King's Lynn dentist warns of health risks linked to only brushing teeth once a day
It comes as new data shows a quarter of people only brush once a day
New data has revealed a quarter of people only brush their teeth once a day, heightening their chances of conditions such as gum disease.
They also found over a third experience sensitive teeth and 31% are currently suffering from bleeding gums.
Anxiety and fear around procedures was was of the main reasons people don't go to the dentist with a number saying they feel guilt and shame around their oral health.
The Oral Health Foundation is now continuing to raise awareness of the ways in which people can prevent oral diseases such gum disease and tooth decay.
Advice includes cutting down on sugary food and drink, brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and visiting a dentist on a regular basis.
Dentist, Dr Stuart Cox from Better Smiles in Kings Lynn Said:
"Good oral hygiene is paramount to maintaining oral health and preventing pain and problems caused by dental disease and decay".
"Spend at least two minutes twice a day brushing with a good quality toothbrush, try to brush every surface of each tooth including the gums, electric toothbrushes tend to get better results, cleaning in between the teeth at least once a day is very important for preventing gum disease and there is a variety of options to clean different size spaces."
"There are firm links now between a healthy mouth and the risk of heart disease, stroke and possibly Alzheimer's disease. There is a definite link with diabetes so healthy mouth, healthy body".
The Oral Health Foundation charity believes inequalities continue to be a burden for countless groups, including the elderly, those on lower incomes or in areas of low social economic status, people with learning difficulties, and the homeless.
The British Dental Association has also this week said failure to set out credible plans to save NHS dentistry will hit the parties at the ballot box, with evidence showing the state of the service is now a main concern for voters.