How One In Seven Use Their Finger To Brush Their Teeth... And Why They Shouldn’t Have Bothered

IT will do little to dispel the reputation the British have for poor dental hygiene.

Half of adults admit to having gone to bed without brushing – saying they were too tired or simply forget, according to a survey.

Perhaps even more alarmingly, almost one in five don’t bother with toothpaste when brushing, just using water, while 14 per cent brush their teeth using just a finger, it found.

Experts warn doing so increases the risk of cavities, gum disease and even tooth loss.

The survey of 10,000 adults, commissioned by GSK as part of its Love Your Mouth campaign, found that 45 per cent have gone to bed without brushing their teeth.

When asked as to why, 40 per cent blamed being too tired, 30 per cent said it was because they are lazy, while 28 per cent admitted they simply forgot to brush or floss.

When it comes to flossing, just 24 per cent said it was part of their daily routine. Perhaps unsurprisingly, 44 per cent thought they could take better care of their oral health.

This is despite 91 per cent of respondents admitting they are aware poor oral care can lead to problems for their teeth and gums.

Based on these new findings, it is unsurprising that 67 per cent of respondents said they have experienced tooth decay or cavities and 29 per cent of those people confessed they have six or more fillings.

Natty Burgess, a London dental practitioner, told MailOnline: ‘People think that missing one brush won’t be a problem, but over time a lack of good hygiene can cause a whole host of unwanted oral health conditions.’

She warned that not brushing your teeth twice a day can lead to a build-up of plaque and cause tooth decay.’ She suggests that around four minutes brushing, and a couple of extra minutes flossing can help avoid these problems.

And she warns that brushing with your finger introduces new bacteria into your mouth so could well be worse than not brushing at all.

Dr Burgess added: 'People tend to develop cavities due to a combination of a poor diet and bad oral hygiene.’

She pointed the finger at sugary foods, which increase bacteria levels in the mouth.

As well as getting into the habit of brushing twice a day and using floss or interdental brushes, Dr Burgess says that using mouthwash is a good habit – but at a different time to brushing.

She also suggests that leaving toothpaste in the mouth after brushing, rather than rinsing, can helps protect the teeth.

And above all, she says you should visit your dentist for regular cleaning and check-ups.

Tweet us your oral healthcare tips at @YahooStyleUK

Related links:

Beach Hacks: Tricks For Keeping Skin And Hair In Top Condition