Only 12% of Brits have been brushing their teeth twice a day since the COVID-19 lockdown, it has been revealed.
Almost half (44%) admitted brushing just once a day and 18% said they do not brush their teeth on a daily basis.
This is according to new research carried out by Floe Oral Care.
Additionally, only one in three (32%) replace their toothbrush when it goes out of shape. And one quarter (24%) do this every six months.
Negative impact
This comes as the majority (96%) of dental professionals believe lockdown has had a negative impact on the UK’s oral health.
And 88% believe the nation’s dental health will falter following a lack of routine appointments.
Additionally, 77% fear lockdown means oral cancers will be missed and consequently not referred.
This week, the dental profession voiced concerns over the future of the UK’s oral health following the government’s decision to replace Public Health England (PHE).
The agency has been axed in favour of a new body, the National Institute for Health Protection.
Oral health inequalities
The British Dental Association (BDA) is urging the government for clarity. This follows fears oral health inequalities will widen as a result.
BDA chair Mick Armstrong said: ‘Any loss or disruption to dental public health work will have a material impact on communities across this country. We now risk leaving policy makers without evidence to base plans, practitioners without guidance to operate in unprecedented times, while losing vital expertise from a committed and highly skilled workforce.
‘Effective management of the pandemic response is a clear a national priority. But meaningfully protecting the public long term hinges on an effective approach to public health. Oral health is not an optional extra.’
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