Research from Currys has uncovered that people in the UK are neglecting important oral hygiene habits.

The study surveyed 2,000 people across the UK and found that 16 per cent of Brits brush their teeth just once a day.

The results also revealed that over a third (35 per cent) brush their teeth for less than a minute, and more than six in 10 (63 per cent) brush for less than the two-minute rule, as standard.

The research also explored why people may not follow the recommended oral hygiene rules. It found that 43 per cent said they felt too tired or lazy at the end of the day to brush their teeth. A quarter (25 per cent) said they have missed brushing due to feeling sick or unwell. A further 24 per cent said they had forgotten to brush their teeth, and 17 per cent blamed being drunk.

Dental visits

The survey also looked at the participants’ dental visit habits. The data revealed that 41 per cent struggled to see a dentist due to fear and anxiety. For 17 per cent of respondents, the fear is so big it prevents them from going for a checkup.

However, fear isn’t the only reason why people postpone dental visits. According to the results, over four in 10 people said they avoid visiting the dentist due to the financial cost.

Overall health

Bad dental habits and irregular dental checkups lead to dental health problems and are linked with low confidence, as several studies have proven.

Sara Amini, restorative dentist and implantologist, said, “Poor oral hygiene can affect overall health in different ways. There is a relationship between gum disease and systemic inflammation, also tooth infection and heart disease. Furthermore, bacteria in periodontal disease and caries (cavities) can be transferred to people in contact with the patient and from mother to child. It’s even evidenced that mothers with periodontal disease are more likely to have underweight babies.”

In the UK, nearly four in 10 people (38 per cent) are not confident about their smile, and 59 per cent consider their teeth to be discoloured or yellow.

Bad habits also come with social consequences. Bad breath was flagged across the nation as one of the worst dental habits (73 per cent) of people, followed by missing teeth (41 per cent) and smoke on the breath (40 per cent).

For more information visit https://www.currys.co.uk/techtalk/kitchen-and-home/tooth-truths.html

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