Preventive Dental Care Study: Key Takeaways for Tennessee Families

At Delta Dental of Tennessee, we believe in the power of a healthy smile, and that starts with consistent preventive care. For the past 14 years, the Delta Dental Institute has conducted the Preventive Dental Care Study, the largest and longest-running of its kind, to analyze how our commercial members across the nation are utilizing preventive dental services. This extensive study offers valuable insights to help you and your family stay ahead of dental issues before they start.

Why does this matter to you?

The better we understand national and local dental care trends, the more we can help families in Tennessee access care, reduce costs and avoid preventable dental problems.

A Note on the Data: It's important to remember that this study is based on data from individuals with Delta Dental commercial insurance coverage. While it offers a comprehensive look at this population, it may not fully represent the experiences of those who are underserved and do not have dental insurance.

What is preventive dental care and why is it important?

Preventive dental care includes services like dental cleanings, oral evaluations (checkups), fluoride treatments, and sealants. These small steps can prevent cavities, gum disease, and other issues that may become costly or painful if left untreated.

Keeping up with preventive care lowers your risk of needing expensive treatments later and can even reduce medical costs related to diabetes, heart disease and more.

Key Insights from the Study: Small Steps, Big Impact on Your Oral Health

This year's study reveals some compelling trends, highlighting both areas of progress and opportunities for improvement in preventive dental care. Let's dive into a few key takeaways:

1. Establishing Your "Dental Home": A Foundation for Lifelong Health

One of the new measures in the study looks at how many people have a "dental home," meaning they visited a dentist at least once in the past year. Another way to think of a dentist home is as your go-to dentist. Someone who knows your history and can spot small issues before they become big problems. Regular checkups are the foundation of lifelong oral health, and people with consistent care are more likely to catch problems early and avoid costly procedures.

The study found:

• 76.5% of adults at risk for tooth decay had at least one dental checkup.

• But younger adults (ages 20–40) had some of the lowest rates of dental visits.

It's never too late to establish that crucial connection with a dentist!

2. Fluoride and Sealants: Two Powerful Tools for Protecting Children’s Teeth

Cavities are 100% preventable! Yet, the study found that many children at high risk for tooth decay are not receiving recommended preventive care, particularly fluoride treatments and sealants.

• Fluoride Treatments: A significant 62% of children (ages 1-18) at risk for tooth decay did not receive the recommended two or more fluoride treatments per year. Nationally, 37.82% of children (ages 1-18) at elevated caries risk received two or more fluoride treatments. The good news is that we're seeing an improvement, with a 2-percentage point rise in at-risk children receiving fluoride treatments.

• Sealants: These protective coatings are vital for preventing cavities on chewing surfaces. However, approximately 5 in 10 children at risk for tooth decay did not get a sealant on at least one permanent first molar by age 10. Even more concerning, three out of four kids aged 15 and older who were at risk for tooth decay had not received a sealant on a permanent second molar.

How does Tennessee compare?

• 34.85% of at-risk kids got two fluoride treatments (vs. 37.82% nationally).

• 46.85% of kids under 10 had at least one sealant (vs. 47.80% nationally).

• Only 20.59% of teens had a sealant on a second molar (vs. 26.88% nationally).

These numbers show that while we're making progress, there's still work to do to ensure all our children receive these vital preventive services.

Early dental care is key! For instance, in 2023, only 29% of children under age 3 visited a dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears.

3. Adult Oral Health: Beyond the Annual Check-up

While most adults are getting annual checkups, many still fall short when it comes to preventing gum disease, which can affect your heart health, blood sugar levels, and more.

The study revealed that only 5 in 10 adults with a higher risk for periodontal disease received cleanings at least twice a year, despite this being the recommended frequency. Regular cleanings are crucial for managing and preventing gum disease, which can have significant impacts on overall health.

The good news is that 77% of adults at higher risk for tooth decay had at least one annual dental checkup, and the percentage of at-risk adults for caries has been slowly declining over time, indicating an overall improvement in health.

In Tennessee, 76.84% of at-risk adults (age 19+) received one or more oral evaluations, which is slightly above the national average of 76.48%.

What You Can Do Today

Whether you’re a parent, young adult, or retiree, these steps can help keep your smile strong:

• Find a dental home and visit at least once a year

• Schedule fluoride treatments for your child, especially if they’re cavity-prone

• Ask your dentist about sealants for your child’s molars

• Get cleanings twice a year if you’re at risk for gum disease

• Start early, don’t wait until there’s a problem!

Invest in Your Smile, Invest in Your Health!

The Delta Dental Institute’s Preventive Dental Care Study underscores a powerful message: preventive dental care is an essential part of staying healthy, regardless of your age or risk factors. It reduces your risk for oral diseases, can improve your overall health, and may even help lower your healthcare costs. By understanding these trends and embracing consistent preventive habits, we can all work towards healthier smiles and healthier lives.

To learn more about the findings and the importance of preventive dental care, you can read the full Delta Dental Institute’s Preventive Dental Care Study white paper.