The report highlights that forgetfulness remains the primary hurdle, with 46% of those who miss the replacement window citing it as the main cause. Another 42% wait until the bristles show visible signs of wear, while 30% fail to pick up a new brush during regular shopping trips. James W. Hutchison, President and CEO of the Delta Dental Plans Association, noted that while these hygiene habits are encouraging, there is clear room to reinforce the long-term maintenance behaviors that support sustained oral wellness.

Generational trends also emerged in the data, showing that 78% of Gen Z and 74% of Millennials brush twice daily, outpacing their Gen X and Boomer counterparts. Preventive care is gaining traction as well; 89% of adults who visited a dentist in 2025 did so for preventive checkups, and 90% now equate these exams to the importance of an annual physical. Parents reported significant progress in their children's habits, with daily brushing among kids rising to 75% and daily flossing increasing to 64%.