Oral-B, BDHF: parents fail to help children’s teeth

A survey by Oral-B and the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) has found that young people are being let down by their parents when it comes to looking after their teeth.

The National Dental Survey 2008 indicates more than 20 per cent of five-year-olds are left to brush unsupervised.

A quarter of parents with kids under the age of five also believe that their youngsters need to brush twice per day and more than two-thirds (67 per cent) think that brushing for one minute – rather than the optimum two – is recommended.

Dr Gary Stephenson, dental expert at Oral-B, comments: “Choosing the right toothbrush and paste is important in making tooth-brushing an enjoyable activity, especially with parental encouragement.”

He suggests that anyone with any uncertainties should contact their dentist or hygienist.

The study was carried out to mark National Smile Month, which runs from May 18th – June 17th.

Dr Nigel Carter of the BDHF recently warned that if fruit smoothies are consumed too frequently then they could result in an “erosion epidemic”.