EAST Lancashire dentists are concerned that the region's teeth are not being looked after properly.

Although most people now brush twice a day, dental hygienists are concerned the number of people using floss is so low that gum disease could rise.

Wendy Higson, dental hygienist at the Standish Street practice in Burnley, said patients are still not flossing daily.

She explained: "The spaces between your teeth are the perfect breeding ground for bacterial, causing bad breath and gum disease.

"Normal tooth brushes cannot fit in these gaps so bacteria will build up and food will sit there rotting until you remove it with floss."

Her patients blame either lack of time and information for not flossing, while some admit they are too tired or lazy to bother.

Wendy said: "The message that flossing is an important daily part of oral hygiene routines doesn't seem to be getting through as people constantly tell me they didn't realise they had to floss.

"When you first floss, your gums tend to bleed, simply because they are not used to it and this put lot of people off.

"You must persevere through the first couple of weeks and as your gums get stronger and healthier, the bleeding will stop and the whole process of flossing will become much quicker."

Not only can the build up of bacteria between teeth cause sulphur compounds that create bad breath - but can progress to gum disease.

Flossing can help prevent conditions such as gingivitis, which leads to periodontal disease affecting the bone inside the gums that cause teeth to wobble and fall out.

Toni Ashworth, who works to promote oral health for Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust, said: "When your gums bleed you tend to think you should leave them alone but the opposite is true.

"For adults the biggest problem is not keeping your teeth clean but keeping your gums clean.

"We recommend that people floss daily and should try the different types available to see which they find the easiest to use.

"Alternatively, a dentist will show you how to use floss correctly and can advise on special brushes which can be used to clean between bigger gaps."