Forty-one million adults not seeing a dentist regularly

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.