---
title: An Inconvenient Tooth | Trendlines by Gradient
description: Most Americans brush at least twice a day (78%), floss at least once a day (76%), and visit the dentist at least once every six months (59%).
image: https://i4.createsend1.com/ei/t/12/97F/964/csimport/2022-02_dental_plot_adjusted.084038.png
---

![](https://i4.createsend1.com/ei/t/12/97F/964/csimport/2022-02_dental_plot_adjusted.084038.png)

[Cory Manento](https://www.gradientmetrics.com/trendlines/author/cory-manento)2022/02/161 min read

# An Inconvenient Tooth

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Of all the day-to-day upkeep required of our insufferable human bodies, arguably no area is more high-maintenance than teeth. These primadonnas [need to](https://email.gradientmetrics.com/t/t-l-qoalt-yunodkhi-b/) be brushed twice a day for several minutes like they’re going to be competing in the Westminster Dog Show. Flossing [should happen](https://email.gradientmetrics.com/t/t-l-qoalt-yunodkhi-n/) at least once a day, even between those teeth that are harder to reach than teenagers in a D.A.R.E. program. And it is recommended to see the dentist every six months, which is even more frequent than the yearly-recommended general wellness checkup!

 

Given the mouth-forward nature of bodily upkeep, how well are Americans keeping up with recommended dental hygiene habits?

 

![](https://i4.createsend1.com/ei/t/12/97F/964/csimport/2022-02_dental_plot_adjusted.084038.png)

 

**Most Americans brush at least twice a day (78%), floss at least once a day (76%), and visit the dentist at least once every six months (59%)**. Money apparently *can* buy dental happiness, as lower-income Americans are less likely than their wealthier counterparts to engage in the recommended amount of oral management. Or maybe they are just less ashamed to admit the truth.

Brushing is one thing, but actually doing a good job brushing is quite another, as any self-respecting dentist will tell you in that passive-aggressive tone you can’t respond to because you have eight fingers and two sharp tools in your mouth. Also, what do you think about this crazy weather?! I’ll give you a chance to respond in a few minutes.

 

**Americans have had a median of four cavities in their lifetime, and 32% have had six or more**. Luckily, we did not find a significantly higher rate of reported cavities among candy-consuming Americans, so consider your insatiable Tootsie Roll addiction enabled.*

 

*Gradient Metrics, LLC is not liable for any increase in tooth decay, cavities, or general mouth yuck as a result of this information. Don’t tell your dentist about *this* data-driven insight!

![avatar](https://www.gradientmetrics.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20Page/team_photos/gradient-cory.png?width=290&name=gradient-cory.png)

[Cory Manento

](https://www.gradientmetrics.com/trendlines/author/cory-manento)Cory holds a master’s degree and PhD in Political Science from Brown University, specializing in experimental survey research on voter attitudes, behavior, and electoral preferences. Coming from a background in which success is achieved through rigorous causal inference and sharp research design, Cory thrives on translating client needs into testable questions that yield actionable results.

[mailto:cory@gradientmetrics.com](mailto:cory@gradientmetrics.com)

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<https://www.gradientmetrics.com/trendlines/an-inconvenient-tooth#>

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