New Survey Uncovers Dirty Little Secrets About America’s Oral Care Habits
STAMFORD, Conn., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ — Your toothbrush may be the ultimate plaque fighting tool, but it also harbors millions of bacteria. A new survey from Philips Sonicare and GfK Roper reveals that more than half (54 percent) of Americans would re-use their toothbrush after it fell on the bathroom floor, despite voting the bathroom as the room with the most bacteria in the house (57 percent). In addition, nine percent of men admitted to reusing their toothbrush after it fell into the toilet!
These dirty little secrets are not the only thing your toothbrush is hiding, according to the same survey, which shows that half of Americans would share their toothbrush with others, including a family member, spouse/partner or friend. What’s more, one out of 20 males (five percent) would share it with a co-worker if needed!
“Patients who visit my practice are making an investment in their oral health, and there is no better way to protect that investment than good home care,” said Dr. Bill Dorfman, the featured aesthetic dentist on ABC’s show, “Extreme Makeover.” “Good home care extends beyond just the toothbrush you use; it’s also about how you safeguard your toothbrush from bacteria.”
Now Americans can clean up their toothbrush hygiene. Philips Sonicare, the number-one power toothbrush brand recommended by dental professionals, is expanding its product portfolio to include a UV Sanitizer that kills up to 99 percent of certain bacteria on the brush head. Specially engineered UV Clean technology sanitizes power toothbrush heads in just 10 minutes, safeguarding against bacteria. The stand-alone unit works with Philips Sonicare brush heads as well as with other premium power toothbrush brands.
Along with its new, stand-alone UV Sanitizer, Philips Sonicare is also introducing FlexCare, its most advanced toothbrush ever and the only power toothbrush to come with an integrated UV Sanitizer charger base. FlexCare is clinically proven to remove more plaque than any other premium power toothbrush and features personalized care settings so users can select the brushing program that is best for them.
To expose the oral care secrets Americans are keeping, Philips Sonicare is bringing tooth brushing to the streets in major cities across the U.S., including San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Minneapolis, Dallas and Philadelphia. Fully functioning sinks will be popping up on busy streets throughout the cities where brushers will be demonstrating the proper use and benefits of the new Philips Sonicare FlexCare toothbrush.
Additional Insights from National Philips Sonicare Survey:
Communal Toothbrush?
— Does the thought of sharing your toothbrush with another person make
you queasy?
— Not so for more than four in 10 (44 percent) of Americans who
stated they would lend their toothbrush to their spouse, and eight
percent would share it with a friend!
Forget Rinsing
— Hot water is not always the solution, especially when it comes to
sanitizing one’s toothbrush. Research has suggested that even after
being rinsed visibly clean, toothbrushes can remain contaminated with
potentially harmful bacteria.(1)
— 65 percent of those surveyed believe rinsing their toothbrush with
hot water will do the trick and kill the bacteria on their
toothbrush.
Doctor Knows Best
— Despite what the professionals ordered, Americans appear to be
speeding through their daily brushing regimen.
— 32 percent of men and women admit to brushing their teeth less then
the full two minutes recommended by dental professionals, though 92
percent believe that the overall health of one’s teeth, gums and
mouth could have an effect on overall physical health.
The Philips Sonicare brand is a leader in oral health care with more than 15 million users worldwide. It is the number-one power toothbrush brand recommended by U.S. dental professionals.
These dirty little secrets are not the only thing your toothbrush is hiding, according to the same survey, which shows that half of Americans would share their toothbrush with others, including a family member, spouse/partner or friend. What’s more, one out of 20 males (five percent) would share it with a co-worker if needed!
“Patients who visit my practice are making an investment in their oral health, and there is no better way to protect that investment than good home care,” said Dr. Bill Dorfman, the featured aesthetic dentist on ABC’s show, “Extreme Makeover.” “Good home care extends beyond just the toothbrush you use; it’s also about how you safeguard your toothbrush from bacteria.”
Now Americans can clean up their toothbrush hygiene. Philips Sonicare, the number-one power toothbrush brand recommended by dental professionals, is expanding its product portfolio to include a UV Sanitizer that kills up to 99 percent of certain bacteria on the brush head. Specially engineered UV Clean technology sanitizes power toothbrush heads in just 10 minutes, safeguarding against bacteria. The stand-alone unit works with Philips Sonicare brush heads as well as with other premium power toothbrush brands.
Along with its new, stand-alone UV Sanitizer, Philips Sonicare is also introducing FlexCare, its most advanced toothbrush ever and the only power toothbrush to come with an integrated UV Sanitizer charger base. FlexCare is clinically proven to remove more plaque than any other premium power toothbrush and features personalized care settings so users can select the brushing program that is best for them.
To expose the oral care secrets Americans are keeping, Philips Sonicare is bringing tooth brushing to the streets in major cities across the U.S., including San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Minneapolis, Dallas and Philadelphia. Fully functioning sinks will be popping up on busy streets throughout the cities where brushers will be demonstrating the proper use and benefits of the new Philips Sonicare FlexCare toothbrush.
Additional Insights from National Philips Sonicare Survey:
Communal Toothbrush?
— Does the thought of sharing your toothbrush with another person make
you queasy?
— Not so for more than four in 10 (44 percent) of Americans who
stated they would lend their toothbrush to their spouse, and eight
percent would share it with a friend!
Forget Rinsing
— Hot water is not always the solution, especially when it comes to
sanitizing one’s toothbrush. Research has suggested that even after
being rinsed visibly clean, toothbrushes can remain contaminated with
potentially harmful bacteria.(1)
— 65 percent of those surveyed believe rinsing their toothbrush with
hot water will do the trick and kill the bacteria on their
toothbrush.
Doctor Knows Best
— Despite what the professionals ordered, Americans appear to be
speeding through their daily brushing regimen.
— 32 percent of men and women admit to brushing their teeth less then
the full two minutes recommended by dental professionals, though 92
percent believe that the overall health of one’s teeth, gums and
mouth could have an effect on overall physical health.
The Philips Sonicare brand is a leader in oral health care with more than 15 million users worldwide. It is the number-one power toothbrush brand recommended by U.S. dental professionals.
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