Millennials are not brushing their teeth as often as recommended by the American Dental Association, and they are mortally afraid of going to the dentist, a new study announced this week.
The study, commissioned by oral care startup Hello Products and conducted by market research firm OnePoll, found that 30 percent of the 2,000 Americans surveyed brush their teeth just once a day, Fox News reported, citing Britain's South West News Service.
What's more, the average millennial questioned in the survey has gone more than two days without brushing their teeth at least once a day. And 33 percent said they would rather go without sex for a month than undergo a dental procedure, according to the study.
Another interesting conclusion is that 62 percent of those surveyed said that were too afraid to visit a dentist.
The American Dental Association recommends that people brush their teeth twice a day for about two minutes each time along with daily flossing.
"It's crucial to take the right steps every day to maintain a healthy mouth," Craig Dubitsky, founder of Hello Products, told the South West News Service. "This involves using effective oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits.
"While most of us know that professional dental care is important for our overall health, visiting the dentist can still be a nerve-wracking experience for some, and we totally get that," he continued.
It's not just millennials that are dentist-averse, though they are more likely than any other age group to be scared to visit. The survey also found that 24 percent of people over age 55 are uncomfortable seeing the dentist.
"Going to the dentist has many advantages aside from ensuring you have pearly whites and bad breath prevention," Dr. Lawrence Fung, a California-based dentist, told the South West News Service. "Research has shown that there are many linkages to oral health and your overall health.
"While going to the dentist can be scary, some of the ways you can help alleviate those feelings is by seeking a dentist who truly places a high emphasis on creating a welcoming environment to make you feel comfortable. When seeking a dentist, be sure to take a look at their bios and have an office tour to see if the place is welcoming," Fung continued.
The study also listed that the top 10 reasons Americans avoid the dentist, which include: fear of painful treatment, fear of pain after treatment, noise of the dental drill, negative past experiences, that the anesthetic won't work, dental instruments, gag easily, afraid of being poked with a sharp object, feelings of helplessness, and embarrassment due to oral hygiene.
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