HALF of adults are cutting corners on their dental care, with experts warning of huge health impacts people may not realise until it is too late.
A fifth of those surveyed in a recent poll report opting for a quick swig of mouthwash over brushing their teeth, with 12 per cent even admitting to having used their finger as an alternative tooth brush.
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A poll of 2,000 adults revealed 45 per cent do not bother flossing, 41 per cent only brush once a day, data which has dental experts worried for people’s long-term health.
Nearly two in 10 (18 per cent) brush their teeth for half or less of the recommended time they should – two minutes – just enough to freshen the taste of their mouth, rather than a full clean.
Reasons for this include laziness (33 per cent), running late for something (22 per cent), and not feeling well (26 per cent).
Meanwhile, more than one in 10 (11 per cent) admit to never having cleaned between their teeth, using floss or other products in their entire adult life.
Rosemarie Maka, from Philips Sonicare, which commissioned the research, said: “Cutting corners when it comes to oral hygiene is something a lot of adults do – whether they admit it or not.
“But neglecting your oral hygiene can have huge health impacts, which is something people don’t realise until it’s too late.
“It’s been interesting to find out that even something so quick and simple as brushing for the recommended two minutes or giving your teeth a quick floss is not part of Brit’s everyday routine.”
TOP 15 WAYS BRITS HAVE CUT CORNERS WITH THEIR ORAL HYGIENE:
1. Skipped flossing
2. Brushed only once a day
3. Skipped brushing teeth before bed
4. Skipped brushing after meals
5. Brushed teeth for less than a minute
6. Used mouthwash instead of brushing
7. Brushed with an old toothbrush
8. Skipped brushing in the morning
9. Skipped brushing when running late
10. Used a toothpick instead of floss
11. Used chewing gum as a substitute
12. Used a finger to brush teeth
13. Brushed without toothpaste
14. Used water to rinse instead of brushing
15. Used a mouth spray instead of brushing
The study also revealed 79 per cent believe people get judged on their oral hygiene and appearance of their teeth.
With 42 per cent assuming someone doesn’t take care of themself if they have discoloured teeth, bad breath, or other mouth flaws.
Nearly half (49 per cent) even go as far to say this could impact their romantic relationships, and 38 per cent say the same about employability.
It also emerged exactly a quarter will only visit the dentist once a year, while 34 per cent admit they have never visited a hygienist – with one in 10 claiming they don’t even know what one is.
As a result of poor oral hygiene, 41 per cent have had a filling, 27 per cent a tooth extraction, and 17 per cent root canal treatment.
Despite 21 per cent claiming they wouldn’t know how to make improvements to their oral health, 72 per cent reckon theirs is in a healthy state overall.
The OnePoll.com data also found 23 per cent reckon poor oral hygiene has previously stopped them from doing something like talking to people (46 per cent), going on a date (29 per cent), and posting images on social media with their teeth showing (27 per cent).
Philips Sonicare has partnered with The Hygiene Bank charity to donate £1 of its toothbrushes being sold through Boots.
Dr Nilesh Parmar from the brand added: “Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the simplest ways to protect your overall health.
“Skipping your daily brush, floss or even hygienist check-up can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and can even have links to heart disease and other serious health conditions.
“Dedicating two minutes, twice daily to your oral health routine can reap rewards; however, studies show that what most people think is two minutes is, on average, thirty seconds.
“I recommend to my patients to use an electric brush with an in-built two-minute timer or go back to basics and listen to a song that lasts two minutes while brushing or using an egg timer in the bathroom to track time.”
TOP FIVE TIPS TO LOOK AFTER YOUR ORAL HYGIENE:
1. Brush for 2 minutes, twice a day
Most people brush for less than a minute that’s not enough. Aim for 2 full minutes, ideally morning and before bed, to ensure thorough cleaning.
2. Use a fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent decay. Don’t rinse your mouth immediately after brushing — spit, but let the fluoride stay on your teeth longer.
3. Be gentle don’t scrub
Brushing too hard can wear down enamel and damage your gums. Some electric toothbrushes have a sensor to inform you if you’re brushing too hard.
4. Don’t forget the gumline and back teeth
Plaque often builds up along the gumline and on the molars. Tilt the brush at a 45° angle to reach the gumline effectively.
5. Change your electric toothbrush head every 3 months
Worn-out bristles are less effective and can even harbour bacteria. Replace your toothbrush (or brush head) every 3 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
