Brushing our teeth regularly is probably one of the earliest hygiene habits we’re taught as kids. However, as we grow older – and no one’s around to remind us – we can relax the rules and brush to the beat of our own drum. And it seems that some Brits are better than others at sticking to their teeth cleaning routine. So, we surveyed the nation to discover the British public’s dental hygiene habits, and to find out who the tooth fairy would be proud of, and who would get a word of warning. We’ve also spoken to Best Implantologist & Holistic Dentist, Dr Sara Amini, to get her expert insight into all things oral hygiene.
Shocking brushing confessionsShocking brushing
confessions
The foundation of any good oral hygiene routine is brushing our teeth. But are we brushing enough? Apparently not. The golden rule established by the NHS is that brushing twice a day for at least two minutes will keep your gnashers and mouth healthy. If not, you’re at risk of getting plaque, a film of bacteria that coats your teeth if you don’t brush them, and can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. That’s neither good for you or your dentist.
It turns out that 63% of people are falling short of the recommended two-minute mark, with a third brushing for less than a minute. Something is better than nothing, right? While it’s not ideal for your teeth to be brushed for less than two minutes, attempting to remove some of the bacteria is a start. What’s concerning is that 16% of Brits admit to only brushing their teeth once a day. And clocking off early is only part of a wider problem. Flossing is well known as an important part of any dental routine, and yet, less than four in 10 (38%) actually do it.
Did you know?
You shouldn’t rinse your mouth once you’ve brushed your teeth. You can spit out any excess toothpaste, but do not rinse straight away. It washes away leftover fluoride, reducing its benefit.
Our
expert says
“To properly clean teeth, start by rinsing your mouth with water.
Then you
need to brush gently with a soft-bristled manual or
electric toothbrush with
a pea-sized amount of fluoride,
at a 45-degree angle to your gums in
circular motions
for about two minutes, ensuring you cover all teeth
surfaces and your tongue.
You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day,
ideally last thing
at night or bedtime. Additionally,
you need to floss daily to clean
between teeth and
below the gumline.”
— Dr Sara Amini
This lack of care can have a knock-on effect to your overall confidence. So much so, that 38% of Brits admitted that they aren’t confident with their smile. The main complaint appears to be with the colour of teeth as 59% of respondents consider their teeth to be discoloured or “yellow”. Bad habits today can lead to bad dental health tomorrow, drops in self-esteem and dental hygiene, and a negative impact on the motivation to maintain good habits. Being consistent with your routine can make all the difference for your oral health and your confidence.
Brushing off brushingBrushing off
brushing
So, why are people slacking when it comes to their teeth-cleaning routine? Turns out, it’s not all due to forgetting. The leading culprit appears to be being tired at the end of the day, with 34% stating that they’d skip brushing if they’re feeling tired or lazy. Life can be exhausting and making the mistake of getting snuggled in bed before doing your nighttime routine is often a one-way ticket to uncleaned teeth. Another 25% blame feeling too sick and unwell to brush the gnashers, while 17% of Brits admit to having one too many drinks and being too drunk to care about brushing after a night out.
Interestingly, there is a significant chunk of people, 24% to be exact, that simply forget to clean their teeth. So, it’s clear to see that for many, brushing has become an afterthought, slipping down the priority list when life gets busy. Again, while doing this once in a blue moon is okay and won’t impact the overall health of your teeth and gums, it’s when it becomes a regular habit that it can cause irreversible damage.
Top 5 reasons
Brits skip
brushing
their teeth
Feeling too tired or lazy
at the end of the day
34%
Feeling unwell or sick
25%
Forgetting to brush
24%
Being drunk
17%
Running late or
being in a rush
16%
Wash your
mouth out:
poor oral hygiene
Not taking care of your teeth doesn’t just hurt you. It also comes with a bigger slew of social consequences than most of us realise. Imagine you’ve just started talking to a friend, regaling tales of your holiday or spilling the beans about a colleague and - all of a sudden - they take a small step back from you. Or worse, subtly trying to cover their nose with their hand as they try to remain engaged in your story. That’s a sign that you’re plagued with bad breath. And it’s a serious turn-off for 73% of Brits, who agree it’s the worst offender when it comes to oral hygiene. The second most off-putting thing about mouths is missing teeth (41%) while the smell of smoke lingering on your breath follows closely in third.
So, good dental habits are not just about maintaining healthy gums or avoiding cavities – they also play an important role in how we present ourselves to others. Social acceptance and personal confidence can also be closely tied to oral health as discoloured teeth (33%) and visible plaque (31%) are also among the top offenders.
10 things Brits find most off-putting about your mouth
Bad breath (generic)
73%
Missing teeth
41%
Smoke on breath
40%
Discoloured / yellow teeth
33%
Garlic breath
32%
Visible plaque
31%
Food in teeth
31%
Onion breath
27%
Alcohol on breath
25%
Wonky / crowded teeth
19%
Open wide:
opinions from the
dentist’s chair
Regular dental check-ups are another key part of taking care of your teeth – they can help spot any potential issues and give your teeth a deep clean. However, not everyone is thrilled about having to bare one’s teeth at the dentist and that fear plays a major role in going for their biannual checkups. Dentophobia (also known as odontophobia), generally known as ‘the fear of the dentist’, is a common phobia that affects people of all ages. And it’s a significant barrier for many. In fact, 41% of Brits admit to feeling scared and/or anxious when faced with a dental appointment. So much so, a whopping 28% delay essential treatment because of it, which could potentially cause issues to go from bad to worse. It gets so bad for some people that 17% say that their phobia of the dentist prevents them from going entirely.
Did you know?
Bleeding is a sign of inflammation
and a warning sign for a patient
to improve oral hygiene.
Our
expert says
“The frequency of dental checkups can be anywhere between 3-12 months,
depending on patients’ risk for caries (also known as cavities)
and gum
disease. Also, children need to see a dentist
more frequently than
adults do, as caries extend
towards pulp quicker in milk teeth.”
— Dr Sara Amini
This fear is further complicated by accessibility issues, with 40% of people saying it’s already difficult to get a dental appointment when needed. Together, these factors create a perfect storm where dental problems, if left unchecked, can escalate. This could result in more complex treatments, higher costs and greater health risks down the line. The longer people avoid the dentist, the bigger problems become – for both their well-being and their wallets.
Visits from the Tooth FairyVisits from the
Tooth
Fairy
Good hygiene routines are most successful when instilled as early as possible in a child’s life. And what better motivation to keep your teeth clean than a visit from the Tooth Fairy with the promise of cold hard cash under your pillow? The Tooth Fairy has been in business for generations, with 72% of Brits stating that they grew up believing in this bedtime legend. The excitement of losing a tooth and hoping for a visit is continued today, with 88% of parents continuing this tradition with their kids.
However, the Tooth Fairy’s rates can vary across the UK, and it turns out that she’s definitely paying more in some regions than others. While her average payout is between £2-£3, children in Greater London are cashing in the most at £3.35 per tooth, while kids in the south west are getting the least, at £2.04. However, there are some parents that are going all out as 7% admit to giving as much as £10 per tooth!
Average amount per tooth by UK region
But what exactly are kids spending their tooth fairy bounty on? Unsurprisingly, 53% of parents say it’s going towards toys, while 33% admit that they’re buying sweets – ironically risking those very teeth the Tooth Fairy is willing to fork out for. However, there are savvy savers out there who are thinking long-term, with nearly a quarter (24%) of parents saying the money is being saved for bigger purchases.
This enduring tradition isn’t just a fun exchange; it’s also a subtle way to help parents encourage their kids to develop a sense of responsibility for their dental health. It also makes the process of losing a tooth a whole lot less scary and provides an early connection between taking care of their teeth and receiving a reward, embedding positive dental habits that can last a lifetime.
Our
expert says
“Many patients believe that keeping children's teeth clean isn't as
important
and there’s no point in worrying about cavities since
they'll be replaced
by adult teeth. However, problems with
baby teeth can affect adult teeth,
and losing them
too early can impact jaw development and the
space
needed for adult teeth.”
— Dr Sara Amini
Meet the
expert
Dr Sara Amini – award-winning dentist in central London
Best Implantologist & Holistic Dentist
Understanding and applying expert dentistry knowledge for over twenty years, Dr Sara Amini has been recognised by the Oral Health and Dentistry Awards for her excellent efforts in her field. Recently titled the Best Implantologist and Holistic Dentist within Greater London, Dr Sara has provided international and national patients with the same core values her professor instilled in her two decades ago - to treat the patient the same way you would treat your family.
In the quest for better oral hygiene, it's clear that consistency and the right tools can make all the difference. From regular brushing and flossing to choosing the right equipment, taking care of your teeth has never been easier. If you’re looking to elevate your dental routine, investing in one of the best electric toothbrushes could be a game-changer. Electric toothbrushes are proven to clean more effectively than manual brushing, and handy options like Oral-B electric toothbrushes are advanced choices that suit both adults and children alike. For families, a kid’s electric toothbrush can help encourage good habits early on, making brushing fun while ensuring a thorough clean.
Don’t forget the importance of maintaining your toothbrush too. Regular replacement of toothbrush heads ensures your brush remains effective over time. And if you want to take your oral hygiene to the next level, adding a water floss to your routine can help you reach those tricky spots between teeth. Ultimately, with the right tools and a little effort, you can make caring for your teeth a breeze — with no dentist dread required!
We surveyed 2000 people aged 16 and over via Pollfish.
