Study shows that single people are more likely to skip check ups
New research has suggested that those who are single are more likely to skip dental check-ups. Researchers at the University of Queensland found that single people were more likely to have poorer standards of oral health than those in a relationship.
Grace Branjerdporn, part of the research team, explained that the study highlighted a correlation between our oral health and relationship status. Those who were single were more likely to miss out on regular appointments and more likely to describe their oral health as “poor”.
Ms Branjerdporn said that the team “studied how the dynamics of our romantic relationships affect our oral health” and “determined that those who tended to avoid emotional intimacy, or worried their partner would not be available to them in times of need, were more likely to have negative oral health outcomes.”
The study builds on previous research around adult attachment theory and the negative health impacts of attachment insecurity in adult relationships.
The study also suggested that people who didn’t have a partner were more likely to feel self-conscious about the appearance of their smile. The team suggested that people who distance themselves from others and fear emotional attachment are less likely to keep up to date with routine appointments. Ms Branjerdporn noted that “Those who try to emotionally distance themselves from their significant other may be reluctant to schedule regular preventative dental appointments as they have higher levels of self-reliance, distrust of others and avoid seeking support.”
“An emerging body of medical literature reveals links between insecure attachment and decreased healthcare-seeking,” she continued.
Researchers are hopeful the findings could provide a way to support people at risk of poor oral health by more readily identifying them.
