Around one in five Brits are ‘pushing through’ dental pain while at work, according to a survey of 3,000 individuals by Bupa.
The insurer’s survey found half (50%) of employees prioritised physical health over oral health with a smiliar number (47%) prioritising mental health.
It also found around one in five (21%) employees believed dental pain was deemed less important than physical or mental health when calling in sick.
Furthermore, 29% had experienced a negative attitude from an employer regarding taking time off for dental care and 14% believed someone was often deemed weak for complaining about dental pain, reinforcing the pressure to ignore symptoms and work through discomfort.
A quarter (24%) of employees felt self-conscious about their teeth and 13% say they felt judged or that others looked at their teeth negatively.
A similar number (26%) of the workforce admitted to having dental fear and a fifth (20%) felt so anxious they often delayed or avoided going to the dentist.
Ann Stewart, director of Bupa Dental Insurance, said: “Our research shows that employees are weighing their health against job security and perception – often delaying care until small issues become costly problems that affect overall health and productivity.
“Employers can help change this. Just as mental health moved from the margins to the mainstream, dental care must now take its rightful place in wellbeing strategies.
“This means more than offering insurance. It’s about creating a culture where dental health is normalised, removing barriers like cost and time, and actively educating employees on the proven link between oral health and overall wellbeing.
“By prioritising dental care alongside physical and mental health, businesses can protect their people, reduce absenteeism and strengthen long-term productivity.”