Several states in the Southeast — including Kentucky and Tennessee — made the top 10 in a list of states likely to eat the most sweets this Halloween.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Several states in the Southeast — including Kentucky and Tennessee — made the top 10 in a list of states likely to eat the most sweets this Halloween.
A new study, conducted by Celebrate Dental & Braces, determined which states are consuming the most added sugar per day. According to a press release, the orthodontists did this by gathering data from the National Library of Medicine on the mean dietary added sugars intake for each state in 2010 and 2015, and then ranking the states from most to least added teaspoons of sugar.
The press release about the study outlined the 10 states where residents are “most likely to rot their teeth” by overindulging in candy at the end of October:
1. Kentucky (21.2 teaspoons per day)
In addition to its high sugar consumption, Kentucky struggles with poor dental health. Based on a 2020 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 22.4% of Kentucky’s adults ages 65 and older have lost all of their natural teeth, which is the highest rate in the country. However, the Bluegrass State is on par with the national average when it comes to children’s oral health, with 14.2% of kids reporting dental problems.
2. Mississippi (20 teaspoons per day)
Mississippi has a high prevalence of tooth loss among seniors, with 19.8% of adults over 65 having lost all of their teeth. Furthermore, the Magnolia State has the second highest rate of children’s dental problems, with 17.3% of kids ages 1 to 17 experiencing tooth-related issues.
3. Oklahoma (19.8 teaspoons per day)
Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of adults ages 65 and up who have lost all of their natural teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease at 19.2%. In addition, the Sooner State is in the top five for children’s oral health issues, with 16.9% of kids experiencing problems with their teeth.
4. Arkansas (19.3 teaspoons per day)
In Arkansas, 16.2% of children have dealt with at least one oral health issue, which is above the national average of 14.1%. The Natural State also has one of the nation’s highest rates of complete natural tooth loss among adults ages 65 and up, with 21.5% losing all of their teeth.
5. West Virginia (19.1 teaspoons per day)
West Virginia has one of the country’s highest rates of complete tooth loss among adults ages 65 and older, with 22.2% losing all of their teeth. Meanwhile, 14.9% of children in the Mountain State have experienced dental issues, which is still above the national average.
6. South Dakota (18.7 teaspoons per day) and Alabama (18.7 teaspoons per day)
Unlike many other states in the top 10, South Dakota has a lower rate of adult tooth loss, with only 13.7% of adults ages 65 and up losing all of their teeth. Despite being below the national average, children in the Mount Rushmore State are not immune to dental problems, with 13.3% experiencing oral health issues.
Dental health is also a concern in Alabama, with 18.7% of seniors losing all their natural teeth and 13.9% of children reporting oral health problems.
8. Tennessee (18.5 teaspoons per day)
Tennessee’s senior population experiences high rates of tooth loss, with 19.4% of those ages 65 and older losing all of their teeth. As for the younger population, 14.1% of the Volunteer State’s children experience dental issues, which is consistent with the national average.
9. South Carolina (18.4 teaspoons per day)
Adult tooth loss is an issue in South Carolina, with 16.1% of adults ages 65 and up losing all of their teeth. Meanwhile, 14.6% of kids in the Palmetto State report oral health issues, which is slightly above the national average.
10. Hawaii (18.3 teaspoons per day)
Hawaii sees 5.5% of seniors losing all of their natural teeth, which is a much lower rate compared to other states on the list. The Aloha State’s children also fare better in terms of dental health, with only 10.7% experiencing oral issues, the lowest among the top 10 states.
Dr. Kelsey Loveland from Celebrate Dental & Braces provided the following comment on these findings:
As Halloween approaches, it’s important for individuals and families to be mindful of their sugar intake, especially with the abundance of sweet treats. Consuming large amounts of added sugar, whether in candy or other foods, not only contributes to long-term health problems but can have an immediate impact on dental health. Sugar fuels the bacteria in our mouths, which in turn produces acid that wears away at enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities.
For those in the states highlighted in this study, where sugar consumption is particularly high, it’s critical to be vigilant about oral hygiene practices. We recommend brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and making regular visits to the dentist. Parents should also encourage their children to drink plenty of water, especially after consuming sweets, and consider offering healthier alternatives to traditional Halloween candy.
We understand that Halloween is a time for fun and indulgence, but balance is key. With proper care and attention to dental health, you can enjoy the season’s treats without long-term consequences to your teeth.