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One in 10 not brushing regularly!
Dentists are warning people may be getting complacent after figures showed more than one in 10 people do not brush their teeth each day. The number of non-brushers is eight times higher than last year, according to the British Dental Health Foundation poll of over 1,000 people. And only a third were brushing for the full two minutes - as recommended.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said: "Good oral health is needed to prevent a wide range of conditions and, in particular, tooth decay and gum disease. The danger is that people become complacent as things have got better with fluoride toothpaste
"People must really get into the habit of brushing twice-a-day with fluoride toothpaste - it is absolutely vital to both your oral and general health."
The survey by the charity found 12% only brushed a few times a week or never, compared to 1.5% last year. And 30% said when the did brush it was not for two minutes - down from just under half last year. A fifth said they could not remember when they last changed their toothbrush. The survey also showed that people were using bizarre objects for flossing, including drill bits, shoelaces and twigs.
Damn... so is it true what they say about us Brits and our wonky teeth?
I'd say that the general standard of health of teeth in the UK has imroved over the last 30 years or so but the availability of professional care from a dentist was above the reach of most of us.
It used to be that this sort of thing was free for us Brits and in theory still can be, but in practice you always have to pay as there are almost no good dentists working for the pittance that the National Health Service pays.
And dentists don't always get it right either. Two minutes to brush your teeeth? I disagree. Over brushing for two minutes three times a day will wear down your tooth enamal.
Hard or soft brush? As a kid I was told hard brush always and when I questioned this was told off for being cheeky! My mum was stupified that I would even dare question the wisdom of a dentist. (That was back in the 70s when people with white coats on lived in heaven next to God!) Well - it turns out I was right - NOW they recommend soft brushes!
I now have a charming lady dentist in Seacon Square who checks me out periodically and don't have any problems.
In fact I know of many forum readers who combine dental work with a trip to lb heaven...
Got a story with bite about your teeth?
Dentists are warning people may be getting complacent after figures showed more than one in 10 people do not brush their teeth each day. The number of non-brushers is eight times higher than last year, according to the British Dental Health Foundation poll of over 1,000 people. And only a third were brushing for the full two minutes - as recommended.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said: "Good oral health is needed to prevent a wide range of conditions and, in particular, tooth decay and gum disease. The danger is that people become complacent as things have got better with fluoride toothpaste
"People must really get into the habit of brushing twice-a-day with fluoride toothpaste - it is absolutely vital to both your oral and general health."
The survey by the charity found 12% only brushed a few times a week or never, compared to 1.5% last year. And 30% said when the did brush it was not for two minutes - down from just under half last year. A fifth said they could not remember when they last changed their toothbrush. The survey also showed that people were using bizarre objects for flossing, including drill bits, shoelaces and twigs.
Damn... so is it true what they say about us Brits and our wonky teeth?I'd say that the general standard of health of teeth in the UK has imroved over the last 30 years or so but the availability of professional care from a dentist was above the reach of most of us.
It used to be that this sort of thing was free for us Brits and in theory still can be, but in practice you always have to pay as there are almost no good dentists working for the pittance that the National Health Service pays.
And dentists don't always get it right either. Two minutes to brush your teeeth? I disagree. Over brushing for two minutes three times a day will wear down your tooth enamal.
Hard or soft brush? As a kid I was told hard brush always and when I questioned this was told off for being cheeky! My mum was stupified that I would even dare question the wisdom of a dentist. (That was back in the 70s when people with white coats on lived in heaven next to God!) Well - it turns out I was right - NOW they recommend soft brushes!
I now have a charming lady dentist in Seacon Square who checks me out periodically and don't have any problems.
In fact I know of many forum readers who combine dental work with a trip to lb heaven...
Got a story with bite about your teeth?
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