Oral Health Across America: Which States Are Setting the Standard for Dental Care?

The top ten states with the best dental care

The data also examined the top ten states with the worst dental care.

Arkansas has the worst dental care, with a score of 23.94. Arkansas has only 41 dentists per 100,000 residents, resulting in the lowest possible score of 0. Another score of 0 was obtained for the number of adults who visited the dentist in 2020, with just 40.85% successfully having their teeth checked out.

West Virginia has the second-worst dental care, with a score of 24.91. The Mountain State also achieved the lowest score of 0 for adult smoking rates due to 21% of the population being smokers. Only 57.7% of adults visited the dentist in 2020, giving the state a score of 0.40. Moreover, there are only 48 dentists for every 100,000 people statewide, which translates to a score of 1.72.

Mississippi placed third, with a score of 26.63. The state has just 43 dentists per 100,000 residents, equaling a score of 0.46. Furthermore, 57.7% of the population visited the dentist in 2020, giving Mississippi another low score of 0.40. In the Magnolia State, 44.6% of adults over the age of 65 had lost six or more teeth, resulting in a score of 1.45.

In fourth place is Louisiana, with a score of 28.61. Just 38% of Louisiana’s public water systems are fluoridated, resulting in a score of 3.23. The attendance rate for the dentist in 2020 was just 59.1%, which is equivalent to a low score of 1.90.

Tennessee has the fifth-worst dental care in the US, scoring 34.53. The Volunteer State received a low score of 1.75 for adult smoking rates, which equates to 18.5% of the population classified as smokers. There are just 47 dentists per 100,000 Tennesseans, achieving another low score of 1.45

Also placed in the top ten are Kentucky, in sixth place with a score of 35.16, Missouri in seventh with a score of 36.20, and Alabama in eighth, scoring 36.58. Oklahoma is in ninth with a score of 36.68 and Montana ranks tenth with a score of 39.01.

The top ten states with the worst dental care

Dr. Kelcey Loveland, Doctor of Dental Medicine – DMD, Doctor of Medicine – MS, from affordable orthodontists at Celebrate Dental and Braces commented on the findings:

“There are many benefits to good dental hygiene that are beyond just your smile. Annual trips to the dentist, at a minimum, are essential to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy, and your overall health is preserved.

“Smoking can not only stain your teeth but also lead to more significant problems, some as severe as mouth cancer. Cutting out the habit will undoubtedly reduce the harmful impacts cigarettes can have on your teeth, gums, and body.

“As for drinking, it is important to moderate your alcohol consumption and practice good oral hygiene, as drinking excessive amounts can erode your tooth enamel and increase sensitivity. Many alcoholic drinks, such as wine, beer, and cider, are also high in acidity and sugar, contributing to discoloration and tooth damage.

“Although the dentist can seem daunting and is a great fear for some, regular checks can help prevent or treat issues that could get progressively worse if left alone. Brushing and flossing daily and maintaining regular dentist appointments will help maintain good oral hygiene.”

Story credit:  https://celebratedental.com/  

Sources:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The American Lung Association