Most adults are ignoring this critical health habit

New research has revealed a worrying number of UK adults are not visiting their dentist enough. A team surveyed 2,001 adults and 250 oral health professionals on behalf of consumer healthcare company Haleon.

The data found that three quarters of adults do not visit a dentist every 12 to 24 months, the recommended time period between consultations. At the same time, 65% of dental professionals questioned said that they had noted a worsening of oral health since 2024, with 28% of the view that patients had insufficient understanding of elementary dental hygiene.

The figures also showed that 78% of the members of the public asked felt that oral health was a significant factor in general physical and mental health, yet only 41% expressed concerns over their own oral health.

A further 83% of dental professionals felt that consumer brands should be more involved in educating people about the importance of preventative oral healthcare. There was recognition also that some potential patients struggle to access care, and the research concluded that the Government needs to liaise with the dental industry and prioritise oral health.

Overall, 53.2% of those questioned said they used publicly funded dental services, while 35.6% relied on private care. A striking 10.9% claimed to have no dentist at all.

If you are based in the North West and are concerned about your oral health, set up an appointment with our friendly team at Art of Dental Care today. We are leading providers of dentures, root canal treatment and wisdom tooth removal in Chester.