Most Australians not brushing twice

Colgate, in partnership with the ADA Inc, has launched its ‘Brush Night And Day’ campaign to urge Australians to brush their teeth twice a day to avoid detrimental health and financial consequences.¹ The campaign is being launched on the back of new research which shows that although 68% of people are aware they should be brushing their teeth twice a day, the majority are failing to do so.

Tooth decay is Australia’s most prevalent health problem - each year, 11 million teeth will become decayed.² In 2008-2009, dental treatments cost the nation an estimated $6 billion.³ Sadly, children are also suffering; a staggering 38% of 5 to 6 year olds have some form of tooth decay.⁴ Research shows that tooth decay is three times more likely if teeth are only brushed once a day.⁵

“The fact that people are aware of what they should be doing, but are not behaving accordingly, suggests that they are unaware of the potential consequences,” said Dr Philippa Sawyer, Oral Health Committee spokesperson at ADA Inc. “It is our job as dental professionals to get the message out there that if adults and children fail to brush night and day, tooth decay and costly treatment may follow.”

Surprisingly, the research shows that most people who fail to brush twice a day miss the night time brush, which is of course the most important opportunity.

Dr Susan Cartwright, Scientific Affairs Manager, Colgate Oral Care said, “The campaign message is simple, brushing night and day with a fluoride toothpaste is the most effective way of preventing tooth decay and maintaining good dental health.”

“We know that the solution is simple,” Dr Sawyer said. “For good dental health, adults and children need to brush night and day. They need to understand that there is no second chance. Once tooth decay is established, costly, sometimes lengthy dental treatment is the only solution.”

The ‘Brush Night and Day’ Campaign (www.brushnightandday.com.au) aims to encourage Australians to brush night and day to maintain good dental health

References
1. Oral Hygiene Study. Galaxy Research. Feb 2011.
2. Aust. Inst. of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Chronic Diseases and Associated Risk Factors in Australia. 2001. Available at http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/phe/cdarfa01/cdarfa01-c02d.pdf.
3. Public Health Association Australia (PHA). Policy-at-a-glance. Oral Health Policy 2009. Available at: http://www.phaa.net.au/documents/20091009OralHealthPolicy%20doc%20bs.pdf. Accessed 240211.
4. NSW Child Dental Health Survey 2007. Available at: www.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs/2009/pdf/cdhs_2007.pdf
5. DS Brennan, AJ Spencer, KF Roberts-Thomson. Oral Health of Indigenous Adult Public Dental Patients in Australia. Australian Dental Journal 52: 322–28. December 2007.