OAK BROOK, Ill. — [October 26, 2021] — A key factor in achieving optimal oral health is ensuring that teeth and mouths are being cared for regularly. This National Dental Hygiene Month, Delta Dental highlights findings from a recent study showing that adults and children across the country continue to practice proper oral health habits at home. The study found that, on average, children and adults:

• Brushed their teeth twice per day
• Flossed their teeth once per day
• Used mouthwash once per day

“At-home oral hygiene habits play a key role in maintaining good oral health, and it is encouraging to see respondents are committed to brushing, flossing, and using mouth wash regularly,” said Joseph Dill, DDS, MBA, Vice President of Dental Science, Delta Dental Plans Association.

Such habits are motivated by the health benefits associated with each, with many reporting they are brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay, prevent dental issues, and maintain or improve oral health.

Beyond their brushing and flossing frequency, many follow American Dental Association guidelines on how often to replace their toothbrush. In fact, about 2 in 3 adults (65%) switch out their brush at least once every three
months, while 86 percent of parents do this for their child at least once a month. Similarly, parents acknowledge fluoride as an important step in dental hygiene. Slightly more than 4 in 5 (83%) parents believe fluoride is very — if not extremely — important to their child’s oral health.