Sorry, Boomers: Gen Z Has You Beat On This Daily Hygiene Habit

Baby boomers are apparently the least likely generation to stick to a basic daily hygiene routine. According to Newsweek, a 2024 survey conducted by Talker Research showed that only 9% of baby boomers brushed their teeth daily. On the other hand, the younger generation was the most likely to be consistent with their daily washing habits, since 35% of people born between 1997 and 2006 reported that they bathed twice daily. Only 9% of baby boomers could say that they did the same. Notably, a 2024 survey conducted by The Harris Poll found that baby boomers were the most likely generation to shower for less than five minutes, while Gen Z were the least likely to do so. 

Michael Genovese, M.D., a physician, told Newsweek that there could be numerous reasons for the disparity between baby boomers' and Gen Z's commitment to basic hygiene habits. For starters, many people in the older generation may be physically unable to brush their teeth due to conditions like arthritis, as well as natural aging factors like balance issues. Genovese pointed out that baby boomers could also be silently dealing with mental health conditions like depression and dementia, which could make everyday tasks far more difficult to accomplish. Genovese also said that baby boomers grew up in a time when hygiene wasn't considered as important as it is in the modern day. Moreover, the physician believed there was a chance they might not be as compelled to take care of themselves due to a lack of social obligations. Finally, baby boomers might be dealing with a diminishing sense of smell as they age, so they might not be aware of their own hygiene issues.

A 2023 survey conducted by Delta Dental of Arizona revealed that baby boomers were the least likely generation to be aware that the health of the teeth is connected to the health of the organs. 

However, a 2023 study presented at the American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference found that adults who had the genetic markers for poor oral health were more likely to have symptoms of cognitive decline than those who were in good oral health. Other studies have also shown that poor dental hygiene can lead to an increased risk of stroke. So, taking steps to combat oral health issues early on can prove to be beneficial for brain health.

Additionally, one 2024 study published in the Journal of Dentistry noted that oral diseases or poor oral hygiene had been linked to an increased risk of respiratory infections like influenza, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and pneumonia. According to the American Heart Association, gum disease has also been shown to increase the risk of heart and blood vessel disease as well as high blood pressure. 

The germs from the mouth and gum diseases could also cause further inflammation in the body as they travel through the bloodstream. The National Kidney Foundation notes that if oral bacteria lead to chronic inflammation, it could cause damage to the kidneys. Chronic inflammation could prove to be particularly harmful for those who have already been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. 

With all this in mind, it's safe to say that a lot of good things happen to your teeth when you brush them every day.

In a chat with Everyday Health, Shuting Hu, Ph.D., a cosmetic chemist and skin biologist in San Francisco, professed that a person could face skin irritation if they didn't regularly rid their body of sebum, sweat, pollutants, and environmental microbes by washing themselves. Hu also said that a consistent shower routine might prove particularly beneficial for those who exercise every day since regularly clearing the skin of sweat and oil build-up could reduce the likelihood of acne breakouts. Courtney Gwinn, M.D., a double board-certified dermatologist, also noted that cleaning the sweat-prone areas of the body could help keep body odor in check and decrease the risk of inflamed or infected hair follicles. 

However, there is also a case to be made for why you shouldn't be showering every day. Healthline notes that excessively washing yourself can cleanse your skin of essential oils and good bacteria, which can, in turn, lead to a greater risk of developing infections. Moreover, the frequency of the daily habit should ideally also depend on your skin type. According to Verywell Health, while people with dry or sensitive skin could benefit from showering only once every two to three days, those with oily skin should ideally wash themselves daily. Meanwhile, people with normal or combination skin could do well by washing themselves once daily or once every two days. During her chat with Everyday Health, Gwinn said that older adults could protect their thinning and more damage-prone skin by reducing the frequency of their washing. So, it appears that boomers could be on to something with their hygiene habits.