Newly-released data from the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programme’s Oral Health Index has shown that more women (48 per cent) believe there has been no improvement in accessing dental services since the pandemic compared to men (32 per cent).
The index also found that nearly a third (32 per cent) of women report they are less likely to visit a dentist due to the cost-of-living crisis.
The findings precede the publication of the Government's Dental Recovery Plan, which is due to be released ahead of the new year in an effort to tackle the UK’s NHS dental crisis.
Unaffordable dentistry is also hitting young people hard. Fifty-six per cent of people aged 25 to 34 years old believe their dental health will suffer amidst soaring living costs, and one in three would consider exploring overseas treatment options for affordability.
Separate research from Frontier Economics has shown the value preventative oral health measures – like chewing more sugar-free gum – could deliver by avoiding the need for urgent treatments and making the need for check-ups less frequent.
Introducing supervised toothbrushing programmes for children, expanding water fluoridation schemes, and encouraging the public to chew sugar-free gum could together save the NHS over £50m per year, and save NHS dental patients £95.9m.
Eddie Crouch, British Dental Association chair, said, “Cost of living and access crises are creating a perfect storm. Millions are thinking twice about needed care if they’re lucky enough to find an appointment, while others are looking abroad.
“Every day that passes our patients are making choices that put their oral health at risk. The government cannot remain asleep at the wheel.”
Michael Dodds, senior principal scientist with the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programme, said, “It is crucial that any forward plan for dentistry considers preventive measures, such as promoting sugar-free gum, to enhance peoples’ oral health and ease pressures on our dental services.
“The Oral Health Index’s worrying findings show us that people risk missing out on much-needed dental treatment, due to pressures on services and the rising cost of living. Maintaining good oral health should not be a luxury – it is an essential part of our overall well-being. It helps people to boost their self-confidence, and enables them to carry out day-to-day activities like eating and speaking without discomfort or pain.
“The Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programme is committed to continuing working with the dental community, to support education around healthy, affordable oral health routines.”