In our last blog, we introduced the National Smile Month and what it aims to achieve and today May 16th, marks its launch. Don't forget, that for every dental insurance plan taken out with Get Dental Plans during this month, we will be donating to this important charity. Please spread the word.
Here are some really interesting facts and figures they have shared with us about what their month aims to counteract:
One in four adults don’t brush twice a day, including a third of men.
One in ten admit they regularly forget to brush their teeth.
42% of adults just use a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Only 21% of adults floss regularly.
21% of adults visit the dentist annually.
The UK is one of the most likely nations in Europe to visit the dentist.
27% of adults only visit the dentist when they have a problem.
84% of all adults have at least one or more filling.
Each adult has as average of seven fillings.
31% of adults have tooth decay.
Great progress has been made in the area of tooth loss and decay. Only 6% of adults now have no natural teeth. Compare that to 1978 when the figure was as high as 37% in Wales. The number of adults with 21 or more natural teeth in the UK has risen to 86%. In 1987 this was 68% in Northern Ireland.
Whilst oral care amongst children remains a very high priority, it is great to see that two in three children aged 12 are now free of visible dental decay. In 1973, this figure was less than one in 10.
These facts go to prove the importance of National Smile Month and overall good oral health. The great work that they are doing is well demonstrated here. To find out more about National Smile month, click here.