New Zealanders like to consider themselves 'green' but when it comes to oral hygiene we are not so clean, an international survey shows. Over 80% of New Zealanders in a survey commissioned by Oral-B are flouting the most basic dental hygiene guidelines by not flossing, and one in six say they don’t like brushing their teeth. Dr Hisham Abdalla, an Auckland dentist and international lecturer in dentistry, says the raft of problems associated with oral disease are avoidable. “The physical pain, psychological trauma and the financial and social costs of oral diseases are severe and endemic worldwide as well as in New Zealand,” he says. Poor oral healthcare habits can lead to bad breath, gum disease, dental cavities and at worst oral cancer, says Dr Abdalla. The research showed around one in 10 admit to brushing less often than once a day, but despite our own poor dental habits we were pretty picky when it came to other people’s mouths. More than nine out of 10 (91%) said a smile from a stranger could make their day brighter but 77% said yellow teeth ruined the effect. Only 11% were prepared to give up certain foods or beverages to prevent staining their teeth. Dr Abdalla says simply brushing is not enough. Using proper technique for the recommended two minutes and flossing is essential to good oral health.