One in five Brits admit they don’t brush their teeth at least one day a week, according to research.
A major oral health study also revealed 41% brush for less than a minute in total, each day.
One in five admit skipping a morning clean because they are running late for work.
Over a third acknowledged they often miss a pre-bedtime brush.
And 25% would be embarrassed by the state of their mouths were they to have a check-up.
That’s not a scenario that bothers 12% of respondents – who go to the dentist less than once a year.
A tenth exaggerate how frequently they floss, and 9% have fibbed about how often they visit the dentist.
A spokesperson from Sensodyne, which commissioned the research to highlight the importance of looking after gums as well as sensitive teeth, said: “There’s a lot going on in your mouth that you don’t think about.
“Whether you have sensitive teeth or not, considering the health of your gums is vitally important, including reaching difficult areas in between your teeth and along the gum line.
“Out of sight can be out of mind but in the case of oral health, it’s critical to keep it at the forefront of your thoughts.”
Of those who dodge the dentist, 39% admit they simply don’t like going while 31% are not currently registered.
Around one in six (16%) have put off going because they’re worried about what they might find out.
While 11% just don’t want to get fillings or something even more invasive, according to the OnePoll figures.
It also emerged 11% rarely or never consider the health of their gums.
And 60% simply presume that by brushing their teeth, they are naturally also looking after their gums.
As a result, 25% say they’ve never liked their smile, and 21% avoid showing their teeth when smiling in photos.
Half of respondents believe they do a ‘decent’ job of keeping their mouths healthy but admit there’s room for improvement.
A quarter admit they should probably know more about oral hygiene and 15% don’t know much about gums.
A spokesperson for Sensodyne, which is relaunching its Sensitivity & Gum Toothpaste, added: “Healthy teeth and gums are something millions of people tend to take for granted.
“That’s why it’s so important to keep on top of our oral care routine. By correctly brushing our teeth twice-daily we can help our teeth and gums stay healthy.”
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
Edited by Saba Fatima and Newsdesk Manager
