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Looking for love? Make sure your smile is in shape this Valentine's Day. DentalPlans.com released its return of the Battle of the Sexes survey data and infographic, gauging both sexes attitudes towards health, self-care, dating and love – and whether anything has changed in the past four years, when the company conducted the same survey for the first time.
Bad breath is one of the top dating deal breakers, according to the new survey, and is among one of the things that hasn't changed since 2015. The 2019 survey also found that both sexes are significantly more open-minded about potential partners than they were in 2015, and overall, everyone is less concerned about the financial status of their dates.
More men than women (11% vs. 5%) are now actively looking for a relationship. But – heads up, guys – men in search of women may be looking for love in the wrong place: 48% of men use online dating sites vs. only 29% of women. The infographic shows you where most people are meeting in 2019.
And while men and women both agree that its vitally important to take good care of their teeth and gums at home, there has been a significant drop in the number of people who get regular dental checkups and cleanings.
Preventative dental care is essential for good health, and it's troubling to see that number dropping," says Bill Chase, senior vice president of marketing atDentalPlans.com. "This data point is the reason we believe in our mission. We are advocates for affordable dental care and will continue to educate people on the benefits of dental savings plans.
Highlights from the 2019 survey include:
What changed?
More people are looking for love online: 39% are using online dating sites, compared to 30% in 2015. And 24% are prowling Facebook, as opposed to 15% in 2015.
But fewer people are looking: the overall percentage of single people searching for partners has dropped almost 10%. (17% vs. 26% in 2015).
Sadly, 3% of those polled say they have given up on finding love forever.
Smiles are fresher: 68% of respondents brush their teeth twice a day, compared to only 65% in 2015.
But people aren't getting preventive healthcare: Only 47% get regular check-ups with doctors/dentists, compared to 58% in 2015. This data aligns with a rise in the national uninsured rate; according to a Gallup poll, 11.9% of Americans did not have health insurance in the fourth quarter of 2015, but 13.7% lacked coverage in the fourth quarter of 2018.
We’re getting nicer! Our tolerance for previous dating deal breakers has increased:
- unemployed (only 46% say 'no way' in 2019 vs. 55% in 2015)
- no car (29% say no, vs. 39% in 2015)
- bad breath (40% still say nay, vs. 50% in 2015)
Some things haven't changed: a jealous stalker ex remains the biggest turnoff for everyone.
What's New?
Smile Wish List
The 2019 survey asked participants what they'd like to change about their smile.
- Whiter teeth won by a significant margin, 48% of people wanted to have brighter smiles
- Only 18% of those polled were interested in straightening teeth or fixing gaps
- Just 2% craved collagen injections for fuller lips
- About one in eight people wouldn't change anything about their smiles
So why don't people get cosmetic dental treatments?
- 56% said it is too expensive
- 18% because it's not covered by insurance
- 9% said they were afraid of the dentist
Dental savings plans can transform wishes into reality. Many plans offer discounts on cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening and overlays, along with 10% to 60% savings on preventive and restorative dental care – including root canals, crowns, braces and dental implants. To find out more about the advantages of dental savings plans, visit dentalplans.com.
About DentalPlans.com
DentalPlans.com, founded in 1999, is a leading dental and health savings online marketplace in the U.S., helping more than a million people to affordably access quality healthcare services. Our mission is to empower consumers with the tools, information, and services that they need to live happier, healthier lives.www.dentalplans.com.