Louisiana might be in desperate need of a checkup at the dentist's office. A study has found which states have the healthiest, and least healthy, teeth and gums.
By collecting data about the number of registered dentists per capita, dental clinics per capita, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, number of smokers, and more WalletHub was able to scientifically determine which states have the best and worst dental health.
Louisiana was placed as having the 4th worst dental health overall.
The study found that Louisiana has poor dental habits, dental care, and oral health. Louisiana was tied for second most in the number of adults unsatisfied with their oral health. Also in second place, Louisiana has the lowest number of registered dentists per capita, and fourth worst for the number of kids who had a dentist's appointment in the last year.
States neighboring Louisiana did not perform much better than Louisiana.
Arkansas beat out Louisiana in having the worst overall dental health in the entire country, followed closely by Mississippi at the place of 2nd worst dental health. Texas performed only slightly better than Louisiana, as the state with the 6th worst dental health.
Between Louisiana and Mississippi West Virginia is the 3rd worst, and between Louisiana and Texas Montana is the 5th worst state for dental health.
Tony Yang, ScD, Associate Dean of Health Policy and Population Science at Milken Institute School of Public Health offers advice on how to maintain dental health, and it's probably what you already expect to hear, "A crucial step is practicing diligent oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and making flossing a daily habit."