Good health is everything, especially with oral health. For your gums and teeth, a negative experience can develop if not addressed quickly. A UK survey has highlighted some interesting insights about how UK residents look after their teeth.
Nearly 40% of 25-34-year-olds 34-year-olds brush their teeth less than once a week
It is very easy to get carried away by regular admin, which might explain why over 30% of the survey respondents revealed that they have forgotten to brush their teeth at some point. While forgetting to do so once might not be too bad, it should not be a regular occurrence that is encouraged.
Furthermore, 39% of 25-34-year-olds declared they brushed their teeth less than once a week. This is extremely concerning because a lack of regular brushing can lead to the accumulation of bacteria in your gums and trigger inflammation in the blood vessels of the brain and the heart, leading to potential blood pressure issues and heart attacks.
Regular brushing and flossing can reduce the risk of someone developing atrial fibrillation and heart issue by 12%.
On the other hand, it is interesting to see that 63% of millennials take great care of their oral hygiene as they declared that they brush their teeth over three times daily.
Sharing toothbrushes appears to be quite common
28% of UK respondents admitted they have shared their toothbrush before. They may be unaware of the consequences that are attached to the act.
Sharing toothbrushes is dangerous, as it can expose people to bacteria-causing cavities and lead to potential gum disease. Even if someone rinsed their mouth after sharing their toothbrush, it won’t stop different bacteria from growing.
For that reason, people shouldn’t share their toothbrushes with others.
Mouthwash isn’t being used by everyone
Maintaining efficient oral hygiene goes way beyond just brushing the teeth. 36% of the survey participants 35-44 years old revealed they had never used mouthwash. Mouthwash is an essential part of dental care that can fight cavities and strengthen the enamel.
While using mouthwash helps complete the dental care routine, it shouldn’t be substituted for brushing and flossing. When using mouthwash, people should follow the instructions attached to the mouthwash label that has been purchased or follow the prescription guidelines provided by a professional dentist.
Visits to the dentist aren’t being neglected, but ones to hygienists are
The recommended amount that people should see a dentist is at least twice a month. Some people are going above and beyond that recommendation. 49% of 25-34-year-olds visit the dentist over four times annually. This will keep their gums and teeth in an excellent state and boost their overall health.
33% of the survey respondents mentioned they are not registered with a dental hygienist. This might be because of the high cost of NHS treatments, which can range up to £300 depending on the type of treatment that is split into different bands.
Treatments might be aspects such as a scale and polish, fluoride varnishes, root canal operations, teeth removals, as well as operations for crowns, dentures, and bridges.
While the cost involved can discourage people from seeing a hygienist, they might want to see one at least once to receive an efficient deep clean of their teeth.
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy oral care routine can save people a lot of mental and financial stress. It might not be easy to keep up with all the necessary practices, but it will definitely help in the long run and prevent people from obtaining various illnesses.
The UK survey was created by dental accountants Hive Business as part of National Smile Month 2022.
