{"id":2257,"date":"2022-11-01T19:58:28","date_gmt":"2022-11-02T01:58:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sunnysmilesdental.com\/national-brushing-day-getting-your-child-excited-about-brushing-their-teeth-and-gums\/"},"modified":"2026-09-02T09:12:32","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T09:12:32","slug":"national-brushing-day-getting-your-child-excited-about-brushing-their-teeth-and-gums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medianvwp.com\/sunnysmiles\/blog\/national-brushing-day-getting-your-child-excited-about-brushing-their-teeth-and-gums\/","title":{"rendered":"National Brushing Day: Getting Your Child Excited About Brushing Their Teeth and Gums!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you know the number one contributing factor for cavities in your child\u2019s mouth? If you said sweets, you are on the right track! Dental plaque is a buildup of oral bacteria that feast on carbohydrates, releasing acids that break down tooth enamel.\u202f\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The minerals in saliva, (calcium and phosphate) along with the fluoride in toothpaste and tap water can boost enamel health by replacing minerals lost from acid attacks. Still, continuous acid attacks weaken and destroy enamel, creating tiny holes (cavities) in your child\u2019s chompers. Left untreated, cavities can make their way into the dentin layer below tooth enamel.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Along with sugar and acids, tooth decay can arise from lax daily oral hygiene care, a lack of preventative fluoride protection and even dry mouth. Remember, saliva is the first line of defense against tooth-destroying oral bacteria so keeping your child well hydrated with water instead of juices or sports drinks is important.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Brushing for the Win<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If, like most kids, your child spent a good chunk of October enjoying Halloween parties and trick or treat laden sweets, then celebrating National Brush Day on November 1st (and throughout the month) is the perfect way to help your child refocus on taking good care of their smile. You can even find ways for them to be thankful for their teeth!\u202f\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

November is a good time to help your child relearn proper brushing techniques while making brushing fun. Help your child feel more motivated to care for teeth and gums by practicing good daily oral hygiene as their mouth continues to develop with new and permanent teeth coming in all the time.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Limit Acidic Foods<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Brushing at least twice a day helps limit harmful bacteria that would otherwise thrive on sugars and leave behind acidic waste as a by-product, setting the stage for cavities. Encourage your child to brush and floss every single day while limiting the sugar in their diet. Diligent at-home care, combined with routine dental cleanings and decreasing acidic foods and drinks all help your child\u2019s smile thrive! These foods should be kept to a minimum:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n