Our quality of life and life expectancy is greatly linked with maintenance of our oral health. This includes regular visits to dentists and/or dental hygienists. Many diseases affecting our teeth and gums take many years to develop, so annual and biannual check-ups are an important preventative measure. People’s physiology can vary greatly, so even by brushing and flossing as recommended, dental healthcare professionals can use specialized equipment to remove any remaining dental plaque thus preventing disease progression. They can also identify potential issues faster leading to better health outcomes.
Latest reports by NHS England indicated that only 40.7% adults (as of June 2023) had seen a dentist in the past 24 months (which is a decline from 52% in pre-pandemic times). Unfortunately, this is not because adult oral health is at an all time high. There has been an increase in reported gum irritation and prevalence of conditions like gingivitis (gum bleeding). Projections of general periodontal disease for an aging population predict a higher burden on our health care system. Combined with the fact that only 15% of dental practices are fully NHS funded also puts an unfair burden on middle and lower income class individuals, which is reflected in the increased prevalence of oral health diseases in those income classes. The dental care market is also saturated with products of varying efficacy. By market share it could be estimated that 20% of people may use non-fluoridated toothpastes. Since fluoride is the most established chemical defense against tooth decay, this may also play a part in disease prevalence. Products like Reuterdent aim to innovate in this sector by combining natural bioactives working against plaque formation in addition to the fluoridated dental tablet background.
Lots of variables contribute to increases in oral health concerns and decreases in dental visits. Ultimately improving these requires wider political and sociocultural movement. That’s why at home preventative care will be key to maintaining our dental hygiene and overall health. Innovation in novel toothpaste formulations that are more effective at preventing ‘bad’ bacteria from forming plaque and subsequent infection, as well as good science communication to encourage everyone to take appropriate care of their teeth will be necessary to mitigate current decline in dentist access.