Survey reveals interesting tidbits about oral care behaviors and attitudes

A survey commissioned in Spring 2007 by the makers of ARM & HAMMER(R) Advance White(R) Toothpaste uncovered the following fun facts related to brushing teeth. (A total of 624 Americans participated in this on-line survey, which has a margin of error of +/- 3.9%).

  1.  A clean mouth is more important than a clean body
      When asked what part of their daily routine they would absolutely NOT
      want to skip, nearly 94 percent of respondents selected 'brushing my
      teeth', which overwhelmingly beat out 'showering' (77 percent),
      'doing my hair' (46 percent) and 'exercise' (14 percent).
      (Respondents could pick more than one choice.)

  2.  Teeth Whitening is "White Hot"
      More than 62 percent of survey respondents have taken steps to whiten
      their teeth using over-the-counter drug store products.  The most
      popular whitening product is toothpaste (84 percent), with whitening
      strips streaking to the second spot (57 percent) and gum sticking to
      the third slot (35 percent).  (Respondents could choose more than one
      answer).

      In a related note, one in three whitened their teeth (or plan to
      whiten their teeth) before their wedding by either going to a dental
      professional or using at-home whitening products.

  3.  Snack Attack Plan
      More than 40 percent of respondents believe that brushing their teeth
      helps them to avoid snacking between meals.

  4.  "You're Hired" trumps "I Do"
      Turns out more people want their smile to look its best at a job
      interview than at their wedding.  Nearly 3 out of 4 respondents
      selected "Job Interview" as an occasion when they want their smile to
      shine, while only half the respondents vowed that they needed a
      sparkling smile at their own wedding.  (Respondents could choose up to
      three answers to this question).

  5.  First Impressions on First Dates
      The nose knows that body odor ranks first on the list of biggest turn-
      off on a first date, with 94 percent of respondents agreeing with that
      statement.  But bad breath isn't too far behind at 91 percent.  Yellow
      teeth took third (75 percent) while 'food stuck in teeth' (63 percent)
      landed at fourth.  (Respondents could check more than one answer).

  6.  Travel Necessity
      Travelers can't live without their favorite tube of toothpaste.  When
      asked which one personal care item would never get left behind when
      hitting the road, more than 57 percent selected 'toothpaste.'
      Surprisingly, 'toothpaste' easily distanced itself from other personal
      care items, including runner-up 'make-up' (17 percent), and also-rans
      'shampoo' (8 percent) and 'body wash' (6 percent).

  7.  "Maps, spare change for tolls, toothpaste ... "
      Nearly 20 percent of Americans keep a tube of toothpaste in their car.

  8.  "Get Your Own Tube, Junior!"
      45 percent of parents buy their own personal tube of toothpaste for
      themselves rather than partaking of the 'family tube of toothpaste.'

  9.  Dreams begin and end with teeth brushing session
      99 percent of respondents say that brushing their teeth is the last
      thing they do before heading to "dreamland" each night, and 95 percent
      return to the wash basin as soon as they wake up to brush again.

  10. Smile Swap
      Wish you could swap your smile with one of showbiz's leading ladies?
      Halle Berry's and Julia Roberts' pearly whites virtually tied in the
      top spot when female respondents were asked that question.

      * It's good to see us girls feeling good about ourselves ...  the
      largest portion of women respondents ACTUALLY prefer their own flashy
      smiles to that of a celebrity.

  11. His & Her Sinks
      Lastly, ladies were asked: "If you could share your bathroom sink
      and bump elbows with any Hollywood hunk while brushing your teeth,
      who would it be?"  Nearly 19 percent of female respondents selected
      George Clooney and his arresting smile.  Matthew McConaughey clinched
      the second spot on the list, and Brad Pitt took third.

Source: ARM & HAMMER

Web site: http://www.myoralcare.com/