One in 10 not brushing regularly

Regular brushing can combat gum disease

Dentists are warning people may be getting complacent after figures showed more than one in 10 people do not brush their teeth each day.

The number of non-brushers is eight times higher than last year, according to the British Dental Health Foundation poll of over 1,000 people.

And only a third were brushing for the full two minutes - as recommended.

Dentists said even though oral health had been improving for 30 years, the trend could still be reversed.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said: "Good oral health is needed to prevent a wide range of conditions and, in particular, tooth decay and gum disease.

The danger is that people become complacent as things have got better with fluoride toothpaste Lester Ellman, of the British Dental Association

"People must really get into the habit of brushing twice-a-day with fluoride toothpaste - it is absolutely vital to both your oral and general health."

The survey by the charity found 12% only brushed a few times a week or never, compared to 1.5% last year.

And 30% said when they did brush it was not for two minutes - down from just under half last year.

A fifth said they could not remember when they last changed their toothbrush.

The survey also showed that people were using bizarre objects for flossing, including drill bits, shoelaces and twigs.

Lester Ellman, of the British Dental Association, said: "We are not noticing any deterioration in oral health, it has actually been improving for years.

"However, the danger is that people become complacent as things have got better with fluoride toothpaste and stop doing the things they should be doing."