Brushing teeth is a crucial habit for maintaining oral health, but in France, most people don’t know how to brush properly.
A new study jointly released by Haleon and the French Oral Health Federation reveals that nearly 70% of French people don’t follow their dentist’s brushing recommendations, leading to numerous potential risks to their oral health.
The survey results show that only 32% of French people brush their teeth properly: twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Many people think they brush properly, but in reality, they often fail to brush for long enough or use incorrect techniques.
For example, many people brush too quickly, too hard, or in the wrong direction. These habits not only affect cleaning effectiveness but can also damage gums and teeth.
Dental experts point out that a common mistake is to brush vigorously horizontally, thinking this will provide a better clean. However, the correct technique is to start from the gums and brush gently in small, circular motions toward the teeth. This removes plaque without damaging tooth enamel.
Furthermore, brushing time is often overlooked. Although it takes at least two minutes to thoroughly clean all surfaces of the teeth, most French people brush their teeth for less than one minute.
The study also found that oral care should go beyond brushing. About a third of French people don’t have an annual dental checkup, and nearly half believe a checkup is unnecessary unless there are any obvious problems.
However, regular checkups can help prevent problems such as cavities, tartar, and periodontal disease, and can even reduce the risk of certain oral infections that can affect overall health, such as heart disease.
To improve oral health, experts recommend the following:
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes;
Use the correct brushing technique: moving in circular motions from the gums toward the teeth;
Replace your toothbrush every three months;
Use floss or interdental brushes;
Get a dental checkup at least once a year, even if there are no obvious symptoms.
As dentist Carole Boubli emphasizes, “Brushing is a daily routine that sometimes requires professional guidance. Brushing correctly twice a day is more effective than brushing three times a day.”
Currently, many misconceptions about toothbrushing exist among the French, and public education is urgently needed to address this. Proper brushing habits and regular dental checkups are crucial to maintaining oral and overall health.