A growing focus on “invisible health” – the aspects of wellbeing not immediately visible but critical to long-term quality of life – is reshaping patient attitudes towards overall health. However, new research from leading oral care brand TePe reveals a clear gap between awareness and action when it comes to the adoption of preventative oral care behaviours.
The study of 2,000 UK adults shows that while younger patients tend to prioritise what’s visible, such as whiter teeth and overall appearance, older consumers are increasingly focused on what’s “invisible”, focusing on prevention – with heart health (58%), lung health (41%) and gum health (39%) ranking among their top concerns.
By contrast, just 28% of under-30s regularly consider their gum health, and only 32% of Brits identify it as a key health priority, highlighting a significant knowledge gap around preventative oral care.
Among 18–29-year-olds, research shows that 20% lack a consistent oral care routine and 31% report they do not know how to establish one. There is a clear opportunity to support earlier education and encourage healthier habits from a younger age.
Miranda Pascucci, Head of Clinical Education and Dental Therapist at TePe emphasises the importance of promoting interdental cleaning as a core part of daily rituals; not just as part of good oral hygiene, but essential preventative healthcare.
Miranda says: “Younger patients often engage with oral health through an aesthetic lens, but this can overlook the importance that oral care plays in gum health and disease prevention. But for all patients, it’s never too late to start looking after your oral health and creating healthy daily rituals.
“As clinicians, we have a real opportunity to help patients understand that what’s happening below the surface of their gums has a direct impact on both oral and general health.”
To support dental professionals and patients, TePe has created the three-minute rule to make interdental cleaning simple to adopt.
Miranda explains: “Toothbrushing alone cleans only around 60% of the tooth’s surface, so plaque accumulation in interdental spaces remains a key risk factor for tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis. As the build-up of plaque and poor oral hygiene have been linked to wider health issues, such as heart disease and dementia, interdental cleaning is as important for your oral health as it is for your overall health and wellbeing. Dental professionals can help patients make interdental cleaning an easy part of their self-care ritual by recommending the three-minute rule: two minutes of brushing with a toothbrush and fluoride-containing toothpaste, and one minute of cleaning between the teeth with a TePe Interdental Brush or floss.”
To find out more, go to: www.tepe.com/uk/creating-healthy-habits-with-tepe
