The risk of getting serious health issues because of poor oral hygiene has created a need to reveal the dental hygiene shockers of UK residents. UK dental accountants Hive Business created a survey to find out what the state of the UK’s oral health habits were like, and here are some of the key results below.
Less than once a week do 39% of 25-34-year-olds brush their teeth
This discovery is quite disturbing, to say the least. One might think people prioritise other health issues over their dental health because it seems less important, but poor mouth health can provoke transient bacteria and systemic inflammation, a receptor of atrial fibrillation and heart failure, as well as strokes.
Poor oral health can lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart attacks because of an accumulation of bacteria in inflamed gums, and this triggers inflammation in the blood vessels of both the brain and the heart.
However, all is not lost as 63% of millennials brush their over three times a day and this can go a long way to helping fight off illnesses such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Toothbrush sharing isn’t so uncommon
28% of respondents admitted they’ve shared their toothbrushes at least once with somebody. As harmless as this act seems, it can expose people to bacteria that can cause cavities and transmit lots of deadly bacteria, thus leading to potential gum disease.
Should mouthwash be part of the daily oral hygiene routine?
36% of 35-44-year-olds disclosed they don’t use mouthwash. Mouthwash is an essential part of any dental care procedure and can help fight cavities and strengthen the enamel.
One of the various benefits of using mouthwash is to remove hard-to-reach bacteria from the mouth, which means the bacteria can no longer stay and create cavities in the teeth.
Although mouthwash makes your oral care routine complete, and shouldn’t be used any more than twice daily, you must follow the instructions given on your mouthwash label and stick to a dentist’s advice on the specific use of mouthwash.
How often do people visit the dentist?
Nearly half of 25 to 34-year-olds visit the dentist over five times a year. While Dental professionals recommend visiting the dentist at least twice a year, it appears that 25-34-year-olds are very concerned about their oral health. Regular dental checkups are a good way of preventing dental treatments.
33% of UK respondents revealed they do not have any appointments with a hygienist because they are not registered with one. The recommended visit schedule to one is at least once every six months, although that can change depending on an individual’s circumstances. However, some people might not ‌afford to visit a hygienist frequently because of the high cost of treatment, which can range between £20 to £300, depending on the band of treatment.
Dental hygienists will not only be able to examine signs of periodontal diseases, but they can also evaluate your brushing and flossing methods to observe areas that you usually miss. So while hygienists might be costly, it might be worth the investment if it helps detect health issues early.
Conclusion
The survey results above reveal the reality of the oral hygiene habits practised in the UK and there is a need to constantly educate people about the importance of good oral hygiene. With the right education and awareness, people can become conscious of their oral health.
To learn more about the survey results in full detail, you can click here.