Delta Dental is one of the leading dental benefits providers in the U.S. and they recently commissioned their fifth annual nationwide analysis of consumer opinions and behaviors relating to oral health. Over 2,000 adults and parents of children under 12 participated in the research study.1 The findings were published in The 2025 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report.
Our Walled Lake Dental Office found this study encouraging and wanted to share some insights with our patients.
Linking Dental and Overall Health
The report contains many illuminating insights into the oral health behaviors of American adults and children and areas where additional education may improve oral health.
The research found that the majority of Americans understand the link between oral health and overall health for both themselves and their children. Surprisingly, while about nine out of ten adults believe their oral health is an integral part of their overall health, they rate their oral health as less important to their overall health as their mental health or their physical health.2
Dental Health Highlights
The research also found that the number of respondents who reported understanding the correlation between oral health and specific health conditions decreased over the past year’s survey. The study found that heart disease, respiratory illness, high blood pressure and stroke all saw lower numbers of respondents reporting an understanding of the direct correlation between these diseases and oral health.
The bright spot was that over half of respondents (56%) did understand the importance of proper dental hygiene for those with weakened immune systems. The report also revealed that only 50 percent of respondents understood that oral health is an important part of prenatal care.
Only one-third of respondents understood that pregnant women are at a great risk for periodontal (gum) disease that can lead to pre-term births and low birth weights.3
Oral health behaviors have also seen a concerning drop in the past years.
Facts revealed by the report include the following:
- Only 74% of respondents brush twice a day, down from 79% in 2024.
- Only 71% floss once a day, down from 76% in 2024.
- Only 66% use mouthwash on a daily basis, down from 74% in 2024.
- Since 2023 there has been an 11 point decline in adults replacing their toothbrush every 3 months as recommended. In 2025 only 53 percent of respondents replaced their toothbrush as recommended.
The good news is that adults still value preventive dental care with about 64% of adults visiting the dentist for regular checkups to minimize the risk of future dental problems. This percentage is up from 57% last year.
Dental Health Summary
With the important correlations between oral health and a number of serious diseases, Americans clearly need to do a better job with their daily oral hygiene. Replacing a three-month old toothbrush is relatively easy. Brushing, flossing and rinsing are important habits to cultivate to safeguard oral health and overall health. Dental professionals can provide great advice on ways to establish, and stick to an oral health routine.
Quality Dental Care at Walled Lake Dentist
Dr Hechtman has dedicated his career in dentistry to staying informed on national oral health trends in order to continue to provide the best dental care in and throughout the surrounding communities. Our Walled Lake Dental Office provides comprehensive dental services tailored to each patient’s evolving oral health needs.
From dental cleanings and routine checkups to restorative treatments and cosmetic dentistry, our caring dental staff is always ready to provide the personalized care you need. Call to schedule a Free consultation and get a plan in place for a healthy, lasting smile that you and your family deserve!
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1 Delta Dental Overview of The 2025 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report
Link: https://www.deltadental.com/us/en/state-of-americas-oral-health-report.html
2, 3 The 2025 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report
Link: https://www.deltadental.com/content/dam/ddpa/us/en/state-of-america%27s-oral-health-and-wellness-report/2025/State-of-Americas-Oral-Health-and-Wellness-Report.pdf