Most people focus on weight, heart health or diabetes when thinking about diet – but very few consider how their food and drink choices affect their teeth, new research reveals.

An investigation by the Oral Health Foundation finds just one-in-six UK adults see oral health as a concern when it comes to what they eat or drink. In contrast, nearly half worry about weight gain, over a third about heart health and a similar number about diabetes.

This gap in awareness could be putting millions at risk of serious dental problems. Dr Nigel Carter, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, stresses the importance of recognising how diet impacts teeth: “Every bite and sip affects your mouth. Sugary foods feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Acidic drinks wear away the protective enamel. Certain foods and drinks also stain teeth and can cause bad breath. These aren’t just cosmetic issues – they can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.”

Around 47 million UK adults experience tooth decay at some point in their lives, with 13.5 million currently living with untreated decay. Up to 26 million struggle with tooth staining, around 15 million show signs of enamel erosion and a similar number suffer from bad breath, including nearly 8 million with chronic issues.

But the charity warns the risks go far beyond tooth decay and staining. Gum disease, which affects up to nine-in-ten (90%) people during their lifetime, starts when bacteria build up under the gums, causing inflammation and bleeding. If left untreated, it can lead to serious problems in other parts of the body. Research shows that treating gum disease can help manage diabetes and reduce cardio-vascular risks.