A shocking new survey reveals that 1 in 5 of us are failing to brush our teeth at the weekend.
Alarmingly, more than a quarter (27%) of us say we only brush if we leave the house at the weekend, blaming hangovers and 37% of us say we ‘can’t be bothered’.
Worryingly almost a quarter (22%) of adults asked confess they brush their teeth just once a day or less.
New research conducted by GSK reveals that in addition to taking a brushing break at the weekend, 1 in 5 (22%) can’t remember the last time they changed their toothbrush or toothbrush head and a third (33%) leave their toothbrush next to the toilet.
Our techniques for cleaning our teeth are always rather questionable… with a quarter (25%) thinking ‘up and down’ is the most effective way.
A further 1 in 10 (10%) say side to side and 1 in 5 (18%) aren’t sure at all.
The two minutes twice a day is also seemingly too much bother for us – 27% of those surveyed confessed they only brush their teeth for one minute or less.
Additionally, 37% fail to floss.
Even more shockingly, the survey revealed 1 in 10 people have rinsed their mouths with sparkling water after brushing and 6% even said they have used fizzy drinks or alcohol.
GSK recently stirred up controversy with its hard-hitting ad campaign for its mouthwash, Corsodyl.
It featured a woman who wakes to find her teeth have fallen out in the night. Reassured it’s only a nightmare, she then brushes her teeth and spits blood. Looking in the bathroom mirror, she reveals a gap where her front tooth should be.
The voiceover says: ‘Because losing a tooth in real-life is worse than a bad dream.’
GSK has spent millions on its recent campaign, intended to highlight the consequences of ignoring the early signs of gum disease.
The company is now launching its Love Your Mouth campaign to encourage the nation to up their oral health game.
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