National Brush Day was first observed on November 1, 2013, the day after Halloween. With all the trick-or-treating and fall festivals, we will end up with all sorts of sweets, and as we know, frequent consumption of sugary foods is the number one cause of tooth decay which is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases in the U.S.
This day was created with the purpose of raising awareness about the damage that sugary sweets cause to your teeth and to educate people on the proper way to brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth is the foundation of good dental care. ADA recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your toothbrush should fit your mouth and allow you to reach all areas easily.
Proper Brushing Techniques:
- Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
- Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
- Brush the outer, inner and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- Tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth.
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria.
2MIN2X
“Two Minutes, Two Times a Day”. Regular brushing and flossing helps keep teeth and gums healthy, preventing tooth decay. In fact, brushing your teeth for just a few minutes every day can help prevent painful and expensive dental issues or other medical problems in the future.
Reasons You May Hate to Brush
Some people may have reasons for not wanting to brush, the most common being sensitivity and pain. But talk to your local dentist about your concerns, they can recommend to you the types of dental products that will be most effective for you.
So in honor of National Brush Day, make brushing teeth a fun experience. Encourage your children to watch one of the fun videos at http://www.2min2x.org/ for 2 minutes, twice a day.
