Most Adults Practice Daily Oral Hygiene, yet Only 55% Replace Their Toothbrush as Recommended
Delta Dental highlights preventive care findings and investments in New Jersey's dental hygiene workforce during National Dental Hygiene Month
PARSIPPANY, N.J., October 21, 2026 – In recognition of National Dental Hygiene Month, Delta Dental is drawing attention to findings from its 2026 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report, while highlighting the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation's ongoing investments in dental hygiene education and workforce development across the state.
The national report reveals that while most adults maintain regular oral hygiene routines, some recommended preventive habits are often overlooked. Nearly three-quarters of adults report brushing twice daily (72%) and flossing daily (73%), yet only 55% replace their toothbrush every three months, as recommended. Among those who do not replace their toothbrush on schedule, 46% say they forget, 42% wait until the bristles appear worn, and 30% do not purchase a replacement during routine shopping trips.
Beyond encouraging healthy oral hygiene habits, the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation is working to strengthen access to preventive dental care by investing in the next generation of dental hygienists. For more than 25 years, the Foundation has supported student dental hygiene scholarships, contributing nearly $900,000 to dental hygiene programs across New Jersey and Connecticut.
Building on this longstanding commitment, the Foundation launched its SMILE Workforce Initiative in 2024 to help address dental workforce shortages in both states. Through grants awarded in 2024 and 2026, the Foundation has committed $5.23 million through 2028 to support 43 dental hygiene and dental assisting programs across New Jersey and Connecticut. These investments reach more than 2,400 students annually, helping expand educational opportunities and prepare future dental professionals.
In New Jersey, SMILE Workforce grants supporting dental hygiene education have been awarded to:
- Bergen Community College
- CAMCare in Camden County
- County College of Morris
- Ocean County College
- Rowan College at Burlington County
- Rowan College of South Jersey in Gloucester County.
“As a dentist, I see firsthand the difference that preventive care and healthy daily habits can make. While it’s encouraging that more adults are prioritizing their oral health, we must continue working to ensure everyone has access to the care and education they need,” said Lisa Gallucci, DMD, D.ABDSM, Chair, Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation. “Through the Delta Dental Foundation, we’re breaking down barriers to care while investing in the future of oral health by supporting the next generation of dental hygienists through our grantmaking, helping build a stronger workforce and healthier communities.”
Additional findings from the 2026 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report include:
Younger adults lead in twice-daily brushing
- 78% of Gen Z and 74% of Millennial respondents brush twice daily, compared with 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 that 75% of children brush twice daily, up from 67% in 2025.
- 64% of children floss daily, up from 50% in 2025.
To read the full report and learn more about the research methodology, 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 OF NEW JERSEY
Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. is New Jersey's leading dental benefits company, providing or administering coverage to more than 2.2 million people through contracts with groups and individuals in New Jersey and Connecticut. In Connecticut, Delta Dental of Connecticut, Inc. is a licensed insurer that writes dental and vision coverage on an insured basis, and Delta Dental of New Jersey administers self-funded dental benefit programs.
Offering dental benefits since 1969, Delta Dental of New Jersey's mission is to promote oral health to the greatest number of people by providing accessible dental benefit programs of the highest quality, service, and value. Through its philanthropic arm, the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation awards more than $1 million in grants annually to support access to dental care and education for underserved children, seniors, veterans, and those with special needs, as well as workforce development programs for dental assisting and dental hygiene across New Jersey and Connecticut.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Mannon Lindhorst, MikeWorldWide
(845) 443-9641, mlindhorst@mww.com
Kim Elmore, Delta Dental of New Jersey
(973) 534-9682, kelmore@deltadentalnj.com
