New research from the Oral Health Foundation and mydentist sheds light on how people across the UK think about their teeth, sugar consumption and the role oral health plays in overall wellbeing.

The findings, released as part of Smile Month, reveal a mixed picture. While many people understand the importance of looking after their teeth and gums, awareness of the links between oral health and wider health remains limited. The research also highlights how oral health influences confidence, daily habits and attitudes towards healthier lifestyles.

Which health issues do people believe can be linked to poor oral health?

While many people recognise that oral health affects more than just the mouth, awareness of its links to wider health conditions remains relatively low. Fewer than half of adults associate poor oral health with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or poor mental wellbeing, despite growing evidence connecting oral health with overall health and quality of life.

Key findings:

• More than one-in-four (27%) associate poor oral health with poor mental wellbeing.

• Around one-in-five (21%) connect poor oral health and heart disease.

• Around one-in-five (19%) link poor oral health and diabetes.

• Around one-in-six (16%) associate it with respiratory conditions.

• Around one-in-six (15%) say they do not know which health issues are linked to poor oral health.

• Around one-in-six (17%) do not believe any of the listed health issues are linked to poor oral health.

The findings reveal a significant awareness gap around the relationship between oral health and general health. While many people understand the importance of looking after their teeth and gums, far fewer recognise the potential impact oral health can have on other parts of the body. This suggests a need for stronger public education that positions oral health as an integral part of overall wellbeing, rather than something that exists in isolation.

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What situations make people feel most self-conscious about their teeth or oral health?

The research shows that oral health has a direct impact on confidence, particularly in social and personal situations. For many people, concerns about their teeth are most likely to surface when they are being seen, photographed or speaking closely with others.

Key findings:

• Around one-in-five (19%) people feel most self-conscious about their teeth when going on a date.

• Around one-in-five (19%) feel most self-conscious when smiling in photos.

• Nearly one-in-five (18%) feel most self-conscious when speaking closely to somebody.

• More than one-in-ten (13%) say meeting somebody for the first time would make them feel self-conscious.

• One-in-five (20%) say they would not feel self-conscious about their teeth or oral health.

Oral health is about much more than preventing disease. It can influence self-esteem, relationships and social interactions. Whether meeting somebody new, smiling for a photograph or attending a social event, confidence in your smile can shape how you feel about yourself and how you engage with others. These findings reinforce the importance of ensuring everybody has access to the information and care they need to maintain good oral health.

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Which oral health habits do people regularly follow?

Many people report following positive oral health habits, but the findings also reveal opportunities for improvement. While brushing is a routine part of daily life for many, other important behaviours such as cleaning between teeth and regularly replacing toothbrushes are less common.

Key findings:

• Half (52%) of people brush their teeth for at least two minutes each time.

• Half (52%) brush their teeth twice a day.

• Nearly one-in-three (30%) use fluoride toothpaste.

• Around one-in-four (26%) clean between their teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.

• Around one-in-four (24%) replace their toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months.

• Around one-in-five (22%) avoid sugary snacks and drinks between meals.

• Around one-in-five (19%) sometimes skip brushing before bed because they are too tired.

• Around one-in-seven (14%) ignore bleeding gums if they stop on their own.

Although many people are taking positive steps to care for their oral health, the findings suggest there is still room to strengthen daily routines. Behaviours such as cleaning between teeth, using fluoride toothpaste and responding to signs of gum disease are essential for long-term oral health. Small changes to everyday habits can have a significant impact on preventing dental problems later in life.

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What would motivate people to cut down their sugar intake?

Sugar remains one of the leading causes of tooth decay, but the research suggests people are motivated to reduce their intake for a variety of reasons. Concerns about weight, overall health and long-term medical conditions appear to be just as influential as protecting teeth.

Key findings:

• Nearly half (49%) say gaining weight or dieting would motivate them to cut down sugar.

• Nearly half (47%) say improving their overall health would motivate them.

• Nearly half (45%) say the risk of diabetes would encourage them to reduce sugar.

• More than two-in-five (44%) say the risk of tooth decay would motivate them.

• More than one-in-five (22%) say wanting clearer skin would encourage them to cut down.

• One-in-ten (10%) say nothing would make them reduce their sugar intake.

The findings suggest that messages about reducing sugar may be most effective when they highlight the wider benefits, rather than focusing on a single issue. While protecting teeth is clearly important, people are also motivated by concerns about their appearance, weight and overall health. This creates opportunities for health campaigns to connect oral health with broader wellbeing messages that resonate with the public.

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What could schools do to help children develop healthier eating habits?

The public overwhelmingly supports schools taking an active role in helping children develop healthier lifestyles. Education, healthier environments and better access to nutritious food are all seen as important ways to encourage positive habits from an early age.

Key findings:

• More than half (53%) think schools should improve education about healthy eating and sugar consumption.

• More than two-in-five (42%) think schools should limit sugary snacks and drinks.

• More than one-in-three (37%) think schools should teach children more about oral health and tooth decay.

• Nearly one-in-three (29%) support more opportunities for physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

• Around one-in-four (27%) want healthier school meal options.

• Around one-in-five (18%) support free or subsidised breakfast clubs.

• Fewer than one-in-ten (6%) do not think schools should play a major role in children's diets.

The findings demonstrate strong public support for schools helping to create healthier environments for children. Education about sugar, nutrition and oral health is viewed as particularly important, suggesting that many people see schools as a key setting for developing lifelong healthy habits. By supporting healthier choices early in life, schools have an opportunity to influence both oral and general health outcomes for future generations.

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What the findings tell us

Taken together, the findings paint a clear picture of the role oral health plays in people's lives. Oral health influences confidence, affects daily habits and forms an important part of overall wellbeing.

The research also highlights opportunities to improve public understanding of the connections between oral health and general health, while supporting healthier behaviours around sugar consumption and daily oral care.

For the Oral Health Foundation and mydentist, the message is clear: improving oral health is about more than protecting teeth. It means helping people understand the connection between the mouth and the body, supporting healthier choices, and ensuring everyone has the confidence and knowledge to maintain a healthy smile for life.