The National Dental Survey found well over half of the parents asked found it challenging and generally difficult to get their children to brush their teeth in the morning and again at night.
More worryingly the research conducted by the British Dental Health Foundation found almost one in three parents do not trust their children to clean their teeth properly.
Chief executive of the foundation, Nigel Carter, showed concern over the results and believes more needs to be done to encourage children to keep their mouths healthy, stating: ‘With all the issues and difficulties new parents have to face, keeping a good oral health routine for your child may not be at the top of your list but it should be. Getting them into good habits early on is the only way to teach them the value of looking after their teeth for life. If children learn how to manage their teeth at an early age, the sooner they will be able, and want to do it by themselves.
The National Dental Survey, which was released in conjuncture with National Smile Month and commissioned by its campaign sponsors Oral-B, Listerine and Orbit Complete, surveyed more than 1,000 members of the public.
The annual survey aims to investigate the dental habits and practices of those living in the UK, in order to address the levels of awareness and misconceptions there are about oral health.
Further findings from the study can be found at www.dentalhealth.org