America's Smile Report
Americans are famous for their dazzling smiles, with straight, white teeth often seen as a cultural hallmark. From Hollywood stars with their red-carpet-ready grins to everyday Americans who prioritize a shining set, a confident smile is attributed to health, happiness, and even success.
But are all Americans proud of their smiles? And are some states more focused on achieving a gleaming grin than others? We’ve conducted a survey of 2000 US consumers to find out! Asking about everything from hygiene habits to annual dentist visits, we’ve collected data to uncover the truth about American teeth. Intrigued? Dive into a full rundown of the survey results below!
The truth about America's teeth: dental habits, costs, and cosmetic trends
Maintaining a healthy smile involves more than just brushing - regular visits to the dentist and a thorough oral hygiene routine are essential too. But how good really are Americans at taking care of their teeth? Here’s what we discovered:
Dental hygiene habits
Our survey revealed that 63% of Americans brush their teeth twice a day or more, with 37% brushing less regularly. Interestingly, 31% of men are also only brushing once a day.
Flossing habits show a similar trend, with 42% of Americans flossing daily, and 24% flossing less regularly. We also found that women are 13% more likely to floss than men, with 19% of those in the 55-64 age bracket not flossing at all.
However, it’s clear that people aren’t always honest about their dental hygiene habits, in fact, 77% of participants believe patients tend to exaggerate about their at-home routine. We found that 82% of younger participants fib to some degree, and men (80%) are more likely to exaggerate than women (74%).
Visits to the dentist and dental procedures
As well as home hygiene, we also asked about trips to the dentist and professional care. We found that 45% of our participants go for a check-up every six months, while 20% only visit when a problem arises.
And what about procedures like fillings and crowns? Well, the average American has five fillings, 88% have at least one, and 98% of those 65+ have multiple. 31% have also had braces or clear aligners fitted in the pursuit of a perfectly straight smile.
The cost of dental care
Paying for dental treatments can be a struggle for many, with 53% of our participants relying on insurance, 27% using credit cards, and 14% dipping into their savings. Almost half agreed that the cost of treatment is a significant barrier (with younger Americans being far less likely to have insurance than older generations).
Overall, 63% of Americans are missing teeth, have crowns, and implants, and 80% of those aged 55+ have some degree of tooth loss. It’s a different story for younger participants however, with 67% of 18-24-year-olds still having all their natural teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry and whitening trends
On average, Americans are rating their smiles six out of ten, and amongst male participants, this rises to a seven. 30% of Americans are happy with their natural teeth, with more men (33%) than women (25%) having confidence in their smile.
Having said this, 53% would consider cosmetic dentistry (such as veneers or bonding) if they had the funds. We found that they’d gladly spend upwards of $1,550.33 to improve the appearance of their smile!
While 71% have never had any professional whitening, 28% use at-home whitening strips or toothpaste to keep their teeth nice and bright. When it comes to gender and age, women are 32% more likely to use strips than men, and 82% of those aged 55+ have never had their teeth whitened.
How do the results vary by location?
We don’t all have naturally flawless teeth or the means to achieve a Hollywood smile, but are some states happier with their teeth than others? Dive into our regional insights below:
Phoenix, Arizona
66% of Arizona residents brush their teeth twice a day, with 51% also regularly flossing (two essential habits to implement if you want a shining smile). Having said this, 75% of people are convinced that dental hygiene routines are exaggerated.
When it comes to visiting the dentist in Phoenix, we discovered that 39% go for a checkup at least every six months, yet 24% are less thorough, only visiting when a problem arises. The averageArizona resident has five fillings, with 89% having at least one. And when it comes to paying for procedures, 53% rely on dental insurance, with 12% dipping into savings.
In Arizona, 36% love their natural teeth, and 30% use whitening strips to achieve their desired smiles. Overall, the average resident rates their smile a strong seven out of ten, with 41% saying they would consider cosmetic work to improve it further.
Denver, Colorado
In places like Denver, residents also rate their smile satisfaction seven out of ten. 58% brush their teeth twice a day (sometimes even more), with 48% flossing daily too.
When it comes to fillings, the average resident has four, with 85% having at least one. 48% of people have also had braces or clear aligners with the hopes of straightening out their smiles.
Just over half of people go for regular check-ups, and most rely on insurance to cover the costs of inspections and treatment. On average, residents are willing to spend around $2,302.08 on cosmetic work at a Denver dentist, suggesting they place high importance on their smile’s appearance.
San Antonio, Texas
How do results vary amongst those in Texas? Well, 59% brush their teeth twice a day or more, with a further 41% flossing daily. 37% go to the dentist for a check-up every six months, yet a huge 77% of residents believe people exaggerate about their hygiene routine.
27% have had clear aligners or traditional braces, and 29% use whitening toothpaste or strips to achieve their desired smiles. 21% have had a crown or an implant, and the average resident has had five fillings.
People visiting a San Antonio dentist seem to be less willing to spend money on cosmetic work ($1,477.72), with 32% preferring their natural smiles.Overall, those in the state rate their smile six out of ten, coming in slightly less than Arizona and Colorado.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Those in Nevada rate their smiles seven out of ten on average. Although when quizzed about their dental hygiene habits, we found that 50% of Nevada residents don’t brush twice a day. On top of this, a whopping 88% believe that people exaggerate their hygiene habits at the dentist.
The average resident has six fillings, with 27% having crowns or implants too. 46% have also had braces or clear aligners, with the same amount going for a check-up every six months. But what about teeth whitening trends in the area? Well, instead of visiting a Las Vegas dentist for professional whitening, 19% rely on at-home methods to achieve a pearly smile.
So, while many Americans are attentive to their dental hygiene, others aren’t brushing or flossing as regularly as necessary to maintain a healthy smile. The cost of dental care also remains a barrier for many, especially amongst younger patients…
“While many clearly prioritize a stellar smile, our survey found that 1/3 of Americans aren’t brushing twice a day, and 13% are failing to floss altogether. Yet if you want a healthy, gleaming smile, these are two oral hygiene habits you’ll need to implement. Regular check-ups and honesty at appointments are also crucial, allowing you to nip problems in the bud before they progress into anything painful or costly.”
Eager to achieve a Hollywood smile at home? Here are some additional expert tips on how to care for your teeth. Dr. Collin Bowerman, Chief Dental Officer at Risas reveals simple at-home hacks to help your smile.
1. Consistency is key to help your maintain your smile. Brushing and flossing regularly is the secret to a confident smile. If you only do it occasionally, you won’t get the full benefits. Making oral hygiene a daily habit means you’re more likely to feel good about showing off your teeth.
2. Make it part of your morning and evening routine! Keep your toothbrush and floss next to something you always use—like your skincare products or coffee maker—as a reminder to stay consistent.
3. Upgrade your routine for a cleaner feel. Using an electric toothbrush, a good toothpaste, and mouthwash can take your oral care to the next level. Brushing for two minutes, followed by mouthwash (used as directed on the bottle), leaves your mouth feeling ultra-fresh.
Well, there we have it: our insights on the states with the best smiles as well as how to keep yours in tip-top condition. From brushing and flossing to scheduling regular appointments, there are a variety of things you can do to ensure you have a smile you’re proud of.
Risas Dental offers a variety of affordable dental services such as exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, braces and more. For more information on available treatments locally, visit https://risasdental.com/locations/
Methodology
US survey of 2,000 consumers conducted by 3Gem.
