50% of adults fail to brush their teeth at night because they're too tired while others admit to only using their finger to brush

Almost half of adults admit to not brushing their teeth in the evening - blaming being too tired or simply forgetting, a new survey today reveals.  Experts warn by doing so people are putting themselves at risk of cavities, gum disease and even tooth loss. Forty-five per cent of the 10,000 people taking part in the study say they have gone to bed without brushing their teeth.When quizzed as to why they ignored a daily oral healthcare routine, 40 per cent of respondents blamed being too tired, 30 per cent said it's because they are lazy, while 28 per cent admitted they simply forget to brush or floss.

But the grim revelations do not stop there. Almost one in five people surveyed said they just brush their teeth with water, without toothpaste, while 14 per cent brush their teeth using a finger. This is despite 91 per cent of respondents admitting they are aware poor oral care can lead to a decline in the health of teeth and gums. Experts have warned the survey, commissioned by GSK as part of its Love Your Mouth campaign, implies thousands of people could be at risk of dental health problems. Natty Burgess, a London dental practitioner, told MailOnline: 'People think that missing one brush won't be a problem, but over time a lack of good hygiene can cause a whole host of unwanted oral health conditions.  'Not brushing at least twice a day can cause the build-up of plaque and calculus (hardened plaque), as well as tooth decay which can lead to sensitivity and cavities that require fillings.  'In a 24-hour period, we are awake for around 17 hours, equivalent to 1,020 minutes. 'You only need to spend around four minutes brushing, and a couple of extra minutes per day flossing to avoid having problems.'

Dr Burgess added: 'It's important to brush using a toothpaste as the special ingredients help to maintain healthy teeth. 

'Brushing with your finger introduces new bacteria into your mouth from whatever you were touching last so will only hinder your oral hygiene. 'Toothbrushes have special soft bristles with rounded ends that help to reach tricky corners that your finger won't.' Further data shows that only 24 per cent of those that took part in the research said they floss their teeth as part of their daily routine, with 44 per cent admitting they could take better care of their oral health. Based on these new findings, it is unsurprising that 67 per cent of respondents said they have experienced tooth decay or cavities and 29 per cent of those people confessed they have six or more fillings. 'People tend to develop cavities due to a combination of a poor diet and bad oral hygiene', said Dr Burgess. 'Foods rich in sugars are increasingly part of our diet and it's these types of foods that increase levels of bacteria that stay in the mouth until cleansed.  'Your teeth are the first thing people look at when you start to speak, and first impressions count for a lot. 'They also help you to chew and break up foods and this starts a good digestion process in the body. So it's vital to look after your oral health and give your mouth some love.'