This week the Center for Disease Control and Prevention released the results of
a study that concluded Kentucky has the highest percentage of adults over the
age of 65 that have lost all or most of their teeth.
In 2002, 42.3% of Kentuckians had lost more than five teeth. West Virginia was
the second most toothless state with 41.9% of residents who could pass for
jack-o-lanterns.
The findings by the CDC have given Hoosiers reason to celebrate. “I always made
fun of Kentuckians I have worked with over the years for being a bunch of
toothless hillbillies,” said Evansville ironworker Bill Minton, “It is great
that there is now scientific evidence to back up my statements!”
There are several reasons researchers cite for Kentuckians having the nation’s
worst teeth. The main reason cited is Kentucky is a tobacco growing state, and
97.2% of men and women use chewing tobacco on a regular basis. This leads to
tooth decay and receding gums.
Other factors are poor diet and dental hygiene. CDC researcher Hans Samuelson:
“We found that dental hygiene products are the worst-selling items in grocery
and drug stores in the state of Kentucky. Our research has shown that there is
one toothbrush sold annually for every 1,200 Kentuckians. This, along with a
diet high in sorghum molasses and animal fats lead to severe dental problems.”
The final factors cited in the CDC study were apathy and peer pressure. “Most
Kentuckians don’t really care if they are missing teeth or not,” said Samuelson,
“There are so many people without teeth that most do not bother with the time
and expense it takes to keep a full set. Why brush and floss when no one else
does? Also, many of the toothless label those that do take care of their teeth
an ‘Uncle Tom’. This discourages good dental hygiene.”
