THE NATIONAL ORAL HEALTH SURVEY

Health

CANADIANS AWARENESS AND PERCEPTIONS OF GINGIVITIS

 

The research results presented are based on the National Angus Reid Poll, a nation-wide survey of public opinion in Canada. Telephone interviews were conducted between February 3rd and February 9th, 1999, among a representative cross-section of 1,501 Canadians.

These data were statistically weighted to ensure the sample's regional and age/sex composition reflects that of the actual Canadian population according to the 1996 Census data.

With a national sample of 1,501, one can say with 95 percent certainty that the overall results are within +2.5 percentage points of what they would have been had the entire adult Canadian population been polled. The margin of error will be larger for other sub-groupings of the survey population.

While over two thirds (71%) of Canadians understand that gingivitis is a disease affecting oral health, they do not believe it is a problem which affects them directly. Only 7% of Canadians say they suffer from gingivitis, while the overwhelming majority (91%) say they do not suffer from this condition.

A survey conducted by the Angus Reid Group for Warner Lambert between February 3rd and 9th, 1999 among a representative cross-section of 1,501 Canadians also revealed that half (45%) of Canadians say the main reason for maintaining good oral health is to have nice teeth and fresh breath, followed by one third (35%) of Canadians who practice good oral health to prevent cavities -- only 12% of Canadians are mainly concerned with gingivitis.

Canadians fight gingivitis primarily by brushing and flossing their teeth. When asked how they personally prevent gingivitis, Canadians offer such answers as brushing teeth (54%), flossing teeth (42%), brushing more than once a day (19%), and brushing after every meal (5%). Only one in ten (10%) mention using a mouth wash or gargle, and even fewer (7%) mention regular visits to a dentist as a means of preventing gingivitis.

DETAILED FINDINGS

  • 7% of Canadians believe they suffer from gingivitis while a full 91% of Canadians believe they do not suffer from this infection.
  • 71% of Canadians correctly identify gingivitis as a problem with the gums;
  • While 17% of Canadians say they don" t="" know="" what="" gingivitis="" is.="" />

    PREVENTING GINGIVITIS

    • When offered four reasons for maintaining good oral health, most Canadians say the main reason is to have nice teeth and fresh breath.
    Reason to maintain good oral health

    Reason to maintain good oral health

    First Choice

    Second Choice

    Third Choice

    *Fourth Choice

    I want to prevent gingivitis

    12%

    25%

    37%

    26%

    I want to have nice teeth and fresh breath

    45%

    26%

    21%

    8%

    I want to prevent cavities

    35%

    37%

    19%

    9%

    Because my dentist tells me it is important

    6%

    11%

    22%

    61%

    * This question was not asked - the answer is implied by the first three choices.
    • Four out of five (78%) Canadians brush their teeth to prevent gingivitis;
    • Only 42% of Canadians say they floss their teeth as a means of preventing gingivitis;
    • Only one in ten (10%) Canadians indicate that they use mouth wash or gargle to prevent gingivitis;
    • Finally, only 7% of Canadians say they visit their dentist regularly to prevent gingivitis.

    For further information, please contact:

    Darrell Bricker
    Executive Vice-President
    Angus Reid Group
    (416) 324-2900

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