Texas, We Need to Talk About Our Teeth

Everything is bigger in Texas, hair, trucks, steaks, but it shouldn't be bad teeth. Apparently, that is bigger in Texas as well. Texas isn't bigger when it comes to dental health.

You might want to run and brush your teeth before reading this, because you'll be running your tongue across your teeth through the whole thing.

Texas, there's a report from Wallet Hub that mama wouldn't be hanging on the fridge with your #1 magnet.

Texas is One of the Worst States in the US for Dental Health

Yeah, Texans are not taking care of their teeth. Texas ranked 48th in the nation. THE NATION for dental health. We are in the bottom five!

That's a whole lotta Fs on the report card, and that puts us in the drop zone. The only other states worse than the Lone Star State are Arkansas, West Virginia, and Mississippi. We can do better than this.

Read More: Texans Have High Cavity Rates, and Cavities Are Contagious

Why Texas Children Are Missing Dental Visits

Texas ranks 43rd for kids visiting the dentist. If their teeth are bad this young, just imagine what they will be like when they become adults.

Life can get busy, and it is sometimes hard to get the kids to the dentist because of school and activity schedules. Families have a lot to deal with. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so let's celebrate this by taking the kids for a dental check-up.

Adult Dental Visits in Texas Are Among the Lowest Nationwide

But it's not just the kids; the adults are neglecting their dental health as well. Texas ranked 49th for adults visiting the dentist. For most Texans, it's an "if it doesn't hurt, we don't go" type of thing. Think of it this way, we'll rotate our tires before we switch out our toothbrush.  For most Texans, we only switch our toothbrush when we get a new one from the dentist.

Sugar Drinks and Access Issues Hurting Texas Dental Health

It may not help that Texas is 43rd when it comes to dentists per capita. What that means is we don't have enough dentists in the state to meet the population's needs.

Many of the issues come from the sugary drinks we consume, Cokes, sweet tea, energy drinks, and super-sweet coffee. Plus, the serving sizes are huge, as my grandmother used to say, "you could take a bath in that cup."

Read More: Company Abruptly Shuts Down, Leaving Texans with Crooked Teeth

Many times, when it comes to dental health, it's the money that stops Texans from going.  Even with insurance, the costs to have any dental work done are astronomical, so most people opt out of visiting the dentist.

How Texans Can Improve Dental Health Starting Today

Brush your teeth daily. If you can't get in three times per day, then brush when you get up and before you go to bed. Floss regularly, and if you can't, those flosser toothpicks work wonders after meals. Try to schedule regular cleanings with your dentist.  Most cleanings are affordable, even without insurance.

Affordable Dental Care Options Available in Texas

If you are looking for low-cost dental resources, visit the Texas Health and Human Services website for a list of options.

Texans are known for their toughness, but when it comes to our teeth, we need to give them a little love.