Reported by Karen Fox
In a national online survey of nearly 1,500 consumers, the ADA asked questions about oral health and hygiene. Score ranged from 85 % to 29 %. The score indicated that there is much room for improvement.
The findings:
1. Women scored higher then men by 4 %
2. Higher formal education equated to a higher score
3. 95 % understood what the definition of gingivitis is
4. 93 % knew that pregnant women should pay extra attention to their dental health
5. 92 % knew that denture wearers still need to visit the dentist
6. 83 % of households still participate in tooth fairy rewards
7. 85 % indicated that a good smile is extremely important for finding a job
8. 20 % have shied away from a social event because of problems with their teeth
9. 25 % knew when a child should have their first visit to a dentist
10. 19 % knew whether sugar causes cavities ( I was shocked by this number– My profession has a long way to go to educate consumers)