LISTERINE® Launches Oral Care Counts This World Smile Day as Oral Disease Cases Rise to 3.73 Billion
Business Wire•01/10/2026•06:45 ET
0
Key Highlights
- ➤Oral disease cases rose 3.07% over four years, reaching 3.73 billion globally
- ➤LISTERINE (KVUE) launched Oral Care Counts, a multiyear global education and advocacy initiative
- ➤WHO targets a 10% relative reduction in major oral diseases by 2030 versus 2019
- ➤LISTERINE (KVUE) launched new alcohol-free, peroxide-free Whitening mouthwash earlier this year
Expert Statements
JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAAOM, FADHA
“Oral health doesn’t exist in isolation: it’s an essential part of overall health and wellbeing. These alarming figures underline a health challenge whose consequences extend far beyond the mouth.”
JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAAOM, FADHA
“Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing are the foundations. For people who need additional support, adding an essential-oil mouthrinse can be a straightforward 30-second third step, completing the routine with clinically demonstrated benefits beyond brushing and flossing alone.”
Holly Turner, Global Vice President, LISTERINE (KVUE) & BAND-AID
“Through Oral Care Counts, we are bringing together practical education, professional support, and achievable daily habits to help more people take control of their oral health.”
Holly Turner, Global Vice President, LISTERINE (KVUE) & BAND-AID
“That includes helping people understand how brushing, flossing and, where appropriate, a clinically proven essential-oil mouthrinse can work together as a complete three-step routine. World Smile Day is the right moment to start the bigger conversation and show why caring for the mouth is an important part of caring for the whole person.”
LISTERINE(®) Launches Oral Care Counts This World Smile Day as Oral Disease Cases Rise to 3.73 Billion
* Global research shows oral disease case numbers rose more than 3% over four years, as researchers warn that progress is too slow to meet the WHO’s 2030 target.
Get started
Create a free account to read the full story.