Push through the pain: Employees hiding dental health problems at work

New research from Bupa Dental Insurance has revealed a troubling culture of presenteeism, stigma, and anxiety surrounding oral health in UK workplaces, costing businesses more than just sick days.

The findings highlight that oral health is being overlooked as a crucial part of total employee wellbeing, with almost a fifth (17%) saying there’s a ‘push through it’ culture around dental pain while at work. 

Employees are consistently prioritising other health issues over dental care when taking sick days.

Half (50%) of employees prioritise physical health over oral health and almost half (47%) prioritise mental health.

These figures, paired with one in five (21%) employees believing dental pain is deemed less important than physical or mental health when calling in sick, reiterates the idea that dental pain isn’t taken seriously in the workplace.  

This reluctance to seek help is driven by a culture of ‘pushing through’.

Almost a fifth (17%) of employees report a distinct ‘push through it’ culture around dental pain in the workplace. Furthermore, 29% have experienced a negative attitude from an employer regarding taking time off for dental care.

And 14% believe you are often deemed weak for complaining about dental pain, reinforcing the pressure to ignore symptoms and work through discomfort.  

Stigma also manifests in anxiety and self-consciousness, leading to delayed or avoided treatment. A quarter (24%) of employees feel self conscious about their teeth and 13% say they feel judged or that others look at their teeth negatively. 

High levels of anxiety further complicate the issue, with a quarter (26%) of the workforce admitting to having dental fear and a fifth (20%) feeling so anxious they often delay or avoid going to the dentist.

This reinforces the important role employers and workplace health partners can play in supporting and educating employees about dental care.  

The findings come as research increasingly shows that keeping teeth and gums healthy can help protect against serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and even dementia.

Poor oral health is linked to 36% higher risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems. And having gum disease and cavities has been associated with an 86% increased risk of stroke compared to having a healthy mouth.  

Ann Stewart, director of Bupa Dental Insurance, said: “Oral health is still the missing piece in workplace wellbeing.

“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.

“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.”