A culture of presenteeism and stigma around oral health is leading many employees to ignore or hide dental pain at work, the results of a new study suggest.
Research from Bupa Dental Insurance, conducted among 3,000 workers by polling firm Censuswide, show that oral health is often treated as less important than physical or mental wellbeing, despite strong evidence linking it to serious conditions such as heart disease and stroke.
One in five employees believe dental pain is viewed as less important than other forms of illness when calling in sick, and almost a third have experienced negative attitudes from employers when requesting time off for dental care.
Dental Pain Overlooked in Workplace Wellbeing
Half of those surveyed said they prioritise physical health over oral health when taking time off, and almost half prioritise mental health. This reinforces the perception that dental pain is something to be endured rather than treated.
Nearly one in five employees said there is a distinct “push through it” culture around dental pain in their workplace, while 14 percent felt that complaining about such pain would be seen as a sign of weakness. The findings suggest that workers are not only reluctant to report dental problems but also face subtle pressure to keep working despite discomfort.
Ann Stewart, director of Bupa Dental Insurance, said oral health was still being left out of many workplace wellbeing strategies, despite its clear impact on overall health and performance.
“Oral health is still the missing piece in workplace wellbeing,” she said. “Our research shows that employees are weighing their health against job security and perception, often delaying care until small issues become costly problems that affect overall health and productivity.
“Employers can help change this. Just as mental health moved from the margins to the mainstream, dental care must now take its rightful place in wellbeing strategies.”
‘Stigma and Anxiety’ Prevent Treatment
The research also found that stigma around dental problems affects confidence and behaviour. Almost a quarter of employees reported feeling self-conscious about their teeth, and one in eight felt judged by colleagues or believed others viewed their teeth negatively.
Dental anxiety further compounds the problem. A quarter of respondents admitted to having a fear of dental treatment, and one in five said they often delay or avoid seeing a dentist due to anxiety.
This combination of stigma and fear contributes to a cycle of neglect that can worsen health outcomes and increase absence in the long term.
Poor Oral Health Linked to Serious Conditions
Experts warn that untreated dental problems can extend far beyond discomfort. Bupa pointed to growing evidence that gum disease and cavities are linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke and even dementia. Research has shown that poor oral health can raise the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular issues by more than a third, and increase stroke risk by as much as 86 percent.
These connections underline the need for employers to view dental care as integral to wider wellbeing strategies, rather than a peripheral issue. Incorporating oral health education and regular dental check-ups into existing wellbeing programmes could help prevent both health complications and productivity loss.
Creating a Culture of Openness
Stewart said that changing workplace culture was essential to reducing stigma and improving health outcomes.
“This means more than offering insurance. It’s about creating a culture where dental health is normalised, removing barriers like cost and time, and actively educating employees on the proven link between oral health and overall wellbeing. By prioritising dental care alongside physical and mental health, businesses can protect their people, reduce absenteeism and strengthen long-term productivity.”
The report calls for employers to normalise discussions about oral health, include dental support in wellbeing communications, and ensure employees are aware of the benefits available to them. Encouraging time off for treatment, providing access to affordable care and integrating oral health into health promotion campaigns could all help address the issue.
Observers say the findings reflect a broader need to treat wellbeing as an interconnected system, where oral, physical and mental health are all interdependent. While financial stress and workload pressures remain major concerns, physical discomfort and poor dental health can quietly undermine wellbeing and performance.