The Asia Pacific Dental Federation releases its first dentist-authored guidance on daily self-care - making the case that preventing oral disease is not just possible, but within reach for everyone.

LISTERINE joins APDF in championing better daily routines, backed by evidence.

SINGAPORE, May 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asia Pacific Dental Federation (APDF) has released The Power of Prevention: Evidence-Based Guidelines for Self-Oral Care, a landmark white paper setting out what effective daily oral care should look like and why it matters well beyond your teeth.

Developed by regional dental experts and supported by Kenvue, makers of LISTERINE, the report makes a clear, evidence-backed case: most oral diseases, such as gingivitis, cavities and periodontitis are preventable, yet they remain one of the most widespread and undertreated health challenges across Asia Pacific - with consequences that extend to the heart, lungs, and beyond.

"There is no health without oral health," said Dr.

Arleen Reyes, President of the Asia Pacific Dental Federation.

"Oral diseases are largely preventable, yet they continue to impose a growing burden on individuals and health systems across this region.

Prevention is the most powerful tool we have in oral healthcare, and it's time we fully leverage it.

This white paper is a call to action - for patients, fellow dentists, schools, and policymakers to recognize that good oral health starts at home, every day." CLINICAL CASE FOR ADDING MOUTHWASH TO ROUTINE Most people know they should brush twice a day.

What fewer realize is that brushing alone only reaches about 25% of the mouth's surfaces.

The gums, tongue, cheeks, and spaces between teeth - where bacteria accumulate and problems begin, are largely left untouched.

The APDF white paper confirms that adding daily therapeutic mouthwash to brushing and flossing helps address what mechanical cleaning might miss.

Studies reviewed by APDF found that doing so generally reduced plaque by 25-50% over six months and improved gum inflammation and bleeding by 15-30% compared to brushing and flossing alone.

One study found reductions in plaque by 30.8%, gingivitis by 39%, and gum bleeding by 67.8%.

Of the mouthwash formulations reviewed, essential oil (EO) and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes showed the strongest evidence for plaque and gum health.

EO formulations are well-suited for long-term daily use; CHX formulations are generally recommended for shorter term usage.

WHO BENEFITS MOST While the three-step routine can benefit everyone, the APDF paper identifies groups where daily mouthwash makes the biggest difference: Children (aged 6+) and teenagers: Daily fluoride mouthwash has been shown across 34 studies to reduce....