Most adults brush and floss daily, yet only 55% replace their toothbrush as recommended

CHICAGO, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of National Dental Hygiene Month, Delta Dental highlights key findings from its 2026 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report, a nationwide analysis of consumer opinions and behaviors related to oral health.

The findings show that adults continue to prioritize daily oral hygiene habits, with nearly three-quarters reporting they brush twice per day (72%) and floss daily (73%).

Despite these strong routines, only 55% of adults replace their toothbrush every three months, as recommended. Among those who do not replace their toothbrush on schedule, nearly half (46%) say they simply forget, while 42% wait until the bristles appear worn, and 30% do not purchase a replacement during routine shopping trips.

"Adults are prioritizing their oral health, maintaining strong hygiene routines and increasingly seeking preventive dental care," said James W. Hutchison, President & CEO, Delta Dental Plans Association. "While these findings are encouraging, there are opportunities to reinforce everyday habits that support long-term oral health. Through our commitment to advancing access, education, and prevention, and in collaboration with dentists and other oral health practitioners nationwide, we are working to improve oral health outcomes and support lifelong wellness."

Additional key findings from the 2026 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report include:

Younger adults are leading a shift in brushing discipline

• Younger adults are adopting more consistent twice-daily brushing routines, highlighting a clear generational gap in 2026.
• 78% of Gen Z and 74% of Millennial respondents brush twice daily, compared to 69% of Gen X and Boomer respondents.

Preventive dental visits rise

• Among adults who visited a dentist in 2025, 89% did so for preventive care, up from 84% in 2024.
• 90% of adults say preventive dental exams are just as important as an annual physical exam, up from 87% in 2025.

Children's daily oral hygiene habits improve

• Parents report notable improvements in children's daily oral care routines.
• 75% of children brush twice daily, up from 67% in 2025.
• 64% of children floss daily, up from 50% in 2025.

To read the 2026 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report and learn more about the research methodology and full findings, click here.

About the report
Delta Dental Plans Association commissioned a third-party market research firm, Material Holdings, LLC, to conduct the research that formed the basis of this report. Material conducted the research between January 5 and January 15, 2026, using an email invitation and online surveys of audiences recruited through an opt-in panel:

• 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+
• 1,000 parents of children ages 12 and under

Geographic distribution quotas were set to ensure reliable representation of the U.S. population. The margin of error is +/- 3%.

About Delta Dental Plans Association
Based in Chicago, Illinois, Delta Dental Plans Association is the not-for-profit national association of the 39 independent Delta Dental companies. Through these companies, Delta Dental is the nation's largest dental benefits provider and offers the country's largest dental network with approximately 151,000 participating dentists. Over the last 16 years, Delta Dental companies and their foundations invested over $2.4 billion to improve the oral and overall health of our communities.

Visit deltadental.com for information on individual dental insurance plans and group dental insurance plans.

SOURCE Delta Dental Plans Association