Some 40 per cent of Britons still don’t brush their teeth at least once a day, yet the same proportion admit to being too self-conscious to show their teeth smiling or in a photo, according to a new survey.

Those aged between 26 and 34 are the worst at caring for their teeth, with over half not brushing at least once a day (50.87 per cent), while the most conscious ‘brushers’ are the over-55 age group (68 per cent). The poll of 2,000 adults revealed that those in the North East, South East and East Anglia have the best oral hygiene, while the poorest oral hygiene routines are found in London, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Dr George Sotiropoulous, head of dental research at White Glo, the brand that commissioned the survey, said: “The research is part of a wider research project we are conducting in the UK, so we were really shocked to find that so many Brits are not taking their oral hygiene seriously. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is important to keep teeth and gums healthy.”