We have recently conducted a study that looked at how working from home during the Coronavirus social distancing measures impacted behaviours that affect oral hygiene. The study assimilated survey responses from both male and female U.K. residents between the ages of 18 and 60, all of whom are in full or part-time employment and have worked at home since the outbreak of the virus.
The impact of working from home on oral consumption
Question: What of the following, if any, have you increased consumption since you started working from home? Check all that apply. (n=266, at 90% CL)
The study indicates that people working from home during the period of confinement are eating, drinking, and smoking more. A significant amount of the increased consumption is of products likely to be detrimental to dental health. |
36% of participants said they are eating more snacks, 34% more sugary foods and 18% more sugary drinks. Alcohol consumption was up by 31% and those who smoke or vape indicated that their consumption has increased.
There were also increases in the consumption of meat and poultry, fish and seafood, fruit and vegetables and dairy products, suggesting that people working from home are eating more of the foodstuffs which they enjoy.
The impact of working from home on behaviours relating to oral hygiene
Question: how much additional time, if any, do you spend on oral hygiene since you started working from home? (n=266, at 90% CL)
Over 50% of participants in the study said they were spending more time on oral hygiene.
(Filtered by respondents who have visited the dentist at least 1 time in the past 12 months) Question: how much additional time, if any, do you spend on oral hygiene since you started working from home? (n=266, at 90% CL)
Findings indicate that those who had visited the dentist at least once in the previous twelve months were almost 12% more likely to increase their oral hygiene when working from home.
Dental Products Usage
Question: How often do you change your toothbrush? (n=266, at 90% CL)
Over 73% of participants said they replace their toothbrush at least every six months, and 35% every 1-3 months.
Findings indicate that those who had visited the dentist at least once in the previous twelve months were almost 12% more likely to increase their oral hygiene when working from home.
Which, if any, dental products have you been using more since you started working from home? Check all that apply. (n=266, at 90% CL)
Toothbrushes, mouthwash, floss, floss picks, tongue scrapers, interdental brushes and teeth whitening products were used more during working from home.
The most significant benefit to oral hygiene was using the toothbrush, with 26% of respondents saying they spend more time brushing their teeth than before. 15% use mouthwash more, and 11% spend more time flossing their teeth.
Conclusions
Increased personal time, coupled with increased anxiety, has resulted in the survey recipients increasing their consumption of food and drink. The recipients’ responses suggest that a significant percentage of this increased consumption is of products which may be detrimental to oral health. A benefit of the necessity of working from home is that there has been a significant increase in the use of products which benefit oral health.
