What do All Saints’ Day and brushing your teeth have in common? They are both recognized on the day after Halloween! That’s right—November 1 is National Brush Day. This holiday began in 2013 as an extension of the Kids’ Healthy Mouths campaign launched by the Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives and the Ad Council. You can celebrate National Brush Day by brushing your teeth extra thoroughly for the entire month of November and all year long! But just what does that mean? Let’s take a look.

What Is National Brush Day?

The days and weeks after Halloween often wreak havoc on kids’ teeth. All the sugary candies, treats and baked goods that they (and their parents) receive can take a hit at their oral health as the sugar found therein deteriorates our tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. For this reason, November 1 was nominated as National Brush Day to help kids and adults alike remember to keep brushing their teeth, especially after a candy overload. Brushing your teeth should be an essential part of your oral hygiene regimen as it removes the sticky plaque that builds up as we chew and eat our food. When left alone, plaque multiplies and attacks the entire tooth, which can lead to holes called cavities. Cavities are the most common form of tooth decay in children, but they can also develop in adults who don’t take good care of their oral health. The American Dental Association says that brushing twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste is one of the easiest and most effective ways to combat tooth decay, and that both children and adults should follow this guideline. By brushing your teeth each and every day, you decrease your risk for serious decay and will be able to maintain a healthy, radiant smile all year long.

Tips To Keep Teeth Healthy All Year Long

While brushing is essential, flossing should not be left out. The two go hand-in-hand as they work together to remove plaque on top of and around each tooth. After brushing around the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth, wind 18 inches of floss between your fingers and floss between each tooth for maximum effect. Plaque is notorious for slipping into the tiny crevices that are between teeth, and it continues to grow there until cavities form. Make sure that you always brush and floss your teeth for a 100% clean mouth. Secondly, you should use a mouth rinse to clean the areas of your mouth that brushing and flossing can’t reach. Mouth rinses effectively remove biofilm and bacteria that you mouth naturally create, and it’s a great supplement to brushing and flossing so that your chances of decay and infection are reduced. Additionally, you should be meeting with your dentist for regular dental checkups at least every six months. These checkups allow the dentist to monitor your teeth for signs of decay, provide a deep cleaning to remove hardened plaque and examine your bone health with X-rays. Preventative dental visits catch problems before they get too severe, and when combined with a good oral hygiene routine at home, they will keep your smile confident and decay-free.

Diet and Teeth

Many people forget that their diet highly influences how often they experience tooth decay and cavities. This is one of the reasons why National Brush Day was established to encourage people to brush the sticky sugar off of their teeth after eating sugar-loaded foods. You should be eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods to promote gum and tooth health, which will also provide good effects on the rest of your body, as well. Your diet should consist of grains, fruits, vegetables, protein and calcium-rich foods to maintain optimal oral and physical health. Some calcium-rich foods include dark green leafy vegetables, salmon, cheese, yogurt and almonds, while other essential nutrients, like phosphorus and Vitamin C, can be found in eggs, fish, beans, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli and spinach. Snacking is an important part of your diet, too, but it should be controlled. While it may be tempting to eat between meals, make sure that what you eat is healthy, like fruits, raw vegetables or yogurt. Sugar-filled snacks like hard candy introduce more acid to your teeth, which allows tooth decay to begin its attack. You should also be drinking plenty of water to hydrate your body and wash away food particles and other sugary substances that may be on your teeth, as well. These nutrition tips, along with scheduling regular dental checkups and brushing and flossing your teeth each day, will help you maintain good oral health all year long.

Celebrate National Brush Day All Year With Us!

If your oral health is struggling, call Dr. Ania at 303-443-0998 to schedule an evaluation. Your oral health needs are our top priority, and we strive to provide the best atmosphere, treatment and availability to meet those needs. Whether you need a dental cleaning or want more tips on how you can celebrate National Brush Day, we can help! Don’t let decay ruin your smile-call today to start your journey towards a healthier, happier mouth!