LOCKDOWN has seen people in the region brush-up on their dental hygiene.

Research has shown that 16 per cent of people in Yorkshire and the Humber have brushed their teeth more since March last year.

And a similar percentage have reduced their intake of sugary foods.

Lockdown has also seen a shift in our daily oral health timetable – 29 per cent of survey respondents in this region said they now brushed their teeth at a different time of day.

Catherine Tannahill – director of clinical dentistry at Portman Dental Care, which carried out the research – said: “We compiled the survey to help assess the state of the nation’s teeth and oral health, to understand how people had looked after their teeth during the 12 months since the first lockdown began.

“And while we know many people had dentist, dental hygienist and ongoing treatment appointments cancelled, it seems lots of people have taken extra measures to ensure their dental health didn’t suffer due to Covid-19.

“While we’ll never fully understand the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic for months if not years, it’s good to see the number of people who have taken steps to improve their dental hygiene.

“Brushing teeth is an important daily routine – and with lives thrown into chaos, we’re pleased to see this was still happening, albeit for some at different times of the day.”