Study: More than a third of Americans would rather clean toilets than floss daily
CHICAGO — Do you lie to your dentist about how often you floss your teeth? If so, you’re not alone.
According to a new national survey, more than a quarter (27%) of U.S. adults admit they lie to their dentist about how often they floss their teeth. In addition, more than one-third of Americans (36%) would rather do an unpleasant activity like cleaning the toilet (14%) over daily flossing.
The survey was conducted online in March by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Academy of Periodontology among 2,021 U.S. adults and among the top 10 U.S. markets.
Commonly referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease caused when bacteria in plaque below the gum line lead to swelling, irritation, and possibly receding gums and tooth loss. Periodontal disease has been linked to many chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer. Despite its prevalence, periodontal disease is hardly ever discussed, resulting in a lack of urgency for people to properly care for their gums.
“There’s clearly more work to be done when it comes to educating Americans about the importance of oral hygiene. There are more than 500 bacterial species that can be found in plaque, and brushing alone does not remove the bacteria that live below the gum line,” stated AAP president Joan Otomo-Corgel. “The good news about periodontal disease is, with proper and timely care, it’s treatable and often reversible. If a person is at risk for periodontal disease, a periodontist has the training and expertise to determine the best course of treatment.”
The new survey revealed a list of unpleasant activities Americans would choose over flossing, such as washing a sink full of dirty dishes (18%) or waiting in a long check-out line (14%). Nearly 1-in-10 U.S. adults would rather sit in gridlock traffic for an hour or do their taxes (9% each).
Healthiest mouths by state, region
Interestingly, the survey also revealed some regional distinctions in oral health care. Among the top 10 U.S. markets, Chicagoans are more likely than those in other regions to opt for an hour of gridlock traffic over daily flossing. However, New Yorkers are more likely than those in other metro areas to include flossing in their personal care routine.
Those who live in Atlanta are more likely than those in other top metro regions to be honest with their dentist about their flossing routine. Atlantans also are more likely than those in other top metro regions to tell friends when they have something stuck in their teeth. On the contrary, those who live in Washington D.C. are more likely than those in other top metro regions not to alert a friend of any potentially embarrassing lunch leftovers.
Love the gums you’re with
When it comes to relationships, those with and without partners should take note. Sixty percent of U.S. adults who have a partner say their partner’s oral health (e.g., teeth, gums, breath) has an effect on their intimacy, while more than one-third of Americans say a smile is the first thing they notice when meeting someone they are attracted to. In fact, more than 2-in-5 of those living in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Boston say a smile is the first thing they notice when meeting someone they are attracted to. This is especially true for women.
Take Action
To aid in the prevention of periodontal disease, the AAP recommends brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and discussing periodontal health with a dental professional.
