The 2026 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report

The 2026 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report is a nationwide analysis of consumer opinions and behaviors relating to oral health. Delta Dental commissioned the research that involved 2,000 U.S. adults and parents of children 12 and under.

Download the report

Key findings from the 2026 report include:

 

 Oral health is widely recognized as an essential part of overall health. In 2026, 91% of adults agree it is a key component, and 90% say preventive dental exams are just as important as annual physicals — up from 87% in 2025.

Adults are increasingly recognizing the connection between oral health and broader systemic conditions, with awareness of links to chronic illnesses such as kidney disease, diabetes, and dementia rising this year

 

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Kidney Disease

28% in 2026
(vs. 212% in 2025)

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Diabetes

32% in 2026
(vs. 27% in 2025)

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Dementia

25% in 2026
(vs. 20% in 2025)

 Gen Z is helping drive this shift, with notable year-over-year gains in understanding the connection between oral health and broader health. Nearly all Gen Z adults (94%) say oral health is very or extremely important to their overall health, up from 89% in 2025, and a strong majority links oral health to mental health.

Gen Z agrees that protecting oral health is closely connected to mental health.

gnz mental health
 

 Parents report marked improvements in their children's oral health. This year, more than 3 in 4 parents (78%) rated their child's oral health as "good" or "excellent," the highest level in five years. However, a significant knowledge gap remains around early dental care, as only 27% of parents are aware of the recommended timing for a child's first dental visit, despite broad recognition of its benefits.

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 Preventive dental visits rise as adults prioritize long-term oral health. In 2025, 57% of adults visited the dentist. Among those who did, 89% sought preventive care - up from 84% in 2024. Despite strong preventive habits, approximately 1 in 5 adults (21%) experienced dental issues, with cavity filings as the most common treatment.

 While dental anxiety affects about 1 in 5 adults and children, the intensity of key anxiety triggers has declined year over year. Fewer individuals now report fear of pain, past negative experiences, or sensory-related stressors in the dental office.

 

twice daily brushing generation (2)

 

 Dental insurance is a critical health safeguard and source of financial security. Most adults say coverage protects oral and overall health (82%), and saves them money in the long run (84%).

 

 Dental insurance also encourages preventive care, as adults with coverage were significantly more likely to make a preventive visit in 2025 compared with those without insurance.

 

preventive visits - insurance

 

 Interest in enrollment is rising, as one-third (33%) of uninsured adults plan to obtain dental coverage in the coming year - a notable increase from 28% in 2025. Younger adults are driving much of this momentum, with the highest intent to enroll.

 

generational perspective

 

Looking ahead

The 2026 findings underscore that oral health has become a vital pillar of total wellness - deeply connected to physical, mental, and financial stability. This holistic mindset is contributing to more consistent proactive behaviors, with adults and families embracing strong at-home routines, prioritizing preventive dental visits, and strengthening their understanding of how oral health shapes whole-body well-being. Central to this progress is dental insurance, which encourages preventive care and delivers meaningful financial protection - ultimately transforming oral health into a trusted pathway to long-term vitality.