Oral Health Insights Report
Today, I am proud to share with you Proclaim’s 2024 “Oral Health Insights Report.” This comprehensive study reveals crucial data about the oral health habits of American adults and their far-reaching implications on systemic health.
Alarmingly, our report highlights that 61% of people say their primary care physician does not discuss oral health with them regularly, and many, consequently, are unaware of the significant connections between poor oral health and serious conditions like heart disease and cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s and dementia. These findings underscore the urgent need for more patient-physician communication, whole-body education and a stronger preventative approach in healthcare to mitigate future health crises – and undue financial burden on patients.
At Proclaim, we believe that prevention is the key to better health outcomes. By improving an age-old daily practice like flossing, using disruptive technology to automate and personalize the experience, we can help people build healthier habits that can actually be enjoyable. It is our hope, with this report, we can help bridge the knowledge gap and empower individuals to take control of their health.
Together, let’s challenge the status quo and work towards a future where preventative care is a priority for all.
Heberto Calves
Proclaim Health, CEO
The Flossing Paradox
People feel strongly about oral care routines, but there are plenty of contradictions between our perceptions and practices.
The most common reasons people skip flossing:
- Not enough time or too busy (27%)
- Too much effort or lack of motivation (25%)
- Painful or bleeding gums (17%)
Even though the majority of people don’t floss daily, 31% of people say they would be less attracted to and less likely to date a potential partner because of their poor flossing habits.
The Difference a Confident Smile Can Make
A healthy, confident smile is important, but societal pressures can make it hard.
Healthy Habits are Hard
Forming sustainable healthy habits is challenging, but there may be hope yet.
agree that even habits that are good for them are hard to maintain.
agree they find it hard to build new habits.
agree that habits that take less than 10 seconds a day are more attainable.
agree that starting the day with a quick habit, like brushing teeth or making the bed, makes them feel more productive.
Top Motivators For Flossing Daily
Respondents say they would be motivated to floss daily by the following factors, in this order.
