Philips study: self-confidence impacted by dental health

To celebrate the upcoming World Oral Health Day (March 20th), Philips revealed the results of the study on the “Evolution of oral health during the pandemic”, which focused on analyzing Romanians’ attitude on dental health over the past year, as well as issues related to the correct oral care routine and the emotional impact of dental health. The study shows that oral health has an impact over self-confidence and the state of mind, with 96% of Romanians living in the urban area feeling that a good oral health contributes to an improved self-esteem. Furthermore, when it comes to the perception of others, 72% of the Romanians who are satisfied with their dental health feel appreciated, a number which drops dramatically to only 52% of those who are not as satisfied with their oral health feeling the same way.

The study was conducted by Philips and the research company Cult Market Research and revealed that 57% of Romanians have paid more attention, over the past year, to how they brush their teeth. 90% of the respondents also believe that their smile can be improved, and 7 out of 10 participants in the study believe that they would stand to gain socially and professionally from an improved oral care, which emphasizes the fact that proper dental care has a direct impact on the personal state of mind and self-confidence.

“This research validates a perception many of us share, which is that healthy teeth or a beautiful smile influence the way we feel. The impact of a total oral care is even more profound when it comes to the way we perceive the attitude of those around us and the way we display trust or self-confidence. What happens when we don’t have access to proper dental care? With the ‘Faces of Joy’ campaign we wanted to address this issue and expand access to healthcare and an improved state of mind to underprivileged people, as well. Together with the Inovatii Sociale Regina Maria Foundation we launched the ‘Faces of Joy’ project and provided free access to dental treatments for people with no income or health insurance, with every Philips Sonicare toothbrush bought between December 10^th, 2020 – March 31^st, 2021. After a difficult year, marked by many challenges and unpredictability, our project promoted the importance of empathy, support and finding a source of joy for all – from guidance and advice on proper oral care to access to free dental care treatments”, declared Mateea Ilisai, Oral Healthcare Business Marketing Manager, Philips Romania.

The study conducted by Cult Market Research and commissioned by Philips revealed several aspects concerning the oral health and dental care routine of Romanians:

43% of respondents did not see their dentist over the past year, and 53% of them stated that they avoided visits to the dentist for fear of the new Coronavirus;
57% of the participants in the study paid more attention to how they brush their teeth, over the past year;
90% of the respondents believe their smile can be improved;
70% of the participants in the study believe they would gain socially and professionally if they had the opportunity to improve their oral health;
64% of the respondents are concerned about the way their teeth look like when they smile;
31% of the respondents only go to the dentist when there is an emergency.

“Oral health depends on both the interaction with the dentist, as well as on having a consistent and proper oral care routine. The better people care of their own oral health, the more they will be satisfied of their appearance and dental health. Smile is an indicator of both satisfaction of our own teeth, as well as of the level of self-esteem. Self-confidence is a factor that predicts professional and social success. In addition to the emotional, educational, or social factors, self-confidence also develops from our own perception of the overall state of health, including of oral health”, declared Paul Acatrini, sociologist, Managing Partner & Research Director Cult Market Research.

The study took place between February 16^th – 22^nd, on a sample of 809 persons, representative for a population of 18 – 50 years of age in Romania, living in urban areas. The maximum tolerated margin of error of the sample is ±3,5%.

With the #facesofjoy campaign, Philips supports access to dental treatments and oral care for people living in underprivileged areas, such services being provided by the social clinics belonging to the Inovatii Sociale Regina Maria Foundation. Each Philips Sonicare toothbrush bought between December 2020 – March 2021 accounted for a donation to Inovații Sociale Regina Maria Foundation. Each Philips Sonicare toothbrush bought brings joy to those who are thus able to improve and secure their oral health, as well as an opportunity to benefit from free dental treatment for those who need oral care and lack the means to obtain it.

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