Study - Britons Floss with Screwdrivers

Friday May 12, 11:23 AM

LONDON (Reuters) - More than 60 percent of Britons use items such as screwdrivers, scissors and earrings to remove food from between their teeth, according to a survey on Friday.

The National Dental Survey found that when it comes to oral hygiene, people use whatever is close to hand to pick their teeth.

More than 60 percent questioned by the Dental Health Foundation said they used makeshift items, which included knives, keys, needles and forks.

The survey also found that 23 percent of people choose to leave food stuck between their teeth, increasing the risk of gum disease and bad breath, the foundation, which promotes oral health, said in a statement.