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More than a third of adults are 'too distracted' to brush teeth
25th May 2010
A survey conducted for National Smile Month by the British Dental Health Foundation found that 34% of adults are distracted while brushing their teeth.
Children were found to be one of the biggest distractions, followed closely by mobile phones.
However, running late and rushing to get ready were the largest factors, with more than one in four of those surveyed cutting short the time spent cleaning their teeth to get out of the house quicker in the morning.
The survey found that women were more likely to be distracted from brushing their teeth than men; while people aged 60 or over were the age group most likely to brush their teeth for a full two minutes.
The Foundation highlights the importance of brushing your teeth for a full two minutes twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Although 66% of those surveyed feel they do brush their teeth for a full two minutes, the Foundation emphasises this is not nearly enough people.
Dr Carter said: 'Many studies over the years have shown that the average time we brush our teeth for is only around 45 seconds, less than half of that necessary to do a good job, yet our study shows people think they are doing considerably better than this.'
The National Dental Helpline (0845 063 1188) offers free and confidential advice, and is staffed by qualified dental nurses and educational advisors.
The Helpline deals with many queries concerning good oral health-care and information about gum disease, and is available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
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