You’re probably brushing your teeth wrong – these changes that could save your life

Experts say that the perks of better brushing extend beyond a winning smile and could lead to improved heart health and reduced inflammation Fitness and wellbeingYou’re probably brushing your teeth wrong – these changes that could save your lifeExperts say that the perks of better brushing extend beyond a winning smile and could lead to improved heart health and reduced inflammationHarry Bullmore Senior fitness writer Friday 20 February 2026 06:00 GMTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoveropen image in galleryDental experts have revealed the common mistakes people make when brushing their teeth – and the impacts this can have on everything from heart health to inflammation to cognitive decline (Getty)Your support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. 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We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreExperts suggest brushing your teeth three times a day and improving your oral health could help you live longer and reduce your risk of a raft of health conditions. “Processed food, a soft diet, lack of exercise and obesity” have predisposed the UK to a state of poor oral care, according to Professor Alpdogan Kantarci from the University of Minnesota, who was speaking at the recent American Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference.Further experts linked poor oral health to several health conditions. For example, the idea that oral bacteria can impact our gut microbiome, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.“We now think that maintaining your teeth in health may be associated with a reduced risk of more than 50 systemic conditions,” Professor Kantarci said. “Research is now showing that, in people with mild or moderate diseases, those who are brushing and taking care of their teeth, or seeing a dentist and having advanced cleanings, are showing much better cognitive responses.”So, should you schedule a lunchtime brush into each day? I asked a couple of dental experts, then quizzed them on how to fix a few commonplace brushing mistakes.RecommendedSix science-backed ways to walk your way to a longer, healthier lifeThe great fitness mistake most of us make – and the simple solution that worksThe overlooked vegetable packed with nutrients for reducing inflammation and improving heart healthI tried the 12-minute daily workout Helen Mirren’s used for her ‘whole life’ – here’s why it’s stood the test of timeShould you brush three times a day? The body is not a collection of separate parts, but rather a series of interconnected systems. So looking after your oral health can have a positive impact on the many other systems it is linked to. For this reason, Professor Kantarci’s advice around brushing three times each day – after sticky or sugary foods in particular – could be worth considering. Pre-bedtime brushing should also be prioritised, he says, as should regular trips to the dentist. “Maintaining good oral health is strongly linked to overall health,” says Dr Abdul Dalghous, principal dentist at Yorkshire Dental Suite. “Brushing at least twice a day is essential, and a third brush after meals can provide additional protection.“Regular dental check-ups allow early detection and treatment of cavities, gum disease and other issues, preventing them from contributing to wider health problems.”However, Chelsea Dental Clinic owner Dr Rhona Eskander says that quality is more important than quantity when brushing your teeth. “Brushing properly twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, especially before bed, is the foundation of good dental care,” she says. “For some people, adding a lunchtime brush can be helpful, particularly if they are more prone to decay or gum issues. “Regular dental check-ups are also very important. They allow us to identify small problems early and address them before they become more complex. Prevention and early intervention are crucial when it comes to protecting both oral and overall health.”Read more: Making this small change to your daily tea can reduce diabetes risk, says NHS GPopen image in galleryRegular dentist trips are important to identify issues before they can worsen and contribute to wider health problems, experts say (Getty/iStock)What’s the link between oral health and disease? “Healthy