Recent Study Further Shows Why Oral Health is a Smart Investment

Did you know that a visit to the dentist is a strong indicator of total health? This compelling finding from the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index not only further supports the well-established link between the mouth and the body, but also emphasizes that regular dental visits are an essential aspect of overall wellness. 

Gallup data key takeaways

The study, which surveyed nearly 12,000 adults across the United States, found that those who visited a dentist within the last year were far more likely to describe themselves as healthy.  Specifically, four in 10 adults with recent dental visits (42%) rated their health as “excellent” or “very good,” compared with 26% of those who had not been to the dentist. What’s more, patients with a history of a professional oral health exam and cleaning also felt more satisfied with their lives.

When looking at obstacles to dental care, the survey revealed some significant factors. Economic disparities are prominent, with only 46% of adults in households earning under $24,000 annually using services, compared to 86% of those earning $180,000 or more. 

The data also linked mental health challenges and inconsistent routine oral care. For instance, 60% of adults who felt lonely had visited a dentist in the past 12 months, versus 73% of those who did not share this feeling of loneliness. Similarly, just 56% of individuals who reported little or no encouragement for their wellness saw a dentist, compared to 77% of those with strong health support.

This research, along with other supporting evidence, offers key insights to individuals, employers, dental and medical professionals, and community leaders.

Why these findings matter

For individuals: While the oral-systemic link is widely acknowledged and discussed, many Americans still experience preventable dental issues. This can lead to an increased risk of other health problems. An estimated 42% of U.S. adults have some form of gum disease, a condition linked to nearly 60 other medical conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. Prioritizing a consistent oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily and visiting the dentist regularly, is more than just prevention. Rather, it’s a proactive step towards enhancing one’s overall wellness. 

For employers: Dental benefits can enhance employee wellness, foster a more energetic workforce and help reduce unplanned work absences. The Gallup data supports this, showing that adults who regularly visit a dentist are more likely to feel active and productive each day. Beyond improving individual well-being, dental coverage directly combats the over $45 billion in U.S. productivity lost annually to untreated dental disease. Furthermore, with dental premiums rising 16 times slower than medical in 2023 (National Association of Dental Plans data), these plans offer better financial stability, making them a strategic, cost-effective component of any comprehensive benefits package.

For dental and medical professionals: The case for integrated care is also strengthened by this new data. There’s a key opportunity for collaboration, demonstrated by the notable difference in dental service access rates between those with a personal doctor (76%) and those without (49%). By working together to better treat the whole patient, dentists, physicians and other clinicians can help close care gaps, prevent more complex and costly treatments, and ultimately improve health outcomes.

For community leaders: Gallup’s findings demonstrate that various barriers limit dental care access for many – a problem that affects the health of our communities. Other factors beyond those found in this data, such as dentist shortages and transportation issues, also heavily influence who receives treatment. Addressing these oral health equity gaps is critical. This requires supporting programs and initiatives that elevate awareness of the crucial oral-overall health connection, broaden coverage for vulnerable individuals and families, and provide free or reduced-cost oral care.

Even with the usual limitations of survey research, this study adds to the strong argument: that making preventive dental care a priority is truly a smart investment in overall well-being, benefiting individuals, businesses, health care systems and our communities.