Anyone who has moved from the North to the South can tell you that culture varies wildly from state to state, and the standards of oral health are no different. Recent research has brought to light how the various states of our country rank in terms of general oral health and a few associated risk factors. Here’s a brief guide from your dentist to how well the general populations of various states take care of their oral health.
Which States Have the Best Oral Health?
WalletHub recently compared 25 key factors of dental wellness across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and Illinois, Wisconsin, Idaho, Minnesota, and Michigan topped the list in that order. Illinois comes out on top in part because fluoridated water is accessible to nearly all its residents, students enjoy a school-based dental sealant program, and extensive dental benefits are available to nonelderly adults through Medicaid. For its part, Wisconsin has the lowest percentage of individuals who had to take time off work or school in the past year due to oral health problems.
Which States Have the Worst Oral Health?
Arkansas ranked as having the worst oral health in America on average, and it was followed by Mississippi, West Virginia, Louisiana, Montana, and Texas in that order. Texas had the second lowest rate of adolescents who saw a dentist in the past year while Louisiana took third place and Arkansas took fourth. Arkansas had the single lowest rate of adults who visited a dentist in the past year, followed by Texas and Kentucky. These states often have less access to fluoridated water, and many people there live in rural areas that might not have convenient access to a dentist.
How Can I Keep My Teeth in Great Shape?
You can keep your teeth healthy and beautiful regardless of the state you live in. Your daily oral hygiene routine is your first line of defense against bad breath, dental stains, and oral infections, so take care to stick to a regimen of brushing, flossing, and antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate plaque and food debris from your smile. It’s equally important to see your dentist twice a year for routine exams and cleanings. By limiting your sugar intake, you can keep the harmful oral bacteria in your mouth from getting the fuel they need to multiply rapidly and cause infections.
Proper oral care can prevent many problems in the teeth, the gums, and the rest of the body. Investing in your dental health can set you up to have a beautiful smile for life.
About the Author
Dr. Scott Parker earned his dental degree from Loma Linda University in 2008 and stays up to date with the latest developments in his field through postdoctoral coursework. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the Tri-County Dental Society. His office in Calimesa provides preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To book your next appointment, contact his office online or dial (909) 795-6019.