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TRURO, United Kingdom —Â The stereotype that British people have bad teeth may be more accurate than many think! A new poll finds nearly four in 10 young adults in the country brush less than once a week!
The survey, conducted by dental accounting company Hive, found that 39 percent of adults between 25 and 34 go a whole week without cleaning their teeth. Over 30 percent of respondents admit they often just forget to brush. Researchers note that their findings confirm the theory that many people often overlook their dental health when they're focusing on other health issues.
Not all millennials are dropping the ball on their dental health, as 63 percent of respondents in this age group say they brush at least three times a day. That's good news because previous studies find that frequently brushing daily lowers the risk of heart failure by 12 percent and atrial fibrillation by 10 percent.
Younger adults aren't the only ones slacking off when it comes to dental hygiene. The poll finds 36 percent of adults between 35 and 44 have never used mouthwash! That's bad news for many Brits on a date, since 36 percent also say they notice someone's breath when meeting them for the first time.
Sharing is NOT caring!
Although plenty of adults are practicing good oral health, the survey finds many need to do a little less sharing in the bathroom! Nearly three in 10 (28%) revealed that they've shared their toothbrush with another person at least once. The same number add that they actually share their brush with someone in their home on a daily basis!
Researchers note that dental professionals warn against this because sharing a toothbrush can spread gum disease to others. It's not unusual for someone's toothbrush to harbor plaque and bacteria, which you don't want to stick into your mouth.
While one in four people may be sharing a toothbrush, it turns out many Brits aren't sharing their dentist's contact information with friends. One in three respondents say they don't have a dental hygienist.
Meanwhile, nearly half of British adults are regular visitors at their local dentist, with 49 percent of 25 to 34-years-olds going more than four times a year! Apparently, all those tooth problems add up fast, since dentists usually recommend that people only visit twice a year.
Well, that explains why so many Brits look like meth addicts.
Interesting read! It's important not to share your toothbrush with others for health reasons and to brush your teeth daily. Also, this is not for health purposes only but for your daily social interaction in the community. Do their government health officials have any actions about this concern?
Such new information for me. It would be funny how contrasting British people are if these are all facts that they are not that particular in their oral hygiene, but they are conscious of the smell of the breaths of their newly met individuals. Why do their dentists often advise the public to go to their clinics twice a year? Is there any reason behind it?
I really hope this is just stereotypical mis/disinformation. If the infrequency of brushing and high rate of sharing toothbrushes is real, it totally explains a lot of the other bizarre things Brits are so proud of.