Research shows that millions of Britons rid their teeth of plaque and freshen their breath just once a day. We asked the public about their dental routines

Three in 10 Britons admit to brushing their teeth just once a day, railing against the simplest mouth-hygiene advice ever.

According to a YouGov survey, men are more likely (33%) than women (26%) to cancel the second round of brushing. While 8% percent of people brush their teeth three or more times every day, 2% skip tooth brushing altogether.

Despite NHS guidelines advising us to brush before bed, Brits are more likely to brush in the morning (87%) than in the evening (72%), providing bacteria with an all-night feast of leftover food and mouth acid.

Although the jury is out on the benefits of flossing, just 31% of people say they clean between their teeth on a typical day, with men less likely to floss than women. We asked the public how they take care of their pearly whites.

Shreepal Gosrani, 39, trader, London

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Shrieval Gosrani. All photographs: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

I brush twice a day unless I get drunk, or I’m on a plane. I think people are lazy, and brushing your teeth is a chore. It’s boring, it’s two minutes. I floss once a day because the hygienist told me to.

Donna Quinnell, 31, teacher, London

People should be ashamed of themselves for only brushing once a day. I brush twice a day without fail. It was one of my new year’s resolutions to floss every day, but that’s fallen flat on its face. Realistically, it’s twice a week.

Faith-Marie White

I brush my teeth after every meal – but that’s also because I’m trying to give up smoking. People brush more to make their breath smell right. I think that’s why fewer people brush at night; you come in, fall asleep. I do that.

Alan Lewis, 71, retired lawyer, Essex

I brush twice a day. I think it’s bad to brush once a day. I occasionally floss, but I don’t use mouthwash. I think people probably brush more these days because of health awareness, but I guess people are also quite lazy.

Gino Musungay, 35, data analyst, London

It’s a bit worrying. I think you should brush after each meal. Sometimes things get stuck in your teeth. I use mouthwash twice a day. I floss every morning. It’s too much admin, I know. I carry a toothbrush with me in my work bag.

Dajeong Kim, 27, barista, South Korea

In South Korea, we brush at least three times every day – we eat a lot of sweet stuff. I think it’s bad to brush just once. There could be a bad smell – please brush your teeth more, for other people too!

Joshua Arnold, 23, social media editor, Paris

I brush twice a day without fail and, if I’m going out, three times. I have a very expensive electric toothbrush. I have never flossed and I was glad when I found out we didn’t necessarily need to.

Loretta Williams, 49, IT trainer, London

I have been guilty of brushing once a day, although I try to brush twice. I get in late, I don’t mean to forget. So in the morning I’m very intense: I brush, floss, and use mouthwash.