![Illinois Ranked with Second Best Smiles in the United States](https://townsquare.media/site/72/files/2023/10/attachment-Copy-of-Untitled-Design-90.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Illinois Ranked with Second Best Smiles in the United States
World Smile Day celebrates the power of genuine smiles, but have you ever wondered which U.S. states have the brightest smiles? BetKentucky looked into comprehensive metrics related to oral health to find out which states shine the brightest in dental well-being.
The Metrics
To arrive at these rankings, BetKentucky took a close look at several crucial factors. They examined the overall condition of people's mouths and teeth, how many older adults, aged 65 and above, had all their teeth removed due to decay or gum disease, the proportion of adults who paid a visit to a dentist or dental clinic in the past year, and the number of general dentists and advanced practice dental therapists per 100,000 residents. Additionally, they factored in the percentage of adults who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and currently smoke either daily or occasionally. The availability of water fluoridation in each state was also considered as part of this analysis.
Weighted Scores
Notably, not all of these factors carried equal weight in the assessment. Metrics like the "Overall Condition of Mouth and Teeth" held more significance than others, such as the "Percentage of Water Fluoridation in the State." By assigning weighted scores to these metrics, an overall dental health score was calculated for each state, with higher scores indicating superior dental well-being.
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Illinois Ranks #2 for Best Smiles in America
The results of this analysis revealed that Illinois secured the second position in the rankings, boasting an impressive score of 75 out of 100 for dental health. This achievement underscores the commitment of Illinois residents to maintaining their oral health. Minnesota claimed the number one spot with a score of 78.3.
Tips for Good Teeth
On World Smile Day, and every day, take a moment to appreciate the significance of a bright and healthy smile. Whether you reside in Illinois or elsewhere, remember that regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene practices, and avoiding smoking can significantly contribute to a healthier smile. Remember that a healthy, radiant grin is something to cherish and nurture.
[Source: BetKentucky.com]
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