U.K. survey: Public needs better oral health awareness

A new U.K. survey from UltraDEX has found that most people are not taking their oral care regime seriously.

However 95% were aware that poor oral health can affect chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. The survey marks the start of National Smile Month, a U.K. oral health campaign organized by the British Dental Health Foundation, that runs May 19 through June 19.

Despite high awareness around health concerns that can be affected by poor oral health, the survey findings show that only 50% of people keep to the recommended biannual dental checkups and only 10% follow the recommended regime of brushing, rinsing with mouthwash, and cleaning in between their teeth. A quarter of respondents also admitted that they look for the cheapest brand of toothpaste, rather than a product with the appropriate benefits.

A worrying 6% said that they haven't been to the dentist since they were a child, and 5% claim never to use toothpaste.

The survey, conducted by marketing research company OnePoll in May 2014, was sponsored by UltraDex and included 1,000 adults ages 35 to 65.