Dental shame stops people seeking help for oral health issues, study warns

A study highlights that dentistry shame deters individuals from seeking necessary oral health care, exacerbating health inequalities, particularly noted by researchers from the University of Copenhagen and University of Exeter.

• Research from the University of Copenhagen indicates that feelings of shame regarding oral health lead many to avoid dental treatment, worsening existing oral health disparities.
• A study involving multiple institutions, including the University of Exeter, emphasizes the need to understand aesthetics related to dental care, as it significantly impacts individuals willingness to seek help.
• The findings suggest that addressing health care stigma can encourage more individuals to pursue necessary dental treatments, ultimately improving public health outcomes.