Why you should be brushing your teeth with your left hand to prevent dementia
Brushing teeth with the non‑dominant hand is suggested to stimulate brain activity and support cognitive health. Researchers explain that the unfamiliar task engages neuroplasticity and may build cognitive reserve that protects against dementia. The practice is presented as a low‑cost, simple habit that can be incorporated into daily routines.
- ▪Neal K. Shah, an NIH‑funded researcher, promoted using the opposite hand for routine tasks like toothbrushing in a TikTok video to encourage brain engagement.
- ▪Switching to the non‑dominant hand forces the brain to recruit new neural pathways, a process known as neuroplasticity, which can strengthen connections between brain cells.
- ▪Cross‑lateral movements activate broader brain networks involved in attention, memory, and coordination, potentially enhancing cognitive reserve as people age.
- ▪The CDC reports that about one in ten adults aged 45 and older experience worsening memory loss or cognitive decline, highlighting the need for accessible brain‑health strategies.
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Health Why you should be brushing your teeth with your left hand to prevent dementia By Patrice Peck Published June 24, 2026, 1:02 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google The secret to a better brain workout might already be sitting in your bathroom. That matters as more and more people experience memory concerns. About one in 10 adults ages 45 and older report worsening memory loss or cognitive decline, according to the CDC, and many more are caring for someone experiencing cognitive challenges. There are plenty of brain-training apps designed to challenge the mind, but there’s also another simple trick that costs nothing and takes about two minutes: Brushing your teeth with your non-dominant — in most cases, your left — hand.
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