People who brush their teeth twice a day have healthier teeth and gums than people who brush just once or not at all, lessening their chances of serious illness, according to national statistics agency CBS.

One in six of all adults said they had had a toothache in the last 12 months, and one in five had experienced bleeding gums, the CBS said in its annual health monitor, published ahead of World Oral Health Day on Thursday

Bad oral health is linked to a number of serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, kidney and lung disease, and obesity. Some studies also point to a higher risk of cognitive impairment as a result of tooth loss.

Some 50% of people who rated their health as bad or very bad, had bad teeth as well, compared with just 10% of those who gave their health top marks. Gum disease was three times as prevalent in the under-18s with bad or very bad oral health (46% and 15%).

Some 75% of the respondents said they brush their teeth twice or more every day. Just under a quarter brushed once and 2% did not clean their teeth at all. Some 44% said they used floss, toothpicks or inter-dental brushes.

Most people in the Netherlands still have their own teeth although some 20% had some sort of dentures, the CBS said.

Some politicians are now campaigning to include dental care in the basic health package. Visits to the dentist and all but emergency surgery are currently insured separately.

‘Having all your teeth out because the dentist is too expensive. What a nightmare. Unfortunately, that is what many dentists and patients are experiencing,” SP MP Jimmy Dijk said on Facebook. “Dental care must again be included in the basic health package. Not only to prevent health problems but to avoid higher costs in the long term.”