• Rewards Room
    • You are here
    Home / Body & Health / Toothbrushes / Dental floss / Why our teeth are worse than the Brits'

    Why our teeth are worse than the Brits'

    Updated:27 Apr 2016 12:51 PM | Posted by
    Beth E's picture
    Beth E
    Comment

    The Brits may have a reputation for being a bit lax when it comes to oral health, but a new study has revealed they’re actually more disciplined with their dental care than most Australians.

    Yep, apparently our British counterparts are more likely to brush regularly, invest in power toothbrushes and visit the dentist at recommended intervals than we are.

    The survey, which was commissioned by Oral-B, also found that a third of Aussies brush their teeth just once daily (if that), putting themselves at risk of cavities and gum disease – not to mention bad breath. Gross, right?!

    The findings support data from a former World Health Organisation (WHO) study, which showed – in black and white – that Australia has more decayed, missing and filled teeth than nine other countries, including England.

    Do you think you need to step up your dental care regime? If it’s any consolation, even I’m guilty of neglecting to brush my teeth every once in a while – and I also loathe the dentist. Even so, here are the oral care recommendations we all need to take on board:  

    1.    Consider buying a power toothbrush. Only 25 per cent of Australians use one, even though they’re proven to remove up to twice as much plaque as a manual brush. 
    2.    Brush for two minutes twice a day. Plus, if you’ve got time, you should also floss. 
    3.    Visit the dentist at least once every six months. Currently, just one in three of us do this. It’s all about prevention, people!

    To help you get your dental health back on track, Oral-B are running a two-week True Blue Challenge. You can head to the Oral-B Facebook page for more information.  

    And remember: while us Aussies are known for our easygoing nature, it just doesn’t pay to be laid-back when it comes to dental care.

    Are you a bit lax when it comes to dental care? What are your top tips for getting great teeth?  

    YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...

    The beauty resolutions we should have already made...

    Would you use a $100 toothpaste?

    First world beauty problems

    14 ways to tell if you're a beauty guru

    The health benefits of apple cider vinegar

    How-to: look your best barefaced

     

     

    Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?

    Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.

    Oral-B Satin Floss
    Write a Review

    58 Member Comments

    Popsicle 29 Aug 2018 9:13 PM

    Go aussie! Oi

    Amanda30 12 Jul 2018 5:00 AM

    I brush my teeth very well, with flossing, following my dentist recommandation. But I have to admit I often brush only twice a day.

    ajit7 12 Jun 2016 9:20 PM

    When I only brush my teeth then there I had a bad breath. I was confused why that happened. Then I went to a dentist and he suggested me to floss. After that I floss my teeth regularly and now I have a fresh breath.

    itslinda 5 Apr 2016 5:49 PM

    Great article

    Yohanna 2 Mar 2016 1:13 PM

    I brush, floss , use tongue scraper, eat healthy and no wine/coffee...staining stuff.

    Yohanna 2 Mar 2016 1:08 PM

    Brits go more often to dentists because their teeth are worse than Australians'? lol

    Pink_Sugar 4 Dec 2015 7:50 PM

    I use an electronic toothbrush (oral b) but I don't always floss.

    Hayley644 1 Mar 2015 2:12 AM

    I do use an Oral B Power toothbrush it cleans much better than a manual one and use dental floss but I haven't been to the dentist in ages, need to make an appointment.

    Petal 19 Feb 2015 12:26 AM

    I had no idea that the Brits had more affordable dental care.

    fluffnut 17 Feb 2015 12:59 PM

    I need to use my electric toothbrush more!

    Pixiealso 15 Feb 2015 5:03 AM

    I think Rose_P makes a very good point - the cost of Dental care in this country is an absolute disgrace! I have private insurance, and even so I struggle to go to the Dentist twice a year for a basic check-up and to have my teeth cleaned "properly" (I brush at least 2x per day, floss & use mouthwash, yet still tartar accumulates!). I dread to think what it must be like for those Australians who cannot afford private health care, as I have heard many horror stories about the waiting time for Public Dentists. Also, the NHS actually covers most dental treatments (if they are necessary rather than cosmetic) whereas Medicare only seems to cover dental treatments if they are a result of "misadventure" suffered in a public hospital. Why wouldn't the Brits have better teeth than the average Australian?

    Yohanna 2 Mar 2016 1:10 PM

    Yes I so agree! When I travel overseas to Europe, I always go to the dentist there.

    Snazzie 15 Feb 2015 5:02 AM

    I'm lucky because I have good teeth. I brush twice a day with an electric toothbrush but must admit I'm pretty slack about going to the dentist .. it's just so hard to find the time!

    Gilded 14 Feb 2015 8:27 AM

    I brush in the morning and right before bed at night. I floss and mouthwash as well. Dental hygiene is very important to me.

    Shop A Everyday 14 Feb 2015 8:05 AM

    I brush twice daily but should start flossing

    bmill229 14 Feb 2015 6:51 AM

    I try to remember to wish my teeth once a day.

    Beautybabe140194 14 Feb 2015 1:22 AM

    I need an electric toothbrush

    Michelle 673 13 Feb 2015 5:51 PM

    I'm ICD when it comes to brushing, occasionally lazy with flossing though! As far as trips to the dentist, I'm terrified of the dentist plus it costs a small fortune!

    Miss_Lee 13 Feb 2015 10:14 AM

    I always brush at least twice a day - but possibly no for two whole minutes each time.

    Marza 13 Feb 2015 9:50 AM

    costly

    mamamickey 13 Feb 2015 9:14 AM

    I brush and floss twice a day. Unfortunately, I have big issues with my teeth due to health issues. At least I don't have bad breath.

    Becky332 13 Feb 2015 2:54 AM

    Well the UK has cheap or even free dental care. Australia has expensive dental care. Of course you won't go if you're not minted. Come on Mr Abbott, make it part of medicare, now. You're as good as a 3rd world nation when it comes to dental care.

    Becky332 13 Feb 2015 2:50 AM

    07

    Vi 13 Feb 2015 12:57 AM

    I must admit I am a bit lazy when it comes to my teeth. I definitely brush them daily with my electric toothbrush which I highly recommend. I do not floss regularly though. Dr Oz said that if you are only going to do one out of brushing, flossing or mouthwash then you should floss. I haven't taken up his advice

    bebeautiful34 12 Feb 2015 9:20 PM

    I have to admit it's been year since I've been to the dentist cringe

    Pages

    You need to log in or become a member to post a comment.
    TOP