John Elflein
Research expert covering health and health care
Oral health and dental care in the U.S. - Statistics & Facts
Oral health is an important, but often overlooked and underrated aspect of a person’s general health. Common oral diseases and conditions include tooth decay or dental cavities or caries, bad breath, dry mouth, periodontitis or gum disease, including gingivitis, and oral cancer. Although genetics play a role in the susceptibility and severity of many such conditions, simple oral care can greatly reduce the chances of suffering from a number of oral conditions. This care involves regularly brushing teeth, flossing, avoiding risk factors like smoking and sugary foods and drinks, and visiting the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. In 2021, it was estimated that around 14 percent of children and adolescents in the United States had oral health problems.
How many people visit the dentist?
Despite the importance of good oral health, many people in the United States do not visit the dentist at least once a year, as is recommended by health experts. Yearly dental visits are more common among children with around 87 percent of those aged 2 to 17 years in the United States visiting a dentist in the past year. Among adults aged 18 to 64 years, only around 66 percent reported visiting a dentist in the past year. Women are more likely than men to visit the dentist and adults in the United States with lower income levels are significantly less likely to visit the dentist, a reflection of the high cost of dental care in the country.The cost of dental care
In 2019, the total expenditure on dental services in the United States reached 143 billion U.S. dollars. Private health insurance covers the highest share of spending for dental services in the United States, but out-of-pocket spending is a close second. In 2021, people in the U.S. spent over 63 billion U.S. dollars out of pocket to cover dental services. Considering the high out-of-pocket costs of dental services, it is no surprise that many people who need dental care do not receive it because of the cost. In 2019, it was estimated that almost 15 percent of people in the United States who needed dental care did not receive it because of the cost. Middle-aged adults account for the largest share of these people. While only four percent of those under the age of 18 who needed dental care in 2019 didn’t receive it because of cost, around 20 percent of those aged 45 to 64 years abstained from needed dental care because they could not afford it.
