Oral diseases continue to be a serious public health problem in the Philippines.

According to a research conducted by the Philippine Department of Health, nearly 9 of 10 Filipinos suffer from tooth decay and gum diseases due to hardened plaque on teeth.

“Ang plaque kasi ay collection ‘yan ng mga milyon-milyong mga bacteria na nahahanap sa ating bibig. ‘Pag hindi mo s’ya natatanggal ng paglinis mo ay nagpapatong-patong ‘yon [at magkakaroon ng] more more bacteria,” Dr. Regina Santos-Morales, a periodontics and implant dentist, said.

Plaque, if not brushed properly, can cause not just tooth decay but also dental diseases such as gingivitis or inflamed gums, cavity and tartar.

To prevent the plaque from building up, Morales suggests brushing teeth in a circular motion and replacing toothbrush every three months.

A study of the​ European Journal of Dentistry, meanwhile, demonstrated that toothbrush with criss-cross bristles is more effective in removing plaque and preventing gum diseases than ordinary flat-trim bristles.