Aussie men urged to brush up on their daily dental routine

New research1 reveals that Australian men are significantly less likely than women to brush their teeth twice a day, with only a staggering 36% of men doing so.

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This alarming statistic comes at a time when the majority of Australians do understand it is necessary to brush their teeth twice a day, to maintain healthy teeth and gums, yet in practice this is not happening.

Colgate, in partnership with The Australian Dental Association (ADA), is encouraging all Australians to brush their teeth twice a day to lessen the financial and health impacts of poor dental health habits.

ADA representative Dr Peter Alldritt said, “We recommend brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste in order to help fight bacteria build up. Although Australian men are worse at brushing their teeth twice a day than women, the research also showed that only a quarter of 16-24 year olds brush twice a day, compared to older Australians, of whom only half brush twice a day. The need for education about the importance of simply brushing twice a day is so important”.

The research also found that unmarried Australians (36%) are significantly less likely to brush twice a day compared to married Australians (50%).

As a leader, trusted expert and authority in dental care, Colgate is committed to raising awareness of, and educating Australians on the dangers of, poor oral health and the importance of investing in their oral health habits.

The Colgate Brush Night and Day campaign is the latest initiative aimed at driving awareness of good dental health habits during Colgate’s Oral Health Month this August.

Dr Susan Cartwright, Scientific Affairs Manager, Colgate Oral Care said, “Oral Health Month is a timely reminder for us all to take a closer look at our patients' daily dental health routines. We have a range of education initiatives from our well established school program ‘Bright Smiles, Bright Futures’ through to our Brush Night and Day campaign, committed to improving the oral health of Australians.”

Colgate voted most trusted Australian brand

On the eve of Oral Health Month, Colgate has also been honoured with the prestigious accolade of being voted Most Trusted Brand and Most Trusted Oral Health Care Brand in the Reader’s Digest 2011 Most Trusted Brands Survey (conducted by McCrindle Research).

Commenting on the “Most Trusted” recognition Dr Cartwright adds, “We see the award as not only a measure of positive consumer sentiment but a direct outcome of our proud history of support for the oral health profession in Australia. Through our extensive range of clinically proven products as well as ongoing research and development, we hope to assist the dental profession, as the profession’s oral health partner, to push the boundaries of oral health management to new standards”.

1. Oral Hygiene Study. Galaxy Research. February 2011.