Flossing while driving, opening bottles with teeth and using knives as toothpicks are some of the bad dental habits of Edinburgh residents revealed in this year’s National Dental Survey.

The survey, which was conducted by the British Dental Health Foundation and Oral B, found that 11 per cent of people in Edinburgh admit to having flossed while driving and 23 per cent have opened a bottle with their teeth, while a significant number also say they have used every day objects such as knives, paper clips and earrings to pick food from between their teeth.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Foundation, said: "It is National Smile Month but these results do not give people in Edinburgh a great deal to smile about.

"People are putting themselves at risk with these shocking habits – yet around 85 per cent of people are completely unaware of the link between the health of the mouth and the health of the body

"Gum health, in particular, is very important and has been linked to a range of conditions. However, people are risking their gum health by picking and flossing without paying the necessary care and attention.”

The survey also found that 25 per cent of people in Edinburgh suffer with bleeding gums, yet more than a third of those ignore it or simply brush their teeth more softly to avoid aggravating it further.

Dr Carter continued: "Bleeding gums are a sign of a poor oral healthcare routine.

"People need to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cut down how often they have sugary foods and drinks and visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend if they want to keep their gums and body healthy.

"If a person is suffering with bleeding gums they should not brush more softly. They simply need to make sure they are brushing well - for two minutes at a time and covering all the surfaces of the teeth. Cleaning between the teeth can also help using floss or interdental brushes.

"The message of the campaign is Brush for Health and people need to take that literally if they are to stay healthy. Remember, your mouth and your body talk - so look after them both!"

For more information on National Smile Month visit the website: www.nationalsmilemonth.org