5 best, 5 worst states for dental health

Analysis February 05, 2019 at 01:15 PM

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There are many reasons why people don't go to the dentist—and some factors, like not having one close by or at affordable prices—can depend on where you live. For example, some states, like Idaho, have few dentists per capita, making it tougher for people to even find one nearby, particularly in rural areas. Other states, like Massachusetts, have some of the highest dental treatment costs in the country -- and for those who don't have dental insurance, getting a root canal there just might be too cost-prohibitive. There are other personal reasons why people don't have regular checkups or get fillings or crowns when needed. More than a few just don't like going to the dentist period—for fear of pain or being scolded by the dental hygienist for not brushing or flossing enough. Related: Can proper dental care ward off ER visits? It can also depend on the importance one places on dental health—especially when it comes to prevention, like getting a professional cleaning every six months. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but many people just don't extend that philosophy to their teeth. WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 26 key indicators of dental wellness to come up with its list of "States with the Best & Worst Dental Health" for 2019. The indicators were weighed and graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for dental health. The five best states overall are: 1. Wisconsin 2. North Dakota 3. Minnesota 4. Connecticut 5. Illinois The five worst states overall are: 46. Louisiana 47. Alabama 48. West Virginia 49. Mississippi 50. Arkansas Drilling down to the five best and worst cities for specific key indicators, check out our slideshow above. Read more;