On the day after halloween, while your family is counting up all the sweet treats and candies from the night before, we want you to remember one thing. On November 1st, your dentist in Dallas, GA will be celebrating the first ever National Brush Day! There’s never been a better time to think about the toothbrush than right after the sugariest celebration of the year.
National Brush Day places a special focus on making sure children are brushing for two minutes, twice a day, every single day of the year. For them, it feels like a lot — and they probably don’t see why it’s so important. Talking about good dental hygiene habits helps.
Take the National Brush Day pledge today! Sign up through Thunderclap to send out a tweet or Facebook post about brushing for 2min2x a day on November 1.
Give Yourself a Brush Up on Proper Brushing Habits
Regular toothbrushing is really the most basic aspect of good dental hygiene. Using a soft-bristled brush, you should clean each quadrant of your mouth for 30 seconds — or two minutes in total for all the teeth.
The toothbrush should fit easily in the mouth. Kids have special toothbrushes that are rounded or slimmer to improve their maneuverability. The packaging will have an age range to help you choose which one is correct for your little one. Watch out for fraying bristles and replace the brush as soon as you begin to notice signs of wear.
Before ages five to eight, you’ll likely be brushing your little one’s teeth. And even when she starts handling her own toothbrush, make sure you’re still guiding her on the proper technique. Here are some tips for thorough cleaning.
- Place the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle.
- Brush in gentle, back and forth motions.
- Brush all surfaces of the teeth: outside, inside, and on the chewing surface
- Brush the tongue, too
In addition to helping your little one achieve proper brushing technique, make sure you are leading by example. Your child will be more likely to clean her teeth regularly when she sees you doing it, too. You can even try making it a team effort — create a family brushing time at night and in the morning and watch everyone’s dental health improve.
Keeping Kids’ Teeth Healthy Is Easy
On National Brush Day, talk to your child about the basics of good dental hygiene — they include more than brushing. What are these healthy habits? In addition to brushing for two minutes, at least twice a day, flossing every day is important. It’s the only way to remove the food particles and plaque the toothbrush leaves behind. Visiting the dentist regularly and using fluoride are all key aspects of enjoying good dental health for a lifetime to come.
Speaking of the latter, when was your little one’s last visit to the dentist? If it’s been more than six months, it’s past time. And during halloween season is a perfect time to make sure her teeth are clean and healthy. Contact us to schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning and checkup today!
