Menu
25/05/2010
Brits 'Too Busy' For Brushing Teeth
One in three adults in the UK do not brush their teeth for a full two minutes per day, a survey has found.
The survey conducted for National Smile Month by the British Dental Health Foundation found that 34% adults were being distracted whilst brushing their teeth, with a few key factors.
Children were found to be one of the biggest distractions, followed closely by mobile phones. However, running late and rushing to get ready were the largest factors, with over one in four of those surveyed cutting short the time spent cleaning their teeth in order to get out of the house quicker in the morning.
The survey found that women were more likely to be distracted from brushing their teeth than men; while people aged over 60 were the age group most likely to brush their teeth for a full two minutes.
The Foundation highlights the importance of brushing your teeth for a full two minutes twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Chief Executive of the Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter 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."
Although 66% of those surveyed feel they do brush their teeth for a full two minutes, the Foundation emphasises this is not nearly enough people.
A thin, sticky film of bacteria, called plaque, constantly forms on the teeth. When plaque comes into contact with sugary foods it produces acid which attacks the tooth enamel causing a cavity or hole. Brushing is important as it removes plaque and food debris from around the teeth.
Dr Carter said: "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.
"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."
(GK/BMcC)
The survey conducted for National Smile Month by the British Dental Health Foundation found that 34% adults were being distracted whilst brushing their teeth, with a few key factors.
Children were found to be one of the biggest distractions, followed closely by mobile phones. However, running late and rushing to get ready were the largest factors, with over one in four of those surveyed cutting short the time spent cleaning their teeth in order to get out of the house quicker in the morning.
The survey found that women were more likely to be distracted from brushing their teeth than men; while people aged over 60 were the age group most likely to brush their teeth for a full two minutes.
The Foundation highlights the importance of brushing your teeth for a full two minutes twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Chief Executive of the Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter 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."
Although 66% of those surveyed feel they do brush their teeth for a full two minutes, the Foundation emphasises this is not nearly enough people.
A thin, sticky film of bacteria, called plaque, constantly forms on the teeth. When plaque comes into contact with sugary foods it produces acid which attacks the tooth enamel causing a cavity or hole. Brushing is important as it removes plaque and food debris from around the teeth.
Dr Carter said: "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.
"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."
(GK/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 May 2008
Teeth Found In Jersey Home Search
Detectives involved in one of the biggest abuse inquiries in the UK have discovered bone fragments and teeth in an underground chamber in a former Jersey children's home. Police investigating the Haut de la Garenne home have found five teeth and fragments of bone, thought to be from a child aged four or five.
Teeth Found In Jersey Home Search
Detectives involved in one of the biggest abuse inquiries in the UK have discovered bone fragments and teeth in an underground chamber in a former Jersey children's home. Police investigating the Haut de la Garenne home have found five teeth and fragments of bone, thought to be from a child aged four or five.
28 May 2010
Poor Oral Care Cardiac Link Established
Poor oral hygiene can be deadly - and not just because of 'killer' bad breathe.
Poor Oral Care Cardiac Link Established
Poor oral hygiene can be deadly - and not just because of 'killer' bad breathe.
15 August 2007
E. coli Found In Dublin Water Supply
Residents of an estate in north Dublin have been warned not to drink tap water following the discovery of E. coli in the water supply. Around 160 homes in the Knocksedan Estate in Swords have been affected by the contamination and tankers of water are being made available in the area.
E. coli Found In Dublin Water Supply
Residents of an estate in north Dublin have been warned not to drink tap water following the discovery of E. coli in the water supply. Around 160 homes in the Knocksedan Estate in Swords have been affected by the contamination and tankers of water are being made available in the area.
09 August 2005
Businesses urged to reduce water use
UK firms are being urged to reduce the amount of water wastage, as it emerged that Southern England has had its driest nine months since 1976. According to Envirowise, the government-funded efficiency programme, UK industry and commerce uses 1300 million cubic metres of water every year, which is three times more than necessary.
Businesses urged to reduce water use
UK firms are being urged to reduce the amount of water wastage, as it emerged that Southern England has had its driest nine months since 1976. According to Envirowise, the government-funded efficiency programme, UK industry and commerce uses 1300 million cubic metres of water every year, which is three times more than necessary.
22 April 2008
Search Teams Find Teeth At Jersey Home
Forensic archaeologists searching a former children’s home in Jersey have found two milk teeth. The teeth believed to belong to a young child were found in the Haut de la Garenne, the location under investigation for alleged sexual abuse and violence.
Search Teams Find Teeth At Jersey Home
Forensic archaeologists searching a former children’s home in Jersey have found two milk teeth. The teeth believed to belong to a young child were found in the Haut de la Garenne, the location under investigation for alleged sexual abuse and violence.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
