New research has cast a further distressing spotlight on the state of dental health throughout the UK, uncovering a concerning link between oral health and mental well-being.
A startling 1 in 3 people now admit that their deteriorating dental health is taking a toll on their mental state, which can lead to emotional distress and plummeting self-esteem. These eye-opening findings, conducted by 21D, a company focused exclusively on full jaw implant solutions, have brought to light the obstacles faced by those grappling with dental issues.
Constant pain and discomfort often plagues the lives of those suffering with failing teeth as they chew, speak, and even smile, making every meal a challenge and every conversation a potential source of anxiety. The inability to enjoy a wide range of foods due to dental pain or instability not only affects their nutrition but also diminishes their quality of life.
The research by 21D also found NHS dental wait times and access to dentists as the reason for 1 in 5’s dental health decline. This is particularly acute for those who are facing the prospect of a life with no teeth. Over a third state, they cannot afford private treatment. This comes off the back of recent reports which found 9 out of 10 dental practices in the UK are unable to offer NHS appointments to new adult patients.
This scarcity of government-funded dental care has forced many into the arms of private dental practitioners, leaving them with hefty bills or out in the cold. The possibility of undergoing dental surgery remains a distant dream for many people battling poor dental health, despite 72% of those surveyed expressing their desire for dental implants if the financial burden were lifted.
Due to these statistics, 21D has launched a “pledge a smile” competition where people with failing teeth can win dental implants which would usually cost £16,995.
Adrian Elmer, a 58-year-old stevedore team leader at the port of Felixstowe underwent the procedure and shared how it transformed his life for the better. He remarked: “I’m definitely a lot more outgoing now and outspoken. Confidence-wise, it’s superb. You can really express yourself, whereas before, with failing teeth, you tend not to express yourself as much.”
Elmer suffered with decaying teeth since the age of 35, made worse by lack of access to dentists since covid. He said: “When you have failing teeth it does impact your life. If you’re going out to eat you’re looking for things you can eat, rather than what you want to eat. When you speak, you tend to shy away from people and use your hand more to cover what is embarrassing because it is embarrassing.”
The competition will allow people to have the same opportunity as Elmer. Entrants can nominate themselves or someone they love for the competition so that they can finally “pledge a smile” in confidence.
To enter the competition, they must send a video of the individual that requires the treatment stating how a new smile would change their life, how a new smile would impact those around them and a commitment to pledge a smile to someone else by describing an act of kindness they will perform that day.
The winner will be given the opportunity to regain their self-confidence through full jaw implant rehabilitation, restoring their smile and self-esteem.
For more information about the giveaway and how to enter, please visit: https://21d.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/
