Millions of Brits admit to cutting corners on simple daily tasks, from tidying up to personal grooming—often leaving jobs only half done. But while skipping steps might seem harmless when it comes to chores, taking shortcuts with your dental routine could have serious consequences for your health.
Research of 2,000 adults which revealed millions of Brits admit they cut corners in everyday tasks – with domestic cleaning chores the most likely to be left ‘half done’. Flossing, filing documents and making the bed are other tasks they rush through. With most people doing so because they run out of time.
The research was carried out by oral care brand, TePe, which is urging people to not take shortcuts on their dental routine.
The brand is now suggesting Brits update their two-minute brushing routine to embrace a three-minute clean to keep teeth and gums healthy.
Dental therapist and head of clinical education, Miranda Pascucci, said: “Cutting corners can sometimes work, but not for oral care.
“Skipping interdental brushing means you only clean 60% of the tooth surface – leaving 40% at risk of bad breath, cavities, gum disease over time.
“It can even increase the risk of wider health issues such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s.”
As part of the three-minute cleaning routine, Miranda recommends Brits two minutes of brushing, with the extra minute dedicated to interdental cleaning – scrubbing away the plaque between your teeth. She said this can help avoid the impacts of doing half a job.
It turns out, a fifth of Brits only brush their teeth once a day, putting it down to being in a rush or tiredness, despite recommendations by the NHS to do it twice.
Cleaning between the teeth is a regular corner that’s cut, with 39% never using interdental brushes. As a result, many adults have reported experiencing tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, cavities, tooth discolouration and gum recession.
Dr Venetia Leonidaki, a consultant clinical psychologist, said: “We face countless decisions and competing tasks every day, which is why human beings need to be economical with their resources, saving time and energy whenever possible.”
She added that people often cut corners because we usually overestimate the effort needed and underestimate the value from doing simple tasks.
Yet she added doing so can help boost our moods: “Completing a task programmes us to view ourselves as competent and accomplished and the sense of satisfaction we experience detects a surge in dopamine.”
