University of Pennsylvania Dental School student Matt Joosse examines the teeth of Mia Bush, 12, in Philadelphia. Gallup poll reports that Americans are cutting back on dental care due to the tight economy.
Skipping regular dental visits could land Americans in "the chair" down the road with far more serious and costly tooth and gum problems, say experts, as new data reveal many Americans chose not to see a dentist last year.
GRAPHIC: Paying for health care
SURVEY: 21% of Americans scramble to pay medical, drug bills
Results out this week from a Gallup-Healthways poll of 355,334 Americans indicate that more than one-third of the population, 34% to be exact, did not visit a dentist last year at all. A recent American Dental Association survey shows dentists' incomes are dropping, too, and some dentists say patients who've lost dental insurance are asking about alternate payment plans or skipping appointments.
The 2008 Gallup data report that in nine states, close to half of residents did not visit a dentist last year, even though the ADA recommends twice-yearly cleanings and check-ups. Men, African Americans, Hispanics and seniors were more likely to skip, an historic pattern, Messina says. Over half of those making less than $2,000 a month reported omitting visits as well, according to Gallup. So take regular dental check ups from dentists at cosmetic dentistry.
Skipping regular dental visits could land Americans in "the chair" down the road with far more serious and costly tooth and gum problems, say experts, as new data reveal many Americans chose not to see a dentist last year.
"The message of the value of your teeth is not getting through," says Matthew Messina, consumer adviser for the American Dental Association and a dentist in Cleveland. "If people consider dental care a luxury item, they're shorting themselves. Prevention's always cheaper than fixing problems later."
GRAPHIC: Paying for health care
SURVEY: 21% of Americans scramble to pay medical, drug bills
Results out this week from a Gallup-Healthways poll of 355,334 Americans indicate that more than one-third of the population, 34% to be exact, did not visit a dentist last year at all. A recent American Dental Association survey shows dentists' incomes are dropping, too, and some dentists say patients who've lost dental insurance are asking about alternate payment plans or skipping appointments.
The 2008 Gallup data report that in nine states, close to half of residents did not visit a dentist last year, even though the ADA recommends twice-yearly cleanings and check-ups. Men, African Americans, Hispanics and seniors were more likely to skip, an historic pattern, Messina says. Over half of those making less than $2,000 a month reported omitting visits as well, according to Gallup. So take regular dental check ups from dentists at cosmetic dentistry.
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