How often do Americans brush? A look at oral care habits
New research data from YouGov Profiles reveals insights into oral care habits among U.S. adults, highlighting brushing frequency, dental issues, and preferences for products and features.
Three in 10 Americans brush their teeth at least once a day (30%). Half of them (51%) brush twice daily and 10% brush three or more times daily.
Those who brush twice or more daily are less likely to report dental issues in the past 12 months than those who brush once a day. Among adults who brush once daily, 23% report toothaches, 23% have cavities, and 14% experience gum problems. In comparison, these rates are lower for those who brush twice or more times daily, at 20%, 19%, and 11%, respectively.
When it comes to oral care products, mouthwash is the most commonly used, with 59% of Americans using it at least once a week. Dental floss or tape is also popular, with 53% of adults incorporating it into their routine. Usage varies by gender – 58% of women regularly use dental floss, compared to 48% of men. Conversely, men are more likely to use toothpicks (31%) than women (25%). Other products like water flossers (14%), interdental brushes (9%), and teeth whitening strips (8%) are less commonly used but indicate niche interest.
The majority of Americans prefer manual toothbrushes, with 64% reporting regular use. Electric toothbrushes, both with and without smart functionality, are used by 23% of adults, while disposable electric toothbrushes and ultrasonic models remain less popular at 4% each.
Toothpaste preferences also provide insight into what consumers value in oral care. Whitening and cavity protection are the top features, each selected by 50% of American adults.
Other important features looked out for include breath freshening (42%), anti-plaque (33%), and multi-protection formulas (33%). Features like anti-decay (26%), tartar control (22%), desensitizing (16%), and anti-toothache (11%) appeal to smaller segments of the population, likely reflecting specific dental needs.
Methodology: YouGov Profiles is based on continuously collected data and rolling surveys, rather than from a single limited questionnaire. Profiles data for the US is nationally representative and weighted by age, gender, education, region, and race.