Most dentate adults (58%) used additional products as well as a standard toothpaste and brush, the most common of which were mouthwash (31%), powered toothbrushes (26%) and dental floss (21%).
Three quarters (76%) of dentate adults reported using toothpaste with 1,350 to 1,500 parts per million level of fluoride and a further 18 per cent used a brand with a medium (1,000 to 1,350 parts per million) fluoride level. In a 2009 national survey of adults (1), more women reported cleaning their teeth at least twice a day than men (82% compared with 67%). Toothbrushing is widely practiced across the UK. Oral hygiene practices include toothbrushing and the use of other aids for cleaning teeth.
In Scotland the guidance will be used to inform oral health improvement policy. Whilst this guidance seeks to ensure a consistent UK wide approach to prevention of oral diseases, some differences in operational delivery and organisational responsibilities may apply in Wales, Northern Ireland and England.
This guidance is issued jointly by the Department of Health and Social Care, the Welsh Government, the Department of Health Northern Ireland, Public Health England, NHS England and NHS Improvement and with the support of the British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry.ĭelivering Better Oral Health has been developed with the support of the 4 UK Chief Dental Officers.