One In Three Adults Too Bust To Brush Their Teeth Properly

Thu, 27 May 2010

Over a third of UK adults do not spend enough time brushing their teeth each day, new research has revealed.

A survey conducted by the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) for National Smile Month found that 34 per cent of adults are too busy or distracted to clean their teeth for a full two minutes, twice a day.

Running late and rushing to get ready were found to be the biggest distractions, with more than a quarter of the 1,000 people surveyed cutting short the time spent cleaning their teeth in order to leave the house quicker in the morning. Other excuses given were caring for children and answering mobile phones .

The survey also found that women are more likely to be distracted from brushing their teeth than men; while people aged 60 or over are most likely to scrub their teeth for the recommended full two minutes.

Dentists recommend people brush their teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste to help maintain good oral health and reduce the risk of developing oral health problems such as gum disease and tooth decay .

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Foundation, said: "Your dentist can remove any build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth, but everyday care is vital and is down to the individual. Your toothbrush is one of the best weapons against gum disease ."

He added: "Many studies over the years have shown that the average time we brush our teeth for is only around 45 seconds, less than half of that necessary to do a good job, yet our study shows people think they are doing considerably better than this."

"Gum disease is the largest cause of tooth loss in adults, and poor oral health is being linked to more and more serious illnesses such as strokes and diabetes, but it is a preventable condition, and a good oral health routine at home is key to preventing it."
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