A report scoring states on 27 metrics of oral health and dental care ranked Massachusetts in 9th place out of all states and the District of Columbia. This report took into account metrics such as percentage of adults who visited the dentist in the past year or the number of dentists per capita. It also took into account things like sugary drinks per capita and percentage of people who receive fluoridated water.
While people in North Andover may take their fluoridated water for granted, it’s worth noting that only a few minutes away in Methuen the water is not fluoridated, despite it being in the top 7% in terms of cities with highest population in MA. Good job on getting (and keeping) your water fluoridated, North Andover.
We mention keeping water fluoridated because there has been a city that chose to stop fluoridating their water. In 2007 Juneau, the third largest city in Alaska, removed fluoride from its water and subsequently cavities in children went up from 1.5 procedures a year to 2.5 procedures per year. Now, years later, this study finds that Alaska scores 5th worst in terms percentage of adults with suboptimal dental condition.
Another notable finding of the report is that sugary beverage consumption was the 4th lowest in the country and was third lowest for percentage of smokers. We’re also proud of how often North Andover and Massachusetts residents go to the dentist, with MA ranking 3rd in terms of the percentage of adults going to the dentist.
Keep up the good work North Andover and don’t forget to book a dentist appointment to make sure you remain in good oral health.