Stats worth brushing up on this Valentine's Day

Delta Dental survey finds most Americans say smile and good oral health keys to attraction and kissability

OAK BROOK, Illinois - February 13, 2017 - Whether you've got a Valentine lined up for the big day or not, a survey from Delta Dental may offer up a little insight to help in the romance department. The survey looks at the power of a smile and good oral health when it comes to attractiveness, sex appeal and possibly landing that Valentine's Day kiss.

The survey found:

  • Sexiest quality: 71 percent of Americans 18 plus (74 percent of women vs. 68 percent of men) say good oral health is one of the sexiest qualities someone can have.
  • Deal breaker: 68 percent of Americans say they won't kiss someone with poor oral health.
  • Attraction: 73 percent say they're more attracted to someone who smiles often.
  • Break up central: One in four American adults say they'll break up with someone who doesn't brush at least twice a day.

"A healthy smile is a powerful thing. Though it won't always land you that coveted Valentine's Day kiss, brushing and flossing every day definitely won't hurt your chances," said Jennifer Elliott, vice president of marketing for Delta Dental Plans Association.

About the Survey: The Adult Oral Health Survey was conducted between December 16, 2015 and January 14, 2016 among a nationally representative sample of 1,025 Americans 18+. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percent.