A new survey has revealed that 40% of adults in the UK don’t brush their teeth two times a day.
Research carried out by White Glo, a teeth whitening company, found that four out of ten people only brush once a day, despite advice from dentists to clean our teeth twice a day. The results of the survey also showed that a quarter of people admitted that they were conscious about the colour of their teeth, whilst a third of those who participated in the survey also said they looked out for staining on other people’s teeth.
The survey suggested that oral hygiene standards were worst in London, Wales and Northern Ireland.
White Glo’s head of dental research, Dr George Sotiropoulous, said that it is essential that we brush our teeth twice a day in order to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Dr Sotiropoulous also underlined the importance of brushing your teeth at night in order to remove traces of bacteria and leftover food before you go to bed.
Neglecting to brush increases the chances of plaque formation. Plaque is a sticky, colourless substance that forms when saliva combines with bacteria and food debris. It is the main cause of cavities and gum disease.
If left untreated, gum disease can result in tooth loss, difficulty eating and speaking, and a reduction in quality of life. Brushing your teeth twice a day can help people to maintain and improve their oral health, as well as help to prevent such oral health issues.