New study shows impact of oral health issues on work productivity

A new study has demonstrated the heavy impact that oral health issues can have on productivity among working people.

The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) research has indicated that the problem of employees missing work due to oral health ailments costs the UK economy around 36.6 million pounds each year.

An estimated 415,000 people miss at least a day of work each year due to such problems, while one in five say they would be prepared to call in sick because of a toothache. 

Michaela ONeill, president of the BSDHT, said: "To have so many people being forced to miss work and costing the economy a staggering amount due to toothache and other oral health problems is a real eye-opener, especially when many of the causes are entirely preventable."

In order to address this problem, the organisation has called on people to take steps such as cutting down on sugar consumption, brushing teeth regularly and paying visits to the dentist.