Three-quarters of employees have delayed visits to the dentist in the last year with fears about employer push back being a key factor.
Research by Bupa found 73% of the 2,049 UK employees surveyed had put off going to the dentist over the last 12 months with almost half (46%) delaying treatment as they were worried about needing time off work.
Almost a third (31%) of those quizzed said they had experienced a negative response from their employer when asking for time away for dental treatment.
But half (48%) had still called in sick or left work early due to dental pain.
The cohort averaged two-thirds of a day off per person due to dental pain with a total of more than 1,330 working days lost to dental pain during the last year.
Employees who continued working through pain said they had found it difficult to concentrate (29%), became less productive (25%), and were snappier with colleagues (14%).
Bupa Dental Insurance dentist and chief dental officer Neil Sikka said it was concerning when people put off dental treatment.
“It can lead to problems becoming much worse, as early diagnosis and treatment can significantly lower the chances of severe pain or tooth extraction,” he said.
“The same goes for routine check-ups. By delaying, it puts people at risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which may cause serious complications, pain or require more specialist treatment.
“Employers have a responsibility to look after the wellbeing of their workforce, and this includes oral health. Allowing time for dental appointments may improve productivity and require fewer sick days over the long-term.”
The insurer said around 70% of its claims were for preventative treatment such as check-ups.