New Delta Dental Report Reveals U.S. Adults Recognize Importance of Oral Health to Overall Well-being

Report also finds generational differences in oral care knowledge and habits

Parsippany, NJ — May 10, 2023 — Delta Dental released its 2023 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report, a nationwide analysis of consumer opinions and behaviors relating to oral health.

The report shows oral health knowledge and habits vary across generational groups, despite a strong understanding of the critical connection between oral health and overall health. Delta Dental commissioned the research, which included more than 2,000 U.S. adults and parents of children 12 and under.

“It is truly inspiring to see that so many adults prioritize oral health for the benefit to their overall health,” said Dennis G. Wilson, President and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey. “We are glad to see that our efforts to provide meaningful and educational resources are reaching all generations and are making an impact.”

The report further indicates that adults and children plan to keep up with positive dental hygiene habits that were cultivated during the pandemic, and a notable portion of adults are turning to alternative oral care products.

“I am encouraged to see this year’s report finds most adults understand the critical connection between oral and overall health and remain dedicated to practicing proper preventive dental care,” said James W. Hutchison, President & CEO, Delta Dental Plans Association. “Delta Dental remains committed to supporting whole person health through research on new methods of health care delivery and innovative ways to achieve equitable access to dental care.”

Below are key findings from the 2023 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report:

A generational knowledge gap exists
• Most U.S. adults (92%) and parents (96%) say they consider oral health to be very important to overall health.
• However, when asked if maintaining good oral health enables a healthier lifestyle, 73% of Gen Z agreed compared to a higher average of 90% for Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers.

Gen Z seeks oral care products outside of medicine cabinet staples
• Gen Z is a driving force behind alternative oral care product usage, as they are almost twice as likely as Boomers (66% versus 36%) to use eco-friendly or non-traditional dental products.
• One in 10 adults turn to eco-friendly oral care products such as bamboo or plant-based toothbrushes.

Preventive care helps avoid serious dental issues and expenses
• Approximately 4 in 5 adults (81%) who maintained regular dental visits said they did not require future unexpected care, showing that prevention works.
• Top motivators of practicing proper oral health care among adults include saving money (87%) and preventing dental issues such as cavities and gum disease (66%).
 

To read the full 2023 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report and learn more about the report’s methodology and findings, click here.

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About the Report
The 2023 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report is based upon Delta Dental Plans Association-commissioned research conducted between January 6 and January 23, 2023, by Material Holdings, LLC, a global insights and strategy consultancy, using an email invitation and online surveys of two audiences recruited through an opt-in panel:

• 1,000 nationally representative Americans ages 18+
• 1,253 parents of children ages 12 and under

Geographic distribution quotas were set to ensure a reliable and accurate representation of the
U.S. population of adults and parents with children 12 and under. Research in this report has
a margin of error of +/- 3%.

About Delta Dental
Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. is New Jersey's leading dental benefits company, providing or administering coverage to more than 1.9 million people through contracts with groups and individuals in New Jersey and Connecticut. In Connecticut, Delta Dental of Connecticut, Inc. is a licensed insurer that writes dental and vision coverage on an insured basis, and Delta Dental of New Jersey administers self-funded dental benefit programs.

Offering dental benefits since 1969, Delta Dental of New Jersey's mission is to promote oral health to the greatest number of people by providing accessible dental benefit programs of the highest quality, service, and value. We are a not-for-profit service corporation and, as a member of Delta Dental Plans Association, we're part of a network that provides national dental coverage to more than 85 million people. For more information, visit DeltaDentalNJ.com.

For Media Inquiries:
Jackie Zygadlo, MikeWorldWide
jzygadlo@mww.com

Kim Elmore, Delta Dental of New Jersey
kelmore@deltadentalnj.com