New research from Aquafresh outlines children’s oral health concerns

News

Posted by: Dental Design 9th January 2024

Over two fifths (41%) of children have missed one or more days of school due to oral hygiene concerns or treatment,[1] according to new research from Aquafresh – the UK’s number one toothpaste brand for children.[2] Commissioned as part of the brand’s Shine Bright campaign, the survey highlights that there is still a need for the industry to be providing better oral health education for children, as 65% of teachers believe a lack of knowledge about oral care has led to children in their school having poor dental hygiene.[3]

The dental industry is already experiencing many challenges, as seen through the British Dental Association reporting that the ongoing access problems to high street dentistry have escalated, with unmet need for dentistry now standing at 12 million patients.[4] Despite the majority of parents (82%) taking their children to dentist once or more a year,[5] parents are seeking further support to maintain their children’s oral health. To help relieve some this pressure and provide much needed support, Aquafresh has brought back it’s Shine Bright Academy for the sixth year, with its schools’ programme offering resources and oral health education to children in schools most in need.

Dr Kate Fabrikant, Medical Lead Northern Europe at Haleon said: “We’re proud to be relaunching our Aquafresh Shine Bright campaign for the sixth year running, raising awareness of the importance of starting a good oral healthcare routine from a young age. As a brand, we want to ensure that all children and families have access to oral health education, and this new research highlights the pivotal role educational institutions and healthcare professionals have in driving this forward. However, 22% of parents feel that more support is needed from dentists, and teachers alike (27%), to educate their children about oral hygiene.[6]

“37% of teachers also site lack of support with syllabus as a barrier when trying to teach about oral hygiene.[7] Oral health brands, such as Aquafresh, can therefore help to bridge the gap by equipping parents and teachers with the best advice on how to help their children and students to develop and maintain good oral health routines.”

In 2023, Aquafresh donated 10,000 toothbrushes to the Dental Wellness Trust, which promotes oral health among children. The Aquafresh Shine Bright Academy schools programme is available to all schools in the UK and Ireland, offering engaging lesson plans, activity packs and a competition to drive oral care education and engagement in the school setting.

The full range of Aquafresh Kids’ toothpaste can be viewed on our Haleon Health Partner Portal, along with resources on how best to support patients.

References:

[1] Research carried out online by Research Without Barriers – sample comprised 1,001 parents of primary school children (4-11), August 2023.

[3] Research carried out online by Research Without Barriers – sample comprised 500 primary school teachers.

[4] https://bda.org/news-centre/press-releases/Pages/Dentists-Access-crisis-piling-pressure-across-NHS.aspx

[5] Research carried out online by Research Without Barriers – sample comprised 1,001 parents of primary school children (4-11), August 2023 – Question 4 (43% once a year, 39% more than once a year)

[6] Research carried out online by Research Without Barriers – sample comprised 1,001 parents of primary school children (4-11), August 2023 – Question 9

[7] Research carried out online by Research Without Barriers – sample comprised 500 primary school teachers of primary school children (4-11)August 2023- Question 9