When asked to brush our teeth as best as we can, most fail

Open accessibility guideSkip to sections navigationSkip to contentSkip to footerThe Sydney Morning Herald logoThe Sydney Morning Herald logoAdvertisementLifestyleHealth & wellnessOral healthAround the world, nearly everyone brushes their teeth, but most people leave plaque that can cause gum disease and damage other parts of their body.Updated September 24, 2026 — 1:20pm,first published 1:06pmLoadingLatest in VideosVideo icon1:53Why migraines are still going undiagnosed or inadequately treatedVideo icon6:39Sometimes the great game of AFL is about much more than footyVideo icon1:26Surprise rise in unemploymentVideo icon0:42'Send in the Clowns' plays as Marco Rubio enters ceremonyAdvertisementThe Sydney Morning Herald logoTwitterFacebookInstagramRSSOur SitesThe Sydney Morning HeraldThe AgeBrisbane TimesWAtodayThe Australian Financial Reviewnine.com.auDriveClassifiedsTributesPlace your adThe Sydney Morning HeraldContact & supportAdvertise with usNewslettersAccessibility guideSitemapPhoto salesPurchase front pagesContent licensingWork with usTerms of usePrivacy policyPress CouncilCharter of Editorial IndependenceAI Editorial GuidelinesProducts & ServicesSubscription packagesMy accountSubscriber FAQsDelivery statusToday’s PaperGood Food GuideDaily PuzzlesCopyright © 2026Subscribe