Concerns Over Children’s Oral Health Impacting School Attendance, Aquafresh Survey Reveals

Parents and Teachers Alarmed by Oral Hygiene Issues Leading to Missed School Days

UK: A recent survey commissioned by Aquafresh, the UK’s leading children’s toothpaste brand, has unveiled alarming statistics regarding children’s oral health, affecting both attendance and academic performance.

School Days Missed Due to Oral Hygiene Concerns

The survey, part of Aquafresh’s ongoing Shine Bright campaign, reveals that more than two-fifths (41 per cent) of children have missed one or more days of school due to oral hygiene concerns or treatment. Teachers participating in the survey express their concern, with 65 per cent attributing poor dental hygiene in their schools to a lack of knowledge about oral care.

Alarming Rates of School Absence Linked to Poor Dental Health in Children

The research further highlights that 94 per cent of teachers have observed dental or oral ailments in the children they teach. These issues include tooth decay, discoloration, the need for fillings or extractions, and halitosis.

Aquafresh emphasizes that 43 per cent of parents take their children to the dentist only once a year, shedding light on the potential impact of infrequent dental check-ups on children’s oral health. The brand underscores the importance of raising awareness about poor oral hygiene’s far-reaching consequences on children, parents, and schools.

Call for Retailers to Stock Comprehensive Children’s Oral Care Products

Aquafresh calls on retailers to stock a full selection of oral care products for children of all ages. The brand’s portfolio is designed to cater to various age groups, ensuring that families can find the right products for their children, from those with milk teeth to those with adult teeth.

Nearly Half of England’s Children Missed Dentist Visits in 2022

“We want to use our expertise to provide shoppers with the best advice in-store on how to help children start and maintain good oral health routines, and our retail partners are instrumental in driving this change,” says Michael Durkin, GB Sales Director at Haleon.

Aquafresh’s Commitment to Oral Health Education

Earlier this year, Aquafresh demonstrated its commitment to oral health by donating 10,000 toothbrushes to the Dental Wellness Trust, an organization promoting oral health among children. The Aquafresh Shine Bright Academy schools program, available nationwide, offers engaging lesson plans, activity packs, and competitions to enhance oral care education and engagement in schools across the UK.