A new report from Delta Dental reveals a significant gap in understanding the link between oral health and medical conditions. The 2025 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report surveyed over 2,000 U.S. adults and parents of children under 12, finding that while most recognize the importance of oral health for overall wellness, there is a reduced understanding of its direct correlation with specific health issues like heart disease and high blood pressure.
According to the report, dental anxiety is a major barrier to care, with over 21% of adults and 14% of parents avoiding dental visits due to fear or discomfort. The top reasons cited for this anxiety include pain or discomfort. Interestingly, pregnant women tend to prioritize dental visits more than non-pregnant individuals, recognizing that poor oral health may be associated with adverse outcomes like pre-term birth and low birth weight.
The report also highlights improvements in preventive dental care, with 84% of adults who visited the dentist in 2024 opting for routine check-ups. However, unexpected visits decreased by 14 percentage points compared to 2023, while cosmetic visits plummeted from 12% to 4%.
Experts at Delta Dental emphasize the need for greater awareness and support to ensure that everyone can prioritize their oral and overall health. “Oral health is a cornerstone of overall wellness,” said James W. Hutchison, President & CEO of Delta Dental Plans Association.
Source: https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20250520dc91125/new-delta-dental-report-reveals-gap-in-understanding-the-link-between-oral-health-and-medical-conditions