EU Figures Reveal Ireland Trailing Behind In Oral Hygiene Stakes
A survey on European oral health has revealed that the Irish lag behind their European counterparts when it comes to oral hygiene.
The study, which was compiled by GlaxoSmith Kline and Wrigley’s for World Oral Health Day, revealed that Irish people brush their teeth less frequently then residents of other European countries. According to the survey, which involved 3,500 Europeans, 84 per cent of Irish people do not brush their teeth after meals and only 25 per cent said that they brush their teeth after they eat and before they go to bed.
The study also revealed that Irish people are less likely to visit their dentist; less than half of Irish people visit a dentist every year, compared to the EU average of 70 per cent. The main reason given for missing dental appointments was cost.
Of all the people surveyed across Europe, 52 per cent believed that their smile was their most important feature. The figure was highest in Spain at 66 per cent, compared to just 33 per cent in France.
In Ireland the priority was keeping your own natural teeth and the figures for Ireland were slightly better than European countries in this area; 42 per cent of Irish people surveyed did not have all their own natural teeth, which was considerably better than Poland, where 70 per cent of participants were missing at least one tooth.
Dr Andrew Bolas, president of the Irish Dental Association, said that oral hygiene is very straightforward but it can make a huge difference to oral health. Spending a few minutes each day brushing the teeth and flossing will help to boost oral health and reduce the risk of decay, gum disease and tooth loss.
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