Data from the Oral Health Foundation has revealed a persistent gap in patient awareness around the link between oral health and diet.

The research has uncovered that only one-in-six (15 per cent) of UK adults consider the impact of diet on their oral health, while concerns about weight (40 per cent), heart disease (35 per cent), and diabetes (34 per cent) dominate their thinking.

The charity has said it is concerned about the challenge this disconnect presents for dental professionals, who are aware of the profound influence diet has on oral disease risk and systemic health outcomes.

The study has suggested that patients often do not prioritise their oral health when making dietary choices, leaving them vulnerable to preventable dental disease and its wider health consequences.

Nigel Carter, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, commented, “Despite decades of education, oral health remains a low priority for many patients when it comes to diet.

“This is a profound behavioural and communication challenge for dental teams. We must go beyond explaining the biology and instead focus on shifting patient perceptions so that their mouth is seen as an integral part of overall health, not an afterthought.”

Further findings have shown that nearly half (44 per cent) of adults have never adjusted their diet specifically to protect their oral health, underscoring a gap between knowledge and action.

Nigel added, “We need to help patients recognise the daily impact of their food and drink choices – not just on their waistlines or blood sugar but on their teeth and gums. This involves practical, personalised conversations about diet as a cornerstone of oral health maintenance and systemic wellbeing.

“Integrating oral health within wider public health discussions and reinforcing the mouth-body connection can empower patients to take meaningful action. With National Smile Month providing a platform, dental professionals have a timely opportunity to influence patient behaviour at scale.”

The Oral Health Foundation has encouraged dental teams to champion clear, actionable messaging around diet and oral health. It has also recommended dental professionals support patients with tailored advice to reduce sugar, limit acidic intake, and choose nutrient-rich options that strengthen oral resilience.

Author: