TheJournal.ie uses cookies. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Click here to find out more »
Dublin: 11 °C Friday 24 May, 2013

Smile! One third of Irish people have broken or missing teeth

Poor childhood dental habits were blamed for tooth loss later in life by the majority of people in a new survey.

Image: Franklin Reyes/AP/Press Association Images

POOR DENTAL HABITS as a child has led to Irish people having broken or missing teeth as an adult.

That’s according to a survey by Seapoint Clinic, which said 35 per cent of Irish people have broken or missing teeth, with a quarter blaming their bad habits as a child for this.

Survey

Most people surveyed had fillings (86 per cent), with almost half (42 per cent) having between two and three fillings.

More than half (60 per cent) of people aren’t happy with their smile, with 71 per cent even saying they would consider cosmetic dentistry.

When asked what they would change about their smile, 65 per cent said they would make their teeth white, while 12 per cent wanted straighter teeth.

Dentist

How often do you brush your teeth? Most people polled said they brush twice a day (84 per cent), but 49 per cent said they don’t floss. Almost 1 in 5 people visit the dentist every two years.

Two per cent polled admitted they have never visited the dentist.

Dr Tom Linehan of Seapoint Clinic said:

While it was heartening to see that the majority of people polled are brushing the recommended twice a day, the amount of people flossing is quite poor. Flossing is an essential part of an oral hygiene routine to help prevent gum disease which is the most common cause of tooth loss.

Celeb smiles

When asked about their favourite celebrity smiles, over one third (39 per cent) said that Hollywood A-lister George Clooney has the best smile in Hollywood.

Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole topped the poll for female celebs (34 per cent), while Julia Roberts received 20 per cent of votes.

But what about Irish celebs? Here are the results, in slideshow form, so they can show off their grins themselves.

Smile! One third of Irish people have broken or missing teeth
1 / 8
  • 1. Rosanna Davison

    Top female teeth-owner Rosanna Davison and friend Pepper look proud of their pearly whites. (Photo Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland)
  • 1. Craig Doyle

    TV presenter Craig Doyle looks concerned that Jodie Kidd might have a better grin. (Photo Graham Hughes/Photocall Ireland)
  • 2. Georgia Salpa

    Model Georgia Salpa shows off her glowing smile. (Photo Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland)
  • 2. Nicky Byrne

    Nicky grins for the camera. (Niall Carson/PA Archive/Press Association Images)
  • 3. Laura Whitmore

    Laura Whitmore has a movie star smile, said the poll. (Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland)
  • 3. Liam Neeson

    Actor Liam Neeson smiles sheepishly. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan)
  • 4. Pippa O'Connor

    Pippa O'Connor is impressed with her smile - the dog less so, sadly. (Photo Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland)
  • 4. Shane Filan

    Shane Filan of Westlife salutes his teeth. (Photo by ChinaFotoPress)

Read: VIDEO: ‘I’m a wizard!’ – if only all dentist visits were this good…>

Read: Dentists call for public health warnings on soft drinks>

Read next:

Comments (28 Comments)

Add New Comment