How perfect is it that the day after Halloween is National Brush your Teeth Day! It is no coincidence that this day is celebrated right after the most notable day of candy consumption in the U.S. What a perfect time to reinforce good habits in yourself and your kids for healthy teeth. Use this opportunity to celebrate your smile and remind yourself to continue to take care of your teeth since they are an important part of your overall health. So, treat yourself to a new toothbrush today and brush all those sweets away! To celebrate, let’s debunk some myths on dental hygiene.
Brushes, and bristles, and bacteria, oh my! Replacing your toothbrush every few months is important for maintaining good oral health. Changing out your toothbrush gives your teeth the fresh bristles it needs to be able to remove the plaque and bacteria from the tight spaces in between the teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends switching out an old toothbrush with a new one every three to four months.
Two minutes, two times. It is important to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste two times for two minutes every day with a soft-bristled brush. It is recommended to brush your teeth lightly. Brushing harder is counterproductive and doing so puts a larger amount of stress and strain on the gum tissue and tooth enamel. Over time, increasing amounts of the tooth could become exposed and result in gum recession. Tooth decay has been identified as the most common childhood disease. Brushing for two minutes, twice a day, every day, helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Celebrate your smile by giving it the proper care it needs for a lifetime. Also, share your smiling selfie on social media to spread awareness and even brighten someone’s day!