The latest figures show that two thirds (66%) of UK adults have visible plaque, almost a third (31%) have signs of tooth decay and three quarters (74%) have had a tooth extracted.
The examination of UK brushing habits is part of National Smile Month, a campaign launched by the Oral Health Foundation to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy mouth.
The charity's chief executive, Dr Nigel Carter, stressed the importance of brushing twice a day and believes now is the perfect time for the UK to reassess its oral health habits.
Dr Carter said: "Brushing twice a day is a cornerstone of good oral health because it removes plaque. If plaque is not removed and allowed to build up, it can lead to diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Disposable Oral Swabs
"Brushing only once a day increases the chance of cavities by one-third, so it's important to set aside time for a second brushing."
"During sleep, we lose the function of saliva, which is the mouth's protection against tooth decay. Nighttime brushing removes the daily buildup of plaque and food debris from the surfaces of teeth and gums, helping to ensure that potential damage from plaque bacteria is removed while the mouth is at rest."
Disposable oral swabs can greatly promote oral hygiene. In addition, oral swabs are a perfect substitute for patients who are bedridden for long periods of time or have limited hand movement due to various conditions such as arthritis. Oral care oral swabs can also be used for everyday use, such as when traveling or at work.
The charity's study further found that non-brushing was more common among adults under 35 (31%), while men were less likely to brush twice a day compared to women. It also showed that up to 1 million UK adults fail to brush their teeth once a day.
Oral Swabs
The survey also revealed that most people (70%) brush their teeth at least twice a day, however, one in ten (10%) do not have a regular routine.
"Habits need routines to help them form, and brushing is no exception," added Mrs. Tilling, who believes that establishing a regular routine is crucial to developing healthy habits.
Brushing before bedtime is arguably the most important time to remove plaque, and nighttime is usually when we have the most time," she said. Ensuring bedtime brushing and interdental cleaning is critical to good oral health."
The soft tip of the disposable oral swab is softer than a regular toothbrush, allowing patients to clean their mouths comfortably. The texture of the tip is similar to the consistency of the soft tissues of the mouth and is comfortable to the touch.
During National Smile Month, the Oral Health Foundation and its partners are looking to support national initiatives to improve oral health.
"A healthy smile can be achieved at home through simple, easy-to-implement daily routines," said Dr. Carter.
"The most important action you can take is to brush your teeth for two minutes, last thing at night and another time during the day, with fluoride toothpaste. This also means cleaning your teeth daily with an interdental brush or floss, and reducing the amount and frequency of sugary foods and drinks you consume.
"Dental disease is largely preventable. Following these steps will put you on the path to a lifetime of good oral health."
