Finding love could be as easy as having a better relationship with your toothbrush, according to new research by Oral-B Powerbrush.
Despite 80 per cent of New Zealanders suffering from bad oral health, the research found 91 per cent of Kiwis believe having a nice smile is important when it comes to finding a partner.
The Oral-B Powerbrush survey found 81 per cent of New Zealanders have cavities, with 51 per cent suffering from bleeding gums – a common sign of gingivitis - and a further 42 per cent admitted to having bad breath on occasion.
The study, commission by Oral-B in conjunction with the Oral-B Triumph with Smart Guide toothbrush, found that despite oral health warnings, just over half of participants brush their teeth the dentist recommended two times while only 10 per cent brush less than once a day. It seems Kiwis are also a little lacking when it comes to flossing and using mouthwash.
International lecturer in dentistry Dr Hisham Abdalla recommends people up the ante when it comes to looking after their teeth and should brush their teeth and gums twice a day for two minutes.
The brush should be soft and small and ideally a power brush, like the Oral-B Triumph Power Brush,” says Dr Abdalla. They are small, soft and the oscillating-rotating heads are much more efficient in removing sticky, bacteria infected food debris (plaque) in the prescribed two minutes. I find Oral B Power Brushes easier to use than a manual toothbrush too.”
