Philips Sonicare calls on public to support Hygiene Bank
Television presenter Helen Skelton and dental expert Dr. Nilesh Parmar lend their voices to the charitable initiative.
New research reveals that 79% of members of the public1 believe that people are judged for their oral hygiene and the appearance of their teeth. The impact this has on their confidence, ability to have a relationship and their employability cannot be underestimated.
The survey, conducted by Philips Sonicare, outlines the social impact of poor oral hygiene:
- 79% of the public surveyed believe that people are judged for their oral hygiene and the appearance of their teeth
- 61% believe that poor oral hygiene impacts one’s confidence
- 49% of those survived feel that that the effects of poor hygiene impacts one’s ability to have a relationship
- 42% believe that visibly poor oral hygiene means they assume people don’t take care of themselves
- 38% feel that the effects of poor oral hygiene impacts one’s employability
- 29% believe that their poor oral hygiene has stopped them going on a date or meeting new people
- 16% believe that their poor oral hygiene has stopped them applying for a job
Philips Sonicare, cares
The research reveals that looking after your oral health and hygiene is crucial – not only to your health, but when it comes to your employability, relationships, and confidence. However not everyone has access to even the most basic products – toothbrushes and toothpaste – to enable them to take care of themselves and their families.
Philips Sonicare has partnered with the Hygiene Bank charity to ensure that everyone has access to oral healthcare products and is donating £1 of every Philips Sonicare toothbrush being sold through Boots. The campaign will run from 29 May to 11th June 2025.
Helen Skelton’s campaign support
The campaign, fronted by television presenter Helen Skelton and dental specialist Dr Nilesh Parmar, aims to highlight the challenges relating to oral health and hygiene, raise awareness of its importance and support everyone to improve the way they look after their teeth and mouth.
Speaking about her involvement in the campaign Helen said: “I was surprised to hear this week that so many people are judged for their oral hygiene and that the appearance of their teeth is impacting their confidence. It’s so sad to hear.
“I’m excited to be working with Philips Sonicare who are supporting The Hygiene Bank, the UK charity working to end hygiene poverty. Philips Sonicare cares about people’s oral health and wants everyone to not only have access to the products they need, but also have the right knowledge and time to look after their oral health.”
Dr. Nilesh Parmar an expert in restorative dentistry and the treatment of nervous patients, added: “As a dentist I have seen the impact of poor oral health. Looking after your oral health means fewer cavities and less complex, costly dental treatments.
“Research shows that 33% of adults have never flossed or cleaned interdentally and 25% do not brush twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste, with 66% having visible plaque2, all factors that we know not only have a severely detrimental effect on long term oral health, but wider health issues too.
“There is now a proven link between oral hygiene, gum disease and many other systemic health issues3 which could be prevented by good at-home oral health care. I commend Philips Sonicare for highlighting the issues relating to poor oral hygiene, and doing something to help everyone access the dental products they need.”
Ruth Brock The CEO of The Hygiene Bank commented: “These shocking new statistics only reinforce what The Hygiene Bank has known for too long – that hygiene poverty blocks opportunities and limits life chances.
“So, I’m delighted that Philips Sonicare are joining us in the fight to alleviate hygiene poverty today, and to work to end it for good. I’m so grateful to them and to Helen Skelton for stepping up and joining our community of committed brands, volunteers and supporters across the country – because we all believe that everyone deserves to feel clean.”
Philips Sonicare spokesperson Jess Puckett, Dental Professional Lead for Philips in the UK, commented: “It’s important for everyone to understand how oral health challenges affect us profoundly, both physically and socially.
“We passionately care about equipping people with the tools and knowledge to facilitate effective and sustainable oral health routines and believe good oral health should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we have partnered with The Hygiene Bank and are keen to make a real difference to people’s oral health. We know that the Philips Sonicare toothbrush has the scope to improve oral health within weeks, but that not everyone has access to this technology.”
To support the campaign visit Boots online.
Footnotes
- Survey of 2,000 members of the public by OnePoll for Philips Sonicare between 20 and 23 April 2025
- ,3 Oral Health Foundation: Oral health statistics in the UK