Survey: Fewer Americans go to dentist for orofacial pain

A recent public opinion survey commissioned by Oral Health America revealed that Americans are more likely to take a pain killer for a toothache than consult a dentist.

Of those who don't regularly see a dentist, most (73%) give financial considerations as the reason.

Additional findings in the public opinion survey, conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive in June 2012, show that Americans ages 18 to 34 are the most likely not to receive any dental care. Households earning less than $50,000 with children also are more likely not to consult a dentist first when facing dental pain.

Oral Health America's Fall for Smiles campaign, launching September 1 and running through the end of October, reminds policymakers and the public of the importance of oral health.

Dental offices, health educators, school oral health program officials, parents, and others can find a variety of tools to promote healthy mouths, including a social media guide, coloring sheets, and a campaign handbook by visiting the Oral Health America website.

Fall for Smiles is supported by Atlantic Precious Metal Refining, Aspen Dental, Dental Trade Alliance, DentaQuest, Hispanic Dental Association, Hu-Friedy, Ivoclar Vivadent, Midmark, OralDNA Labs, OSAP, Patterson Dental, Procter & Gamble, and Young Dental.