More than a quarter (27%) of British adults admit they don’t brush their teeth twice a day.
And a third of British adults (33%) say they never floss, according to the latest Consumer Oral Health Survey.
Women are more likely to brush at least twice a day (77%), compared to 69% of men.
‘A proper brushing and flossing routine is an essential part of good oral health,’ Dr Catherine Rutland, dental spokesperson for Simplyhealth Professionals, said.
‘It helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
‘Cleaning between your teeth daily is essential to remove plaque and particles of food that brushing can’t reach.’
Mouth cancer
Only two thirds (68%) of British adults brush their teeth for the recommended two minutes.
A quarter (26%) admit to only brushing for one minute, while 4% only brush for 30 seconds or less.
Worryingly, 79% of adults wouldn’t know what to look for when checking for signs of mouth cancer.
‘Regular dental visits are important to check for any signs of mouth cancer,’ Dr Rutland continues.
‘Four out of five adults say they wouldn’t know what to look for, and could be unaware of warning signs.
‘Always seek advice if you notice any red or white patches, mouth ulcers that don’t heal within three weeks, and any unusual lumps or swellings.’
Too busy to brush
Adults don’t have time to brush their teeth twice a day, a recent survey from the Oral Health Foundation shows.
One in five (22%) regularly miss brushing their teeth in the morning because they are running late.
And one in four (25%) skip brushing their teeth at night because they get home too late.
‘It would be easy to suggest these findings represent the demands of 21st century life,’ chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, said.
‘But there really is no defence for overlooking your health.
‘The health of your teeth plays an extremely important role in your overall wellbeing.
‘Additionally, your teeth help you to chew and digest food.
‘A healthy smile can be a great asset; and because of this, it makes sense to give your teeth the best care possible.’
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