The new ‘Healthy Mouths’ by the makers of the Listerine and Reach brands, Johnson & Johnson, has revealed these ‘worrying’ statistics, stating that US citizens need to do more when it comes to oral care.
While nearly 80 percent of Americans surveyed feel concerned about germs on their hands, only 66 percent worry about germs in their mouths, according to the study.
What's more, while nearly all Americans surveyed (95 percent) agreed that they need to do more than just brush to keep their mouths healthy, only one in three admitted to flossing or rinsing with mouthwash in the morning, and less than half see a dentist twice a year for preventative visits.
Many ‘oblivious’ to proper oral care
The report claims that many people do not realize that brushing only cleans approximately 25 percent of your mouth, which is why dentist Dr. John Dodes recommends that Americans start redefining their routine when it comes to oral care.
"One mouth can have more germs than there are people on earth and emerging science suggests that some of these germs may be linked with chronic diseases," said Dodes, a general dentist in Forest Hills, New York.
"Oral health should not be taken lightly which is why I advise my patients to brush, floss and rinse with a therapeutic mouthwash twice a day and of course, visit their dentist regularly to prevent problems and keep their mouths healthy."
Good news for oral care product manufacturers
The good news for oral care product manufacturers is that a vast majority (95 percent) believe oral care impacts overall wellbeing and are willing to take an extra minute every day to rinse with a therapeutic mouthwash if they knew it could potentially have a positive impact.
"It only takes a few minutes a day to make a big difference in your oral health," said Dodes. "I see the results every time patients start adding flossing and rinsing… to their daily routines."
Poor oral care can have a much greater impact on a person's health and lifestyle. Numerous reports have shown a possible link between poor oral health and chronic illness, including diabetes and heart disease.
‘Missing out’
Beyond the potential health risks, many survey respondents said they have missed activities including eating favorite foods (37 percent), smiling in photographs (33 percent), sleep (19 percent), kissing loved ones (15 percent) and work (10 percent) because of dental problems such as tooth pain, cavities and gingivitis.
A social stigma may also exist, as those with poor oral health were viewed by nearly 40 percent or more respondents as untidy.
Despite all of this, the upside to good oral care is clear, says J&J: survey respondents said a healthy smile goes beyond health to signal personality traits, including that you are confident (70 percent) and approachable (56 percent).
In fact, nearly all Americans believe in the power of a healthy smile to positively affect social connections (87 percent) and improve moods (87 percent).