Typically, you brush your teeth in front of your sink while facing your bathroom mirror, and you enjoy a nice bath in the shower. But if you’ve ever considered doing both things simultaneously, the idea isn’t as odd as you might think.
A 2023 survey by consumer faucet brand Moen (via PR Newswire) revealed that close to 1 in every 4 people (23.1%) in the United States showers and brushes their teeth at the same time. Based on the results of a 2014 survey by dental insurance provider Delta Dental Plans Association (via The Wall Street Journal), this multitasking feat is twice as common among Americans aged 18 to 44 as it is in older U.S. citizens.
Some people who attempt this two-birds-one-stone bathroom ritual do so out of a desire to save time, water, or both. But do the pros of this practice outweigh its cons? “Brushing your teeth in the shower isn’t explicitly discouraged, but there are certainly some drawbacks to consider,” says Dr. Taylor J. Sutton, DDS/DMD and practice owner at Aspen Dental, in an exclusive interview with Health Digest. Those drawbacks? Aside from being potentially ineffective, brushing while showering could be unhygienic, too.
Why you shouldn’t brush your teeth in the shower
According to a 2009 study published in Nature, the shower head’s surface tends to be warm and moist enough for a slimy, bacteria-ridden layer (aka biofilm) to form. In fact, since it is an environment conducive to bacterial growth, Dr. Sutton even discourages the practice of storing toothbrushes in the shower. (It also doesn’t help that the shower head is quite close to the dirtiest thing in your bathroom, which is, surprisingly, not the toilet seat.)
Another reason to avoid brushing in the shower, especially if you’re after efficiency: You’re unlikely to do it properly, anyway. Authors of a 2023 study in BMC Oral Health highlighted how most people have a “deficient” toothbrushing performance — and that takes into consideration the fact that one would typically brush their teeth in front of a mirror. Now, imagine doing it without being able to see your reflection. Per Dr. Sutton, this can make it more challenging to effectively clean the insides of your mouth, putting your overall oral hygiene at risk.
Toothbrush efficiency? Try these tips instead
It’s wise not to attempt brushing in the shower if you’re serious about the state of your teeth and gums. “It’s important to make sure you’re not brushing with any less focus or attention to detail,” says Dr. Sutton.
Instead of “multitasking” with your toothbrush in the shower, set aside a portion of your time in the bathroom exclusively for properly brushing your teeth. One way to speed things up: get an electric toothbrush that has a built-in timer and excellent plaque-removing features. (Read up on whether an electric or manual toothbrush is better for braces.)
It’s also helpful to sync your brushing routine with other less demanding activities, like when you’re organizing your bathroom essentials or brewing coffee. “This will allow you to keep up your morning/evening routine without compromising your oral hygiene,” shares Dr. Sutton.
One final tip from the dental expert: Prepare a toothbrush-and-toothpaste set that you can leave at your office so that you have the option to brush your teeth on days when you couldn’t do so before leaving the house.
