More than one in four U.S. consumers with dental insurance do not visit the dentist twice a year for preventative exams and cleanings, according to a survey by Bloomfield-based health insurer Cigna.
Cigna found that many who skip such appointments are worried about potential costs or have a fear of the dentist.
Skipping appointments can lead to more complicated dental and health problems, which are more expensive to treat, the insurer said.
Despite skipping checkups, patients think their oral health is good or excellent, particularly in the 26-34 age group, Cigna said. That confidence begins to wane in older patients.
