One in five people only visit dentist with a problem
- Details
- Published: Tuesday, 12 December 2017 08:01
- Written by News Editor
- Hits: 4752
Almost one in five (18%) of the British only visits the dentist when they think they have a problem with their teeth, according to Mintel research. And it is the nation’s men who are the most likely to shy away from the dentist’s chair, as some 21% of men admit to only visiting the dentist when a problem arises, compared to just 15% of women.
Mintel research also reveals a number of Brits are doing it for themselves, with one in 10 (10%) consumers having treated oral care pain at home, rising to 18% of 20-24 year olds. What is more, it seems the DIY approach may be expanding to cosmetic dentistry, as 6% of Brits say they have treated a cosmetic oral care issue (such as whitening teeth) at home. While 65% of Brits say that dental problems can have an impact on overall physical health, three in 10 (29%) admit they have not visited the dentist in the last six months.
Hera Crossan, Research Analyst at Mintel, says: “Many Brits are failing to visit the dentist every six months as recommended by the NHS, and in some cases people are even choosing to treat issues at home instead of seeking professional advice. Consumers are afraid both of the cost and time associated with visiting the dentist – the pain of the treatment can hit them in the wallet as much as in the mouth.”
You need to be logged in to leave comments.
Report