57% Of Canadians Want Bright Smile, But Only 4% Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene

Unbelievably, despite the fact that a healthy looking smile is highly desired, a recent survey indicates that a mere four percent of Canadians actually engage in regular, proper oral hygiene practices.

Unbelievably, despite the fact that a healthy looking smile is highly desired, a recent survey indicates that a mere four percent of Canadians actually engage in regular, proper oral hygiene practices.

The main reasons that many people fail to take good care of their teeth are cited as being a lack of the time needed to provide adequate oral care and fatigue.

In all, 57 percent of Canadians surveyed believe that having a great looking smile is important, but less than five percent of all people are willing to put in the extra steps it takes to ensure that they actually maintain a healthy smile.

In truth, proper care of one’s teeth and gums takes all of ten minutes out of a busy person’s day. It is ironic that there are people that will dedicate time to working out every day, and there are people that will dedicate time to cook special foods in order to maintain their weight, but that they will not commit to caring for their mouths, gums, and teeth.

By failing to pay attention to oral hygiene practices, Canadians are at greater risk for gingivitis, halitosis, periodontal disease, and, in extreme cases, tooth caries, and tooth loss.

Poor oral hygiene has also been associated with respiratory conditions, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

The reasons for the lack of or absence of good oral hygiene practices in Canadians are varied. Nearly 25 percent of Canadians only brush one time per day due to being too overly tired to brush in the evening.

As many as four percent of Canadians only brush one time daily because they do not know how to properly utilize a toothbrush.

Meanwhile, more than 30 percent of people do not floss at all because they lack time to do so; this same percentage has not utilized floss in the past 180 days.

Some Canadians cite not having adequate time to rinse their mouths out every day, and there are many Canadians lacking the proper insurance or funding to have regular checkups to ensure good oral hygiene.

Having a great smile requires that one cares for his or her teeth and gums. A person needs to brush the teeth, to floss, and to rinse, at least two times a day.

Regular checkups are also required in order to ensure the health of gums and teeth. If proper oral hygiene is not practiced at all times, one’s healthy, attractive smile will definitely be threatened by cavities, gum issues, and tooth decay or loss.