Overview
- News outlets reported on Thursday that when people are asked to brush “as best as they can,” most still fail to remove plaque from their teeth.
- The coverage says brushing is nearly universal worldwide but frequency or effort does not guarantee plaque removal.
- Leftover plaque is linked to gum disease and has been reported to affect other parts of the body, which can raise broader health risks.
- The reporting frames this as a consumer health shortfall that may be addressed by better brushing technique, public education, and preventive dental care.
- The pieces ran in Lifestyle health sections on September 24, 2026, serving as public-facing guidance rather than presenting new clinical methods or detailed study data.