Oral hygiene habits slip during lockdown, as only 1 in 8 people brush twice a day
A new survey has revealed that only 1 in 8 people brushed their teeth twice a day during lockdown.
Research conducted by Floe Oral Care suggested that only 12% of Brits have been cleaning their teeth twice-daily since the start of lockdown. Over 40% admitted to brushing once a day, while 18% of participants said that they didn’t brush every day.
The poll also revealed that 24% of people replace their toothbrush every six months and a third of participants swap their brush once it becomes misshapen.
The survey findings will cause alarm at a time when dentists are already worried about the impact of lockdown and the suspension of routine dental services. Recently, a study found that 96% of dentists believe that the lockdown has had a negative impact on standards of oral health in the UK.
Dental experts recommend brushing twice a day using fluoride toothpaste for at least 2 minutes each time. Brushing is an essential technique for removing harmful bacteria and food debris before they combine with saliva to create plaque. Plaque is the most significant risk factor for gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing once a day or even less frequently is likely to elevate the risk of oral diseases and infections considerably. In addition, dentists also recommend flossing daily to clean the parts of the mouth that cannot be reached with a toothbrush, including the gum line and the cracks between the teeth.
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