The results of a report announced today have found that social class acts as a determinant in how often Irish people visit the dentist.
Some 59 per cent of those in the AB income bracket visit a dentist regularly whereas only 35 per cent of those from the CD and E income groups make the trip.
The results of the survey, conducted by Professor Louis Buckley of the Cork Dental School and Hospital,indicate that oral health care is far less of a priority than it should be.
Professor Buckley found that less than 50 per cent of Irish people attend the dentist as a matter of routine and that on average, Irish people change their toothbrushes less than once a year.
The results were announced at the unveiling of oral health campaign in Dublin this morning by the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Mr Ivor Callely.
The purpose of the initiative, called the Colgate Oral Health Month, is to inform and educate the general public on the importance of oral health and to improve the relationship between dentist and patient.
The campaign will comprise a national roadshow that will visit key shopping centres throughout the country where oral care and advice will be offered to the public.
A "Toothbrush Amnesty" designed to improve the frequency of toothbrush change will also take place and a donation will be given to charity for every toothbrush collected over the period the scheme.