Dental News - Americans are eating fewer sweets, resolving to prioritize oral health

Dental Tribune USA

Sun. 24 April 2022

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It’s no surprise that cases of cracked teeth and dental-related injuries have risen throughout the pandemic — and it may be due in part to pandemic-related stress wreaking havoc on oral health.

According to a November 2021 survey fielded by the American Association of Endodontists, 81 percent of American adults wish they had taken better care of their natural teeth. More than half (55 percent) wish their parents had instilled better oral hygiene habits when they were younger, and 43 percent admit tooth pain or oral health issues negativelyvaffects their productivity or ability to focus.

In other findings, more than a quarter (26 percent) of Americans feel others would find them more attractive and about one in six (16 percent) feel they would have a more active dating life if they took better care of their teeth.

However, there is hope: 76 percent intend to prioritize their oral health in 2022. And they’re not just thinking of themselves, as nearly seven in 10 (69 percent) would consider giving a toothbrush (electric or manual) to someone for a gift.

Other findings of the survey included the following:

66 percent plan to brush or floss their teeth more often.
56 percent plan to drink fewer sugary drinks, cut back on candy and sweets or reduce coffee or tea consumption.
36 percent want to improve the appearance of their teeth.
19 percent will resolve to quit or reduce teeth grinding.

AAE President Dr. Alan S. Law said: “Major tooth pain can strike at any time or place, and it’s critically important that patients seek treatment from a skilled dental specialist right away when this happens. AAE’s recently improved online directory can help patients more easily connect with an endodontist in their area when they need relief from tooth pain, want to save their natural teeth via root canal treatment or need to receive immediate care for other dental-related emergencies.”

The AAE commissioned Atomik Research (a division of 4media group) to conduct an online survey of 1,004 American adults. The margin of error for the overall sample fell within plus or minus 3 percentage points with a confidence interval of 95 percent.

(Source: American Association of Endodontists)

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