British adults spend almost £200 a year on oral health care products

An Oral Health Foundation survey has revealed that British adults are spending an average of £16.34 on oral healthcare products each month. Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, believes more people are visiting the dentist and we now recognise the importance of a healthy mouth and its links with overall wellbeing. He says: “The health of your mouth is a really useful indicator for determining the state your overall health and wellbeing. A healthy mouth often translates to a healthy body and this message is being adopted by greater numbers of a population which is becoming significantly more health-conscious. Taking better care of your mouth at home through a daily oral hygiene routine, reducing sugar consumption, and visiting the dentist for check-ups or treatments, is all having a positive impact transforming Britain’s oral health. Heart disease, strokes, diabetes, premature births and respiratory disease are just some of the problems that can be caused or made worse by poor oral health, so by investing more time and money into the health of your mouth you are demonstrating a very clear ambition to improve the quality of your life.”
The study found that London residents spend an average of £25.53 every month – more than 50% above the national average, closely followed by residents in Oxford (£23.72), York (£19.83) and Liverpool (£18.03). Residents in Sheffield (£7.46), Leeds (£7.81) and Belfast (£8.53) spend the least amount per month on oral health products.
Dr Carter said: “It is important to remember that how much you spend on your oral health does not necessarily equate to how healthy your mouth is. While premium brands might undergo a more extensive research process, offer extra protection, or provide multiple benefits, lower-priced oral health products such as supermarket brands, can also be highly effective. The most important part of any good oral health routine is not about how much money you spend, but whether you are using products correctly and at the right time.”