The Oral Health Foundation has revealed new data which shows a gap in patient awareness, with only 15% considering the impact of diet on their oral health. It noted that UK adults’ main areas of concern when selecting a diet were weight (40%), heart disease (35%), and diabetes (34%).
As published in The Probe, this is concerning as this disconnect presents a challenge for dental professionals. It highlights the need to raise awareness of the influence a diet can have on a person’s risk of oral disease and on systemic health.
The data suggests that oral health is not a priority for patients when making choices about their diets. Worryingly, this leaves them vulnerable to preventable dental diseases and potential health consequences.
Additionally, 44% of UK adults have never adjusted their diet specifically to protect their oral health. This, once again, emphasises the need for dedicated conversations with patients about the importance of diet for maintaining oral health – including ensuring that patients are aware of some of the most destructive elements including fizzy drinks, chocolate, sweets, and citrus fruits.
This research comes in the midst of National Smile Month which, this year, has the theme of ‘Feed Your Smile’. This annual initiative aims to provide a platform for improved awareness about key issues in dentistry, and encourages dental professionals to educate their patients about how they can best look after their dental health.
In general, the Oral Health Foundation recommends that dental teams advocate for a balanced diet, with reduced sugar and acid, and which is also nutrient-rich.
>Since you’re here, why not read about the millions putting oral health at risk: snacking and skipping toothbrushing?
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