Scarier than Halloween for many Americans, especially millennials, is going to the dentist, even for an annual cleaning, according to researchers at Hello Products, a dental care startup, notes Grumpy Editor.
Polling 2,000 U.S. adults on their oral hygiene habits, a study reveals sitting in a dentist’s chair was a phobia for most respondents.
Overall, 62 percent of adults surveyed say that are too spooked to visit a dentist’s office. Especially freightened are millennials. Millennials are more likely than those over 55 to create excuses to avoid regular dental checkups (56 percent to 36 percent, respectively), unearths the survey that also finds only three in 10 millennials brush their teeth once a day, and admit they’ve gone two or three days on average without brushing.
Yet, 56 percent of millennials express fear or anxiety over losing teeth, despite possessing slovenly dental habits.
It’s crucial to take the right steps every day to maintain a healthy mouth,” reminds Craig Dubitsky, Hello Products’ founder. “This involves using effective oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits.”
IN CASE YOUR FAVORITE NEWS OUTLETS MISSED THESE…
TRUMP PEPPERS SPEECH WITH ONE LINERS. At Saturday’s annual Gridiron Dinner, President Donald Trump ends his speech (containing many one-liners), with: "I just want to say this, this is one of the best times I've had with the media — this might be the most fun I've had since watching your faces on election night.”
U.S. OIL OUTPUT HITS RECORD. While media focus on rising gasoline prices, U.S. crude oil production shatters a 47-year record in November and retreats slightly in December, reports the U.S. Energy Department. Oil output rises to 10.057 million barrels per day in November while December production edges lower to 9.949 million barrels per day. Output has surged for several years, stemming from the shale boom, pushing the U.S. past Saudi Arabia among top producers. Only Russia has greater daily oil output. Gasoline prices almost always rise in March as more drivers hit the road and refiners conduct maintenance.
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REACHES RECORD. Despite stock market volatility in recent days, the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index hit its highest level — 130.8 last month, passing the 128.6 mark set in December, 2000. This compares to the lowest point of 25.3 reached in February, 2009 during the Great Recession.
CONSUMER FRAUD CLIMBS. The Federal Trade Commission’s annual report of top U.S. consumer complaints notes Americans were defrauded of $905 million in 2017, $63 million more than in the prior year. Debt collection fraud tops the list for the third year in a row, followed by identity theft and tax fraud. Most scammers ask for money over the phone. Top states for fraud in 2017: Florida, Georgia and Nevada.
PBS GEARS UP FOR CONSERVATIVE TALK SHOW. Columnist Michael Gerson and commentator Amy Holmes are teaming to start a conservative-oriented talk show on PBS. “In Principle” will air Friday nights starting April 13. After an eight-week run, PBS will decide on continuing the program. Hosts plan to interview two guests per show, aiming for an in-depth discussion on issues and their formative political experiences.
MILITARY PARADE LIKELY AROUND VETERANS DAY. The Pentagopn is moving ahead with plans for a Military Parade around Veterans Day (Nov. 11), possibly in conjunction with the World War I centennial commemoration.
ADVANCED WEATHER EYE IN SKY LAUNCHES. NASA launches one of the most Advanced Weather satellites, focusing on the western U.S. It will provide crisp images of storms, wildfires, floods, mudlslides and other events.
