One in ten don't brush their teeth for three days

by Taryn Davies | 22 June 2011

Oral health is something that we shouldn't neglect

Oral hygiene is not high on the list of many people's agenda according to new research, with an unbelievable 700,000 people admitting that in the past they have neglected to brush their teeth for longer than a month.

The research findings reveal a number of dirty truths about the lack of attention we pay to our mouths and the poor oral hygiene standards we practice in the UK.

It also revealed that 17 per cent of people have gone three days or more without brushing their teeth, imagine the plaque build-up.

Tom Elton, from Listerine says: "What most people might not know is there are 7.3 billion germs in a person's mouth which is more than the number of people on the planet, so it is essential that we treat our mouths with care every single day.

"The research clearly shows that oral hygiene is something that many of us neglect in the UK and with so many people setting their own oral hygiene standards, it's no wonder that the results uncover such shcking statistics like 45 per cent of the UK populating have five or more fillings."

Getting up close and personal with the dog doesn't seem to phase people either, even when they've been sniffing around the bins and their back-garden business, 68 per cent are happy to let their dogs lick their faces and give them a kiss.

Psychologist, Emma Kenny says: "Despite the significant hygiene implication, it's quite clear that our general boundaries are much more relaxed when it comes to oral care, with our human and canine friends.

"There is a known correlation between good hygiene and self-esteem - research shows that it takes only eight seconds to form a first impression. So, from a relationship standpoint, while our dogs may be more forgiving about our oral care practices, our freinds, family and employees are less so - it's important to take good care of our mouths to help build relationships in life."

Sex is the leading motivator which encourages people to improve their oral health, 34 per cent says that a night of passion would encourage them to brush their teeth.

Here we dispell the myths about oral hygiene.

Femalefirst Taryn Davies