Survey: 42% of adults missing teeth

Most Irish adults are happy with their dental health, despite the fact that 42% missing are teeth, according to a new survey.

To mark World Oral Health Day 2012, GSK and Wrigley have released a pan-European survey on oral health.

It shows Irish people brush their teeth less frequently, and significantly more (84%) do not brush their teeth or floss after meals, compared to EU figures.

A quarter of respondents said they eat between brushing teeth and going to sleep "most of the time".

The survey's authors are warning that good oral hygiene can help prevent diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

“A healthy mouth is essential to our quality of life and is linked to a healthy body,” said Professor Kenneth Eaton, Chair of the Platform for Better Oral Health in Europe.

“The results of this survey confirm earlier work and demonstrate significant gaps in the respondents’ oral health knowledge and habits. Oral diseases are expensive to treat and can put people at a higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease or cancer.

“This survey makes it clear that many Europeans need to take more advantage of the simple, accessible tools that can help them improve their oral health quickly.”