National Brush Day 2016

November 1 is more than just the day after Halloween. It’s also National Brush Day, when we remind ourselves to brush twice daily and help educate our children on the importance of dental hygiene. In addition to other healthy habits, brushing 2 times for 2 minutes every day helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Brush 2min2x

Teaching good dental hygiene to our children is especially important, so that they can make brushing twice part of their daily routine. According to Psychology Today, habits that develop early in life can be very difficult to change — so helping your children understand the importance of dental hygiene will transition into keeping healthy habits as an adult.

The Children’s Oral Health campaign encourages parents to reduce their children’s risk of oral disease by making sure they’re brushing for two minutes, twice a day. Their website, 2min2x.org, has plenty of educational and fun resources to help parents out, including these easy Tooth To-Dos:

• Use a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste for kids ages 3-6, and use slightly more when they’re older.
• Teach them to spit out the toothpaste when they’re done so they don’t swallow it.
• Help your kids place the toothbrush at an angle against their gums.
• Make sure they move the brush back and forth, gently, in short strokes.
• Help them brush the front, back, and top of teeth.
• Teach them to brush their tongue to remove germs and freshen breath.

For more tips, be sure to read Colgate’s Teeth Brushing For Kids: Three Strategies For Proper Technique.

Show Your Support

If you’d like to show your support for #NationalBrushDay, there are plenty of ways to get involved on social media.

• Share this blog with your friends on Facebook
• Hashtag #2min2x and #nationalbrushday today
• Download these worksheets to teach your kids about oral health and track their brushing habits
• Download the 2min2x Brush Checklist
• Play the Toothsavers Brushing Game on mobile
• Start a discussion with your children today about good brushing habits and the importance of dental hygiene