Ok Boomer? How Different Generations View Oral Health

How important is oral health to overall health?

It depends on whom you ask.

A new survey shows significant generational knowledge gaps and oral hygiene differences among Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z.

The 2023 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report was commissioned by the Delta Dental Plans Association in 2022. It surveyed more than 2,000 adults and parents of children 12 and under about their oral health opinions and behaviors. 

The Delta Dental Plans Association is the not-for-profit national association of the 39 independent Delta Dental member companies, including Delta Dental of Arkansas.

What Americans Think about Oral Health and Hygiene

Overall, the news made us smile:

1. Most U.S. adults (94%) and parents (96%) said they considered oral health very important to overall health.
2. More than half of all U.S. adults (54%) and more than two-thirds of all parents (67%) said they developed better oral care habits because of the COVID-19 pandemic and planned to maintain them.

However, the survey also revealed knowledge gaps between the youngest adults, Gen Z, and older generations.

Knowledge Gaps Between the Youngest and Older Generations

Gen Z trailed Millennials, Gen X and Boomers in understanding the link between oral health and overall health and their commitment to proper oral health habits.

The generational knowledge gap might be due to Gen Z’s lack of experience with many dental issues at this stage in their lives.

The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health

There is more to a healthy mouth than just a sparkling smile. Gum disease can increase the risk of developing a host of health conditions, such as

• heart disease,
• diabetes,
• stomach ulcers, and
• respiratory complications, just to mention a few.

 

Room for Improvement

The rule of 2-2-2 is recommended to avoid gum disease: 

Brush 2 times a day for 2 minutes each (and floss at least 1 a day) and see the dentist 2 times a year. 

Encouragingly, 59% of adults and 67% of parents said they or their children planned on maintaining the better dental hygiene habits they developed during the pandemic.

But there is room for improvement. Only 4 in 5 adults brush their teeth twice daily, and only about 1 in 3 adults flosses or uses mouthwash at least once a day.

 

 

Preventive Care—A Smart Move

Preventive care was cited as the leading reason for dental visits for 78% of adults. Even more (87%) said that they did not require future unexpected care because they maintained regular dental visits.

Avoiding dental diseases like tooth decay and gum disease was a motivating factor for 66% of adults.

Different Generations Opt for Different Dental Products

Move over and make room, toothpaste.

When it comes to oral hygiene, many U.S. consumers seek products other than bathroom cabinet staples. Especially Gen Z drives the choices for eco-friendly and non-traditional products.

One in 10 adults said they turned to eco-friendly oral care products such as bamboo or plant-based toothbrushes.

Gen Z was almost twice as likely as Boomers (66% vs. 36%) to use eco-friendly or non-traditional dental products such as whitening strips or electronic water flossers.

However, the American Dental Association (ADA) does not recommend charcoal toothpaste or issue a Seal of Acceptance for non-fluoride toothpaste.

 

High Scores for Dental Insurance

Dental insurance continues to play an essential role in supporting optimal oral health and overall well-being.

Most adults (82%) considered it an important part of holistic wellness. Even more, 87%, said that having coverage afforded them good oral health. Others cited a variety of additional benefits, ranging from peace of mind to consistency of dentist visits to confidence in their appearance.

In short:

Prioritizing good dental care is crucial to preventing dental issues, improving overall well-being and saving money on dental care in the long run.

 

Welcoming All Generations

We wholeheartedly agree, which is why Delta Dental of Arkansas has focused on providing affordable dental insurance with access to the state’s largest network of participating dental providers for more than 40 years.

Check out our plans for individuals/families and small and mid-large business groups. And while we welcome all generations, we have a special plan for Gen Zers who are turning 26.

You can read the entire 2023 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report here.