Tired, forgetful, being drunk – the reasons people give for not brushing their teeth

A new study explores the nation's oral hygiene habits.

20 January, 2025 / infocus
 Will Peakin  

Brushing your teeth twice a day, cleaning them for at least two minutes, and regular trips to the dentist are the staples of oral hygiene taught from an early age.  

new study from health and beauty tech retailer Currys surveyed 2,000 people across the UK to explore the nation’s oral hygiene habits. 

When it comes to the basic rule of brushing teeth twice a day, data shows that while the majority stick to the rule, 16 per cent of brush only brush them once a day. 

More than a third (35 per cent) brush their teeth for less than a minute, and more than half (63 per cent) brush for less than two minutes. 

The research also explored the reasons why people may not be following basic oral hygiene rules. It found that 43 per cent said they felt too tired or lazy at the end of the day to brush their teeth, 25 per cent said they have missed brushing due to feeling sick or unwell and 17 per cent cited being drunk.

Tags: Brushing / survey

Categories: News

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