Research has revealed that three quarters (75 per cent) of UK adults do not regularly visit the dentist as part of their oral health routine. This equates to around 41m people.

The new research, published by Haleon, has uncovered insights from consumers and oral health professionals into the current state of oral health in the UK, emphasising the role of preventative oral healthcare.

Oral health professionals believe that the nation’s oral health is declining, with a majority (64 per cent) identifying a worsening of oral health over the last year. Over a quarter (28 per cent) of oral health professionals don’t believe that their patients have a good grasp on basic dental hygiene. This includes simple steps such as brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes.

The concern about worsening oral health is shared by adults across the UK, with two-fifths (41 per cent) of those surveyed reporting that they are worried about the state of their own oral health. This is despite the majority (78 per cent) of UK adults believing that oral health plays a significant role in overall physical health and mental wellbeing.

Calls made to the 111 NHS helpline regarding dental problems reached an annual record high of over 1.2m across 2023-2024. According to Haleon, it is vital to ensure the UK population is putting good oral hygiene practices into action at home to prevent major health issues and avoid putting further strain on NHS services.

It is also important that more people see an oral health professional to access preventative advice on how to look after their teeth and gums. Regular check-ups and interactions with oral health professionals can contribute to the prevention of serious health issues developing, such as tooth decay and gum disease, or ensuring that they are being caught and treated early. The majority (85 per cent) of oral healthcare professionals and UK adults (76 per cent) believe that preventative oral healthcare advice should be offered in every appointment and be covered within the NHS contract.

Industry also has a role to play, with the majority (83 per cent) of oral healthcare professionals agreeing that consumer oral healthcare brands can support by giving consumers the knowledge and tools they need to prioritise preventative oral healthcare.

Jo Cooper, Haleon general manager for Great Britain and Ireland, said, “We know that oral health professionals are under huge pressure, and people are struggling to access care. This is having a profound impact on the nation’s oral health. It is shocking to see that both oral health professionals and consumers recognise that oral hygiene is declining, despite its importance to our overall health. It is critical that we take action to reverse this trend.”

A call to action

The cost to the NHS of treating oral health conditions is around £3.6bn per year.

Haleon has called on the UK government to work collaboratively with industry and the dentistry profession to prioritise preventative oral healthcare as part of its 10-Year Health Plan for the NHS. Through driving improvements in the nation’s oral health, this would contribute towards one of the plan’s three key ‘shifts’ of focusing on preventing sickness, not just treating it.

Jo added, “Haleon, as a leading consumer healthcare company which owns brands like Sensodyne, Corsodyl and Aquafresh, stands ready to work with government, the profession, and our consumers to help improve understanding of a healthy oral care routine across all age groups and communities. Commitment to providing more people with the opportunity to live healthier lives is central to our purpose.”

References available on request.

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