Fear of dental costs is pushing people into pain and costing the UK £19bn

Haleon data shows that clearer costs, improved access and better understanding could help people act earlier, before dental problems become painful

New research from Haleon, specialists in everyday health, suggests the UK is experiencing a harmful oral health pattern. One in four adults delay visiting the dentist because of cost, almost one in five because of anxiety, and nearly one in ten (7.6%) believe dental problems will resolve themselves without professional treatment, pushing many into pain-driven care rather than prevention.

By delaying visits to dental clinics, many people miss routine check-ups and basic preventative advice, despite dentists remaining the most trusted source of oral health information. More than half of adults (51%) rely on dentists for guidance, compared with 20% who turn to social media and 16% who use AI tools or chatbots.

New analysis from Economist Impact, through its Health Inclusivity Index, shows that untreated tooth decay carries a £18.9 billion lifetime economic cost[1] across the UK, with the heaviest burden falling on lower-income and more deprived communities. Adults in the lowest income groups face 41% higher lifetime dental costs than those on the highest incomes, reflecting persistent inequalities in access to prevention and early care.[2]

Haleon’s consumer research shows how those inequalities play out in everyday life. More than one in four adults say they are registered with a dentist but are unable to secure an appointment, while 13% say they are unable to register with a dentist near where they live. This means many people miss routine check-ups and early intervention, even when actively seeking dental care.

Cost pressures reinforce this pattern. A quarter (25%) of adults delay dental visits due to worries about the price, while nearly one in three (31%) say they would seek care sooner if costs were lower or clearer.

The Health Inclusivity Index suggests that those who fall just outside eligibility for free or subsidised care often experience the most financial hardship and are the most likely to benefit from preventative support[3].

Economist Impact identifies fear and poor oral health awareness as a key driver of more severe outcomes and higher long-term costs.

Jo Cooper, General Manager UK & Ireland at Haleon, said: “Tooth decay is largely preventable, but prevention only works when people can act early and consistently. This research shows that too many people cannot get appointments, are worried about costs, or wait until pain forces action.

We aim to make prevention simple, providing consumers with the information and trusted products they need to achieve better everyday health. Haleon works closely with healthcare professionals and policymakers to advocate for the importance of preventative oral care. This action is critical to stop people from living in pain, reducing inequalities, and easing pressure on a stretched healthcare system.”

The consequences go beyond oral health. Economist Impact estimates that tooth decay results in 32 million lost working hours each year, costing the UK economy £605 million annually in lost productivity.

FACT BOX

Only 29% of adults say they are registered with a dental surgery and able to get an appointment
6% of adults say they have never visited a dentist
25% of adults delay visiting the dentist due to concerns about the cost of appointments or treatment
18% delay dental visits because of fear or anxiety
Tooth decay carries an estimated £18.9bn lifetime cost across the UK
32 million lost working hours each year to tooth decay, costing £605m annually in lost productivity