This week marks the beginning of National Smile Month – an annual campaign designed to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. In its 50th year, the initiative continues to provide a conversation starter between practitioners and patients. However, oral health goes far beyond the dental chair. It is essential for general wellbeing, and problems in the mouth can have a surprising impact on individuals, businesses, and the broader economy.
For the individuals experiencing problems, dental pain is a major concern. This has been shown to disrupt daily routines and reduce quality of life. This is true for all age groups, including children and adolescents, and adults. Evidence also demonstrated that dental problems such as periodontal disease significantly reduce self-confidence in affected individuals. In addition, prolonged discomfort is a major distractor for many people, with loss of productivity at work just one avoidable consequence.
This is just one of the negative effects experienced by businesses. Studies report that toothache and dental pain have caused 7% of UK adults to take a week off work, with a further 21% taking at least one day off sick. This equates to a total of 23 million lost working days. For business, especially smaller, independent companies, this could have a detrimental impact on productivity. Even for larger businesses, efficiency will be significantly reduced if employees are regularly taking time away due to dental problems.
Finally, a significant toll is placed on the healthcare system. It is estimated that dental caries (tooth decay) alone costs the economy £18,000 per person in the UK. This equates to nearly £19 billion per year. With vast inequalities identified and the most deprived groups disproportionately affected, targeted prevention could make an enormous difference to the numbers.
Consequently, oral health and dental pain are not just a concern for individuals. It has a far-reaching impact on family members, friends, employers, government policymakers, the economy, and more. Improved education and enhanced access to care for deprived areas of the nation are crucial to make a positive change. Happy National Smile Month!
>Since you’re here, why not read about what weight-loss drugs are doing to your teeth?
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