New research shows millions of Brits regularly cut corners when doing a range of everyday tasks, often doing so when they brush their teeth.
Millions of Britons confess to taking shortcuts on basic daily tasks, from tidying up to personal grooming – frequently leaving jobs only half finished. However, whilst skipping steps might appear harmless when it comes to household chores, cutting corners with your dental routine could have severe consequences on your health.
The research of 2,000 adults discovered that millions of Britons rush through everyday tasks – with household cleaning duties most likely to be left ‘incomplete’. However, flossing, organising paperwork and bed-making are amongst other duties they hurry through. Most people admit they do this because they are pressed for time, and need to move onto something else.
Oral care brand TePe, which conducted the study, is encouraging people not to rush their dental care routine.
Instead, the brand is recommending that Britons upgrade their two-minute brushing habit to adopt a three-minute clean to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Dental therapist and head of clinical education Miranda Pascucci explained: “Cutting corners can sometimes work, but not for oral care.”
She added: “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 regime, Miranda advises Brits spend two minutes brushing, with the additional minute devoted to interdental cleaning – removing the plaque lodged between your teeth.
She said this approach help minimise the impact of doing half a job.
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It emerges that a fifth of Brits only clean their teeth once daily, blaming it on being pressed for time or exhaustion, despite NHS guidance to do it twice.
Cleaning between the teeth is a common shortcut that’s taken, with 39% never using interdental brushes.
Consequently, many adults have reported suffering from 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.
However, she continued: “Completing a task programmes us to view ourselves as competent and accomplished and the sense of satisfaction we experience detects a surge in dopamine.”