosmetic dental visits plummeted from 12% to 4%, reflecting changing consumer priorities.

Conclusion

The Delta Dental report serves as a reminder of the critical engagement needed in promoting oral health awareness. It not only highlights the persisting gaps in knowledge but also stresses the importance of addressing anxiety surrounding dental care. Delta Dental is committed to fostering ongoing conversations and improving access to oral health services, ultimately aiming to ensure that every individual understands the significance of maintaining both their oral and overall health. For a deeper look at this crucial research, interested parties can access the full report here.

Delta Dental remains a leading force in providing dental benefits across the United States, collaborating with approximately 152,000 dentists and investing nearly $2 billion to enhance community health through better oral care.