Britons take better care

Unveiled as part of World Oral Health Day 2012 activity on September 12, the results of the research – which surveyed more than 3,500 Europeans - revealed that 70 per cent said they are happy with their dental health. Yet, more than half reported that they do not have all of their natural teeth. Over 80 per cent of survey participants said they believed regular teeth brushing helps prevent cavities and dental plaque, but 32 per cent reported brushing their teeth fewer than the recommended two times per day.

52 per cent of those surveyed consider their smile to be one of the most important aspects of their appearance. And while 81 per cent of those surveyed said that keeping all of their natural teeth was their top oral health priority, only 49 per cent actually had all of their natural teeth. The United Kingdom scored considerably better than other European countries in this area, with only 35 per cent of respondents complaining of missing one or more of their natural teeth.