A revealing YouGov poll dives into the intersection of dental health and socioeconomic status in America. The survey sheds light on how Americans view their smiles and the lengths they go to in order to maintain them, with income playing a pivotal role in their experiences and perceptions.
Below is a snapshot the stats that emerged:
• The Dental Divide: A clear income-related disparity in dental health, with those earning $100,000 or more annually being the most likely to report having very straight and white teeth.
• Insurance Inequity: 75% of high earners have dental insurance compared to only 51% of those making less than $50,000.
• Visiting the Dentist: 66% with dental insurance have seen a dentist in the last year, as opposed to 35% without.
• Dental Desirability: A striking 82% say their teeth's appearance influences their self-confidence.
• Cosmetic Dentistry: 17% of Americans have undergone cosmetic dentistry, with a higher tendency among those with higher incomes.
• Orthodontic Interventions: 32% of the population has had orthodontic procedures, with younger adults and higher-income individuals more likely to have had such treatments.
The "Smile Gap" uncovered by this YouGov research provides a nuanced look into how financial well-being is closely linked to dental health and, by extension, self-confidence.
Read the full story for more analysis and graphics.
