Men will have to brush up on caring for their teeth and gums to equal the oral hygiene efforts of women, according to survey findings from the American Dental Association (ADA).
In the ADA's 2003 Public Opinion Survey: Oral Health of the U.S. Population, women say they take better care of their teeth than men. According to the survey, women were more likely than men to brush their teeth after every meal (28.7 percent to 20.5 percent) or twice a day (56.8 percent to 49 percent). The survey also revealed women were more likely to have a dentist than men (89.2 percent to 74.6%).
Overall, American adults recorded a slight increase among those brushing twice a day or after each meal to 78 percent in 2003 compared with 1997's 75.4 percent. But the most dramatic jump in brushing frequency occurred in the number of respondents saying they brushed after every meal, reaching 24.8 percent in 2003 compared with 11.5 percent in the 1997 survey.
The daily use of dental floss or an interdental cleaner rose slightly to 50.5 percent in 2003 compared with 1997's 48.2 percent.
"Being thorough in your daily oral hygiene lays the groundwork for a healthy smile," explains Dr. Kimberly Harms, ADA consumer advisor. "A daily routine of brushing and flossing, in addition to regular dental checkups, can be enough in most cases to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease."
The ADA recommends the following: