Research published by the Oral Health Foundation has found that a number of Brits took the opportunity during the pandemic to build better oral health habits. At a time when NHS dentistry is struggling to deal with the backlog of patients caused by the pandemic this is very welcome news and the Oral Health Foundation is calling on the nation to continue taking steps towards better oral health.

The survey of over 2,000 Brits found that one-in-five (20%) said that during the pandemic they had developed the habit of brushing their teeth for longer¹.

This is especially good news as, on average, research shows that adults brushing their teeth for what they believe is two minutes, is as low as 54 seconds.

It is not just better brushing habits that seem to have been picked up either.  One-in-five Brits (18%) are cleaning in between their teeth with floss or interdental brushes while one-in-seven (14%) have committed to using daily mouthwash more often.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, hopes that Brits can take the charity’s National Smile Month campaign as an opportunity to build on these good habits.

Dr Carter says: “It’s great to hear that a number of us have taken the opportunity to improve our oral health during the pandemic by building better oral health habits. Brushing for two minutes, twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste is key for good oral health as well as cleaning daily between our teeth with interdental brushes or floss. Doing so ensures your teeth stay clean throughout the day and also helps keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay.

“At a time when dental practices are working hard to reduce the backlog caused by the pandemic, good oral health at home has never been so important. By keeping on top of our oral health we can really give our body a boost and reduce our chances of developing wider health issues such as diabetes, dementia, and heart disease.”

National Smile Month, which runs until 17 June, is all about the importance of good oral health and is supported by a host of major UK brands such as Invisalign, LISTERINE®, Oral-B, Corsodyl, Sensodyne, TePe, Philips and the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programme.

In addition to brushing habits, findings from the charity’s research shows over a third (38%) of Brits are now walking more often during the pandemic while the same number are also cooking more meals from scratch.  These new insights reveal that women are more likely to use lockdown as a chance to take up healthier habits, compared to men².

Clearly, the pandemic has got a lot of people thinking about their health and the importance of looking after our bodies. Oral health can sometimes be forgotten or taken for granted however Dr Carter hopes that this can change.

“Oral health is so important, but it can be easy to let it slip,” adds Dr Carter.

“Whether it’s forgetting to brush our teeth twice a day or not checking in with the dentist, these bad habits can easily stack up and cause a number of oral health issues. National Smile Month offers an opportunity to put the mouth back into the body and get the whole family enthused about better oral health through fun and engaging activities and events.

“Please take National Smile Month as an opportunity to assess your oral health and take steps towards a healthier and happier smile.”

For more information about our National Smile Month campaign and how you can achieve better oral health head to www.smilemonth.org. Alternatively, if you would like to receive oral health information and advice over the phone then call our Dental Helpline on 01788 539780.

REFERENCES

1. 1. Oral Health Foundation, ‘National Smile Month Survey 2021‘, UK, Broadcast Revolution, April 2021, Sample 2,009.
   2.  In the survey 41% of women said they were going for walks more often during the pandemic compared to 35% of men. Similarly, 41% of women said they were cooking more meals from scratch compared to 34% of men.

One-in-four (26%) British adults regularly brush their teeth only once a day, according to findings of a new nationwide poll.

The data has been collected by the Oral Health Foundation and sheds concerns about the number of people willing to skip twice-daily brushing.

The charity is especially worried by the number of people who regularly fail to brush their teeth last thing at night, when the health of the mouth is most likely to deteriorate.  Insights from the research show that one-in-four (25%) do not brush their teeth in the evening before they go to bed.

Latest figures show two-in-three (66%) UK adults have visible plaque, almost one-in-three (31%) have signs of tooth decay, and three-in-four (74%) have had teeth extracted.

The examination into Britain’s brushing habits is part of National Smile Month, a campaign by the Oral Health Foundation that aims to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy mouth.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the charity, highlights the importance of twice daily brushing and believes now is the perfect time for the UK to reassess its oral health habits.

Dr Carter says: “Twice-daily toothbrushing is the cornerstone to having good oral health because it removes plaque.  If plaque is not removed and is allowed to build up, it can cause conditions like tooth decay and gum disease.

“Brushing only once a day can increase the chances of developing tooth decay by up to a third, so setting aside time for the second brush is really important.” 

Elaine Tilling, dental hygienist and the clinical education manager for TePe Oral Hygiene Products, says: “Apart from stale bedtime breath, failing to brush before bed will also lead to poorer oral health.

“During sleep we lose the function of saliva, the mouth’s protection against tooth decay.  The night-time brush removes the daily build-up of plaque and food debris from the surface of the teeth and gums and helps to ensure that whilst the mouth is at rest, the damage potential from plaque bacteria is removed.”

Further findings from the charity’s research show that toothbrush skipping is more common in adults under 35s (31%), while men are less likely to brush their teeth twice-daily compared to women.

It also suggests that as many as one million UK adults fail to brush their teeth once a day.

The investigation also revealed that most of the population (70%) brush at least twice a day, however, one-in-ten (10%) have no set routine.

“Habits need routine to help them form and toothbrushing is no different,” adds Mrs Tilling, who believes creating a fixed routine it essential for forming healthy habits.

She says: “Brushing before bed is arguably the most important time to remove plaque and night-time is generally when we have the most time for ourselves.  Ensuring brushing and interdental cleaning before bed is crucial for good oral health.”

National Smile Month takes place until 17 June and champions the benefits of a healthy smile.  The initiative is being supported by some of the UK’s most well-known household brands, including Invisalign, LISTERINE®, Oral-B, Corsodyl, Sensodyne, TePe, Philips and the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programme.

Throughout National Smile Month, the Oral Health Foundation and its partners are looking to support the nation in taking steps to improve their oral health.

“A healthy smile can be achieved at home with a simple and easy daily routine,” Dr Carter says.

“The most important action you can take is to brush your teeth for two minutes, last thing at night and one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste.  It also means cleaning between your teeth every day with interdental brushes or floss and also cutting down how much and how often you have sugary foods and drinks.

“Dental disease is largely preventable. Following these steps will set you up on the path for a lifetime of good oral health.”

For more information about our National Smile Month campaign and how you can achieve better oral health head to www.smilemonth.org. Alternatively, if you would like to receive oral health information and advice over the phone then call our Dental Helpline on 01788 539780.

REFERENCES

1. Oral Health Foundation, ‘National Smile Month Survey 2021‘, UK, Broadcast Revolution, April 2021, Sample 2,009.

New research collected by the Oral Health Foundation has found further evidence of an NHS dental service in crisis. The oral health charity is now calling on ministers to promptly address the issue of backed up dental appointments and provide the support NHS dentistry needs to get back on track.

A survey of over 2,000 British adults has found that almost half (45%) reported delays to their dental appointments or treatments in the last 12 months. This is more than any other health service including GP surgeries (30%), hospital services (16%) and mental health support (11%).

Latest figures suggest that as many as 20 million dental appointments have been delayed or cancelled since March 2020.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, believes that vital funding and support is needed for NHS dentistry to avoid the nation sleepwalking into an oral health crisis.

Dr Carter says: “Dentistry has been severely underfunded for many years and services have suffered greatly during the pandemic.  To address the backlog caused by COVID-19 restrictions, and to ensure dentistry does not fall behind other crucial health services, now is the time for government to provide more funding and invest in the nation’s oral health.

“Regular dental visits are key for maintaining good oral health. Dentists can spot oral health problems in the early stages and provide patients with advice and care that can save them from both invasive and expensive treatments later down the line.

“Dentists also conduct potentially life saving mouth cancer checks as part of every routine appointment. Many people are unaware when it comes to mouth cancer symptoms and how to look for it and therefore the only mouth cancer check they’d get is when they have their regular appointment.”

As a result of delays to dentistry over the last year, one-in-ten (12%) people have accessed remote dentistry services in the last 12 months.  This includes telephone advice, video calls and emails with their dental team.

Despite the ease of remote advice services, three-in-four (74%) say they prefer physical appointments with their dental team.  This was much higher than for general health, where just over half (59%) said that they would prefer physical appointments.

Despite a reduction in services over the last year, the charity is keen to get more Brits back into the dental chair.  Dr Carter wants to emphasise that while dental practices have suffered several challenges during the pandemic, they have adapted well and ready see more patients.

Dr Carter adds: “Dental professionals have done an excellent job adapting during the pandemic in spite of very difficult challenges.  The good news is that many dentists, dental hygienists and therapists, are now able to see fare more patients than they were last summer, and the range of treatments available should be back to normal.

“If you have not seen a dentist since the beginning of the pandemic, I would urge you to give them a call and enquire about an appointment.  Regular dental visits are crucial for maintain a good standard of oral health and can identify problems long before they become more serious.”

The research has been commissioned by the Oral Health Foundation as part of National Smile Month – a charity campaign championing the benefits of good oral health and a healthy smile.

The initiative is being supported by a wealth of some of the UK’s most well-known household brands, including Invisalign, LISTERINE®, Oral-B, Corsodyl, Sensodyne, TePe, Philips and the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programme.

Throughout National Smile Month, the Oral Health Foundation and its partners are looking to support the nation in taking steps to improve their oral health. The charity is highlighting that while dental visits remain essential for a healthy mouth, the cornerstone to good oral health remains at home.

“A healthy smile can be achieved at home with a simple and easy daily routine,” Dr Carter says.

“The most important action you can take is to brush your teeth for two minutes, last thing at night and one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste.  It also means cleaning between your teeth every day with interdental brushes or floss and also cutting down how much and how often you have sugary foods and drinks.

“Dental disease is largely preventable. Following these steps will set you up on the path for a lifetime of good oral health.”

For more information about our National Smile Month campaign and how you can achieve better oral health head to www.smilemonth.org. Alternatively, if you would like to receive oral health information and advice over the phone then call our Dental Helpline on 01788 539780.

REFERENCES

1. Oral Health Foundation, ‘National Smile Month Survey 2021‘, UK, Broadcast Revolution, April 2021, Sample 2,009.

New data published by the Oral Health Foundation and Colgate-Palmolive has discovered a concerning lack of knowledge of dental caries. The Oral Health Foundation is now calling on dental professionals to help raise awareness of dental caries amongst patients in order to improve the oral health of the nation.

Dental caries is one of the most chronic diseases in the world and is estimated to affect around 2.3 billion people globally¹. In the UK, it is estimated that just under one-in-three adults suffer from caries² – a problem which the charity believe has been exacerbated during the pandemic.

Despite its prevalence, many remain unaware of the circumstances that could lead them being at higher risk or understand how they can prevent the disease from occurring.

As part of a new nationwide omnibus survey into dental caries and fluoride, one-in-three (33%) were unable to identify ‘brushing teeth’ as an action that could prevent the disease.

Furthermore, over half of respondents (54%) did not associate ‘regular dental appointments’ to lower caries risk while and more than one-in-four (26%) did not know that ‘high carbohydrate’ diets can be responsible for higher caries risk³.

There was also a lack of awareness around the other major risk factors of caries, including older age, drying mouth, and having a history of oral health restorations.

Dr Emanuele Cotroneo, Scientific Affairs Project Manager at Colgate, is concerned that without a good basic understanding of the risk factors of tooth decay many Brits will struggle to take control of their oral health.

Dr Cotroneo says: “What this new survey data shows is a clear need for education amongst patients. Patients could be missing out on simple but really effective ways to minimise their risk of developing dental caries but are simply unaware of how their lifestyle choices are impacting their oral health.”

The survey’s findings are part of the charity’s The Truth About Tooth Decay – an online hub, created in partnership with Colgate-Palmolive. The platform hosts educational material for patients around dental caries. The site also includes a dedicated area for dental professionals with tips and tools for educating patients about the symptoms and risk factors of dental caries.

The investigation also showed that it is younger people aged 18-to-24 that have the weakest knowledge when it comes to dental caries.

Almost one-in-four (24%) 18-24-year-olds failed to highlight ‘brushing your teeth’ as an effective way to prevent caries. This is six times lower than those 55-years-old and over (4%).

Similarly, younger adults were far less likely to know that fluoride prevent caries. Less than one-infour (23%) of 18-24-year-olds think that fluoride can be used as an effective way to prevent dental caries – significantly less than those aged over 55.

While young people seem to be least knowledgeable when it comes to dental caries, they are also the keenest to receive oral health information in between appointments.

Nearly two-in-three (63%) younger adults would like to receive oral health information in between appointments with ‘email’ being the preferred method of receiving the information (65%)³.

Dr Ben Atkins, President of the Oral Health Foundation believes the results of this survey have highlighted a knowledge gap that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

Dr Atkins says: “Certainly when it comes to caries, it is clear from this research that more work needs to be done to educate younger adults, both regarding prevention and what is likely to put them at higher risk. Despite this, it is encouraging that most young people are keen to learn more about this area of their health and wellbeing. It presents dental professionals with a tremendous opportunity to engage with this audience, who we know are more likely to skip brushing and regular dental visits.

“Dental professionals are a in a great position to help patients of all ages better understand their oral health. This education can not only be done in the dental chair, it can also be done digitally on social media and through e-communications. The latter has become increasingly important given the restrictions from the pandemic. Digital learning is likely to play a key role in delivering the prevention aspects of the new dental contract.”

For more information, and to check out The Truth About Tooth Decay online hub, head to www.dentalhealth.org/thetruthabouttoothdecay

REFERENCES

1. World Health Organisation, Sugar and dental caries (2017), available online at https://www.who.int/oral_health/publications/sugars-dental-caries-keyfacts/en/#:%7E:text=It%20is%20also%20the%20most,by%20avoiding%20dietary%20free%20sugars
2. NHS Digital, Adult Dental Health Survey (2009), available online at https://files.digital.nhs.uk/publicationimport/pub01xxx/pub01086/adul-dent-heal-surv-summ-them-the2-2009-rep4.pdf
3. Oral Health Foundation and Colgate-Palmolive (2021) ‘Dental Caries Awareness Survey’, UK, Broadcast Revolution, Sample 2,008.

The Oral Health Foundation welcomes the General Dental Council’s (GDC) fresh statement on direct-to-consumer orthodontics, also called DIY orthodontics. The charity believes that this announcement solidifies the critical role a trained dental professional plays in orthodontic treatment and underscores the importance of a physical face-to-face examination.

In recent years there has been an increasing demand for orthodontic treatment and specifically clear aligner treatments. Unfortunately, along with this rise we’ve also seen people increasingly look for ways to cut corners when it comes to orthodontic treatment in order to cut the price. This has led to the rise of direct-to-consumer orthodontics, also referred to as DIY orthodontics. These treatments are carried out remotely, with patients often not seeing a dental professional in person at any stage. The patient may also be asked to take on responsibility for certain steps in the treatment plan such as taking impressions of their teeth as well as photographs.

In response to this rise the GDC has now clarified that “clinical judgements about the suitability of a proposed course of orthodontic treatment must be based on a full assessment of the patient’s oral health. At present, there is no effective substitute for a physical, clinical examination as the foundation for that assessment”.

The GDC’s statement also went on to confirm that direct-to-consumer orthodontic treatments using clear aligners fall within the legal definition of dentistry meaning they can only be legally performed by a trained dental professional registered with the GDC.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, hopes this clear stance from the GDC will send a warning sign to anyone thinking of trying DIY orthodontics.

Dr Carter says: “When it comes to orthodontic treatment the input of a trained dental professional is key if both the patients’ expectations are to be met and also to ensure safety. Innovation in orthodontic treatments is always welcome however it must not come at the expense of patient safety or effectiveness. What this statement from the GDC emphasises is the role professional orthodontists play in providing safe and effective treatment. It also underscores the need for a physical examination in order to be able to effectively assess a patient.”

The Oral Health Foundation has long been aware of the need for patients to be able to make informed and safe decisions when it comes to orthodontic treatment. That is why the charity set up SafeBrace in partnership with the British Orthodontic Society. The campaign aims to offer the public independent and impartial information and advice about all things orthodontics. This includes the processes involved and how to get orthodontic treatment in a safe and effective manner.

The British Orthodontic Society also agree that this statement from the GDC around DIY orthodontics is a step in the right direction.

Director of External Relations, Anjli Patel says: “The GDC’s announcement is about the most fundamental element of healthcare – patient safety. We are delighted that our concerns have been heard by the GDC and acted upon. However, as the voice of orthodontics in the UK, we still have reservations about how any wrongdoing by DIY orthodontic companies could be picked up by authorities and we don’t want patients falling through regulatory cracks. Patients don’t know what they don’t know – we will endeavour to give them all the facts.”

For more information about orthodontics and the SafeBrace campaign head to www.safebrace.org. Alternatively, if anyone would like oral health advice they can call our Dental Helpline by calling 01788 539780*. The confidential Helpline is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

*Calls are charged at your standard network rate

The Secretary of State Matt Hancock has confirmed plans for radical NHS reforms which include proposals to remove the barriers to water fluoridation schemes in the UK. The proposals are welcomed by the Oral Health Foundation who have been lobbying for water fluoridation to be extended for many years.  If implemented this will help ease the process of water fluoridation for local communities and give the oral health of the nation a much needed boost.

The addition of fluoride to water has been researched for over 75 years, and water fluoridation has been proven to reduce decay by 35%¹. Fluoride can greatly help dental health by strengthening the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay.

The draft bill, entitled ‘Integration and Innovation: working together to improve health and social care for all’, lays out plans for the government to take responsibility for the funding and implementation of water fluoridation, putting it in a position to drive forward and implement schemes.

Currently, some six million people in the UK receive a fluoridated water supply.  Those in areas with fluoridated water have be shown to have lower rates of decay than those without.

At present decisions on water fluoridation sit within the powers of local authorities.  There has been little progress in expanding the UK’s adoption of water fluoridation since the late 1980s.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, believes central government taking responsibility for implementation and costs of water fluoridation by central government could have a profound impact on the UK’s oral health.

Dr Carter says: “In recent years we have seen water fluoridation proposals repeatedly stall at local authority level due to high cost, competing demands, and limited budgets. All the while, tooth decay continues to be the most common chronic disease in the country. 

“Children’s oral health also continues to suffer.  Tooth extractions, most of which caused by decay, remains the most common reason for hospital admissions of five-to-nine year-olds in the UK.  Yet this is a totally preventable disease.

“Tooth decay comes at a tremendous cost to the economy.  Around two million people in the UK have taken time of work in the last five years due to poor oral health, at a cost to businesses of more than £35m a year.

“As a dental practitioner in Birmingham I saw first-hand the benefits to children’s oral health of water fluoridation.  Working on the borders of fluoridated Birmingham and the then non-fluoridated Sandwell we could tell which side of the dividing road children came from based solely on their decay experience.

“We believe that water fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure there is for reducing oral health inequalities and tooth decay rates, especially amongst children. We welcome these proposals and believe they represent an opportunity to take a big step forward in not only improving this generation’s oral health, but those for decades to come.

“We wait in anticipation for progress to be made towards that goal but while we do, we would encourage everyone to brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. This gives your teeth the boost of fluoride that they need.”

For more information on the benefits of fluoride visit the Oral Health Foundation’s website at www.dentalhealth.org.

REFERENCE:

1. Iheozor-Ejiofor Z, Worthington HV, Walsh T, O’Malley L, Clarkson JE, Macey R, Alam R, Tugwell P, Welch V, Glenny A. Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD010856. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010856.pub2