National Brush Day Nov. 1 National Brush Day is celebrated on November 1st of each year – the day after Halloween – and is a great time to discuss the importance of dental hygiene.

The American Dental Association has developed the following “tricks” to help perfect your or your child’s brushing technique:

  • Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
  • Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
  • Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces (tops) of your teeth.Tooth Brush
  • To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
  • Don’t forget – brush your tongue too! Brushing your tongue helps to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

Help children establish good brushing habits early. Children should use a toothbrush that is an appropriate size for their smaller mouths. Soft-bristle brushes get the job done without causing any discomfort, and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is all your child needs for their brush. Children should be brushing their teeth two times a day for two minutes.

Other important steps of a regular dental care routine are to floss daily, eat a balanced diet, and visit your dentist regularly.

Check out and share this video with family and friends to encourage healthy brushing habits on National Brush Day 2015 and throughout the year.