Recent research from Bupa reveals a significant knowledge gap among young adults in the UK regarding dental health and its impact on overall well-being. The study shows that 65% of individuals aged 18 to 34 feel more informed about their mental health than their dental health.
Alarmingly, 19% of this age group are unaware of any connection between oral health and mental well-being. Only 13% of all respondents reported feeling better informed about dental health compared to mental health, highlighting a gap that costs UK businesses thousands each year.
The findings are part of Bupa’s broader investigation into public awareness of the links between dental health and both physical and mental well-being. The results indicate a lack of understanding, particularly concerning mental health issues.
A staggering 85% of participants did not believe that mental health problems could affect the health of their teeth, gums, or tongue. Furthermore, only 12% recognized a connection between oral health and panic attacks, while just 7% understood its links to bipolar disorder.
Public awareness of the links between dental health and serious physical conditions is also low. Only 53% of respondents acknowledged a connection to mouth cancer, with even fewer recognizing links to diabetes (25%) or heart disease (14%).
This lack of awareness has direct consequences for workplaces.
Employee absences due to dental issues are costing UK businesses significantly, as 37% of workers have taken time off due to oral pain.
On average, those who call in sick for dental pain miss about 6.5 hours of work each time. For a company with 100 employees, this translates to an annual loss of approximately £4,129.87—a figure that escalates when considering the UK’s 5.6 million private businesses.
Only 15% of workers reported having dental insurance through their employer, while another 10% were unsure if dental coverage was included in their benefits package. Coverage rates were even lower among older employees, with just 10% of those aged 45-54 and 7% of those over 55 having insurance.
Ann Stewart, Director of Dental Insurance at Bupa, emphasized the need for employers to balance talent retention with broader business goals. “Significant progress has been made in recognizing the importance of mental health in overall well-being and workplace performance,” she stated. “However, attitudes toward dental care have been slower to evolve.”
Stewart added that oral health issues not only lead to lost work time but can also indicate broader health problems. She urged workplaces to encourage employees to prioritize their well-being by removing barriers to dental care.
The research indicates that improvements in workplace benefits could make 34% of professionals feel more valued and motivated, while an equal percentage believe it would foster greater loyalty toward their employer.
Cost remains the primary reason workers delay regular dental check-ups (32%). Additionally, 34% stated that employer support—such as time off for appointments and clearer communication regarding benefits—would help them prioritize their dental care.
To raise awareness about the connections between oral health and overall well-being, Bupa has launched “The Great Unexplored” campaign. This initiative includes a quiz designed to test public knowledge about the relationship between oral health and general health.
Bupa also conducted street interviews in London to gauge public awareness about dental health issues. The results can be viewed on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
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