Dental cavities and gingivitis are the most common chronic oral diseases caused by dental plaque.

Globally, between 60–90% of schoolchildren and nearly 100% of adults have tooth decay, often leading to pain and discomfort. Oral conditions are the fourth most expensive to treat. In the United States alone, $110 billion is spent annually on oral healthcare. Despite being remarkably widespread, oral diseases are preventable and curable if treated in time. Regular screening would help in early detection and possible prevention. However, regular screening may not be possible due to limited resources. In addition, as the world has adapted to a new normal due to the recent pandemic, frequent visits to the dentist could potentially be health-threatening. Based on those considerations, checking dental health at home is financially and logically advantageous.