New report reveals impact of COVID-19 on nation's oral health

This startling fact shared by Professor Mike Lewis form part of a report commissioned by Align Technology that explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state of oral health and confidence about our teeth.

The data collected reveals more than two million dental appointments may have been affected during lockdown¹, with practices remaining closed for several months, while mouth cancer referrals were down by around 90%¹.

President of independent think tank The Pandora Group, dentist Mark Cronshaw said: 'Avoidance of routine dental care and routine check-ups isn’t without risk. Roughly half of the population is estimated to suffer from some form of chronic periodontal disease. This infection has been associated with over 50 different medical conditions, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, plus an increased susceptibility to COVID-19. Furthermore, 12,000 people a year develop oral cancer, some of which are identified at dental check-ups.'²