New research reveals a significant generational gap in health awareness among Gen Z and millennials.
- 65% of young adults admit to knowing more about mental health than dental health, highlighting a knowledge disparity.
- Only 13% of Brits feel better informed about their dental health compared to their mental health.
- Employee absences due to dental issues are impacting UK businesses financially.
- Bupa’s campaign aims to educate on the vital link between oral health and overall wellbeing.
A recent study conducted by Bupa has thrown light on a pressing issue: the disparity in health knowledge among younger generations. The research uncovered that 65% of individuals aged 18 to 34 admitted they possess more knowledge about mental health than dental health. This revelation underscores a significant gap that exists in understanding the implications of oral health on overall physical and mental wellbeing, with merely 13% of Brits feeling adequately informed about their dental health than their mental health.
The implications of this knowledge gap are profound, particularly in the workplace. Approximately 37% of workers reported needing time off due to oral pain, highlighting the tangible impact this has on productivity. Companies, on average, incur losses amounting to £4,129.87 annually per 100 employees due to dental-related absences. These absences could potentially be minimised if oral health issues were identified earlier through routine dental visits.
Bupa’s research also identified a worrying lack of awareness regarding the connection between dental health and serious conditions. Only 12% of respondents knew about the link between dental health and panic attacks, and just 7% were aware of its connection to bipolar disorder. There is also minimal public understanding of the association between oral health and severe physical conditions, with 53% recognising the link to mouth cancer, and even fewer understanding its ties to diabetes and heart disease.
Ann Stewart, Director of Dental Insurance at Bupa, remarked on the importance of employers in fostering a health-centric culture. She stressed the necessity for businesses to encourage prioritisation of health by investing in educational initiatives and health benefit schemes. According to Stewart, “Workplaces have a growing responsibility in the UK to encourage workers to prioritise their wellbeing and help remove any barriers that might be in place.” The emphasis is on creating environments where employees feel empowered to address any health issues they face.
A significant portion of professionals express that enhancements in workplace benefits would foster a sense of value and motivation, with 34% indicating they would feel more valued. Moreover, the cost of dental care remains a deterrent for regular check-ups, with 32% of workers citing it as the primary reason for postponement. The campaign initiated by Bupa, ‘The Great Unexplored’, is a step towards increasing public awareness about the integral role dental health plays in overall wellbeing and encourages proactive health management through educational quizzes and street interviews shared on social media platforms.
In raising awareness about the crucial links between dental and overall health, both employers and individuals can work towards mitigating the risks associated with this overlooked aspect of wellbeing.
