Association Between Toothbrushing Habits and Self‐Rated Oral Health: Re‐Consideration of the 3‐3‐3 Toothbrushing Campaign

ABSTRACT Objectives This study investigates the association between toothbrushing frequency and self‐rated oral health to evaluate the effectiveness of the 3‐3‐3 toothbrushing campaign. Methods Employing a cross‐sectional study design, we analysed responses from 13,199 adults using structured questionnaires. The dependent variable was self‐rated oral health. The independent variables were toothbrushing habits. We compared both groups; control group: twice a day and case group: three times a day. Predisposing, enabling and need factors were adjusted as confounders based on the Anderson behaviour model. Results Our findings reveal no significant correlation between toothbrushing frequency (twice vs. three times daily) and self‐perceived oral health status. These results suggest re‐evaluating the 3‐3‐3 campaign's recommendations. Further research is necessary to identify factors that more directly influence self‐rated oral health. Conclusion Our research found that increasing toothbrushing from twice to three times daily does not significantly enhance oral health, as evidenced by an odds ratio of 0.97 and a negligible Cohen's d value. We recommend public health campaigns emphasise toothbrushing quality over frequency to improve oral health outcomes.