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From Bupa

Link between oral health and overall health and its impact on productivity at work

09 March 2026

Maintaining good health is crucial for productivity at work. A healthy workforce is more engaged, motivated and efficient. Research from CIPD has shown that employees who are in good health are less likely to take sick leave and more likely to perform at their best.1

This also includes oral health because maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial not only for preventing dental issues but also for protecting overall health. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can significantly reduce the risk of developing general health problems. Poor oral hygiene can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. For instance, inflammation from oral bacteria may contribute to cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.

Oral health is not seen as high a priority as other health conditions in the workplace. In fact, research from Bupa Dental Insurance found one in five employees believe dental pain is viewed as less important that 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.

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.

As employers it is important to normalise discussions about oral health in the workplace, particularly dental support in wellbeing communications, and ensure employees are aware of benefits available to them.

Below we’ve listed some helpful resources you can share with your team:

Resources

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