A new national survey finds that more than a quarter (27%) of US adults admit they lie to their dentist about how often they floss their teeth. Additionally, more than one-third (36%) would rather do an unpleasant activity like cleaning the toilet (14%) over daily flossing. The survey was conducted online in March by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) among 2,021 US adults, 18 years and older, and among the top 10 US markets.

The new survey revealed a list of unpleasant activities Americans would choose over flossing, such as washing a sink full of dirty dishes (18%) or waiting in a long check-out line (14%). Nearly one in 10 US adults would rather sit in gridlock traffic for an hour or do their taxes (9%).

The survey also revealed some regional distinctions in oral healthcare. Among the top 10 US markets, Chicagoans are more likely than those in other regions to opt for an hour of gridlock traffic over daily flossing. However, New Yorkers are more likely than those in other metro areas to include flossing in their personal care routine.

Meanwhile, those who live in Atlanta are more likely than those in other top metro regions to be honest with their dentist about their flossing routine. Atlantans also are more likely than those in other top metro regions to tell friends when they have something stuck in their teeth. On the contrary, those who live in Washington, DC, are more likely than those in other top metro regions not to alert a friend of any potentially embarrassing lunch leftovers.

The survey also looked at how oral health affects those in relationships. Three in five (60%) US adults who have a partner say their partner’s oral health (eg, teeth, gums, breath) has an effect on their intimacy, while over a third of Americans say a smile is the first thing they notice when meeting someone they are attracted to. In fact, more than two in five of those living in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Boston say a smile is the first thing they notice when meeting someone they are attracted to. This is especially true for women.