The day after Halloween is often celebrated for its huge sales on unsold candy. But before you rush off to Target to stock up on caramels, did you know November 1st is also National Brush Your Teeth Day?
While slightly less exciting than half off chocolate bars, National Brush Your Teeth Day comes at the perfect time of year to talk about dental hygiene. Whether you’ve eaten your share of the Halloween goodies, or you’ve chugged red wine just to get you through the costume party madness, your teeth have likely taken a ghoulish beating this Halloween season. Step away from the plastic pumpkin and check out these fun ways you can celebrate National Brush Your Teeth Day and erase that candy-coated guilt.
1. Treat Yourself to A New Toothbrush
Did you know it’s suggested you change your toothbrush every 3 months to keep germs at bay? If you can’t remember when you bought the toothbrush you’re using, it might be time to upgrade. Try something electric like an Oral-B to really knock out the damage done by your Halloween binging.
2. Sip Green Tea Instead of Coffee
You may think you need that dark, caffeine loaded goodness to wake you up after a night of celebrations, but a nice mug of green tea can also do the trick. Besides its energizing properties, scientists have found that green tea can actually reduce the amount of plaque in your mouth and freshen your breath.
3. Plan a Spa Day for Your Teeth
It is a holiday after all. Why not make some time to spoil yourself with an at-home teeth whitening kit? Relax with a good book or find someone to give you a massage as you let whitening strips undo the damage. Self-care is an important tactic for surviving the stress of the holiday season. Don’t be afraid to pamper yourself and your smile.
4. Share a Smiling Selfie
Brush Your Teeth Day is definitely one of the lesser-known holidays on the calendar but confidence and body positivity are always trending. Show some love for yourself and your gorgeous smile with a joyful selfie. Tag it with #BrushYourTeethDay to show your support for dental hygiene and flaunt those pearly whites.
5. Drink Fruit Infused Water
It’s hard to make sure you get the recommended amount of water into your daily drinking habits. Coffee and sodas may be tastier, but they can take a serious toll on the health and on the appearance of your smile. Make a one-day commitment to drink healthy, fruit infused water to help curb those sugary, staining habits. Try some cucumber slices, frozen grapes, lemon wedges, or strawberries and mint to add color and taste to your water.
6. Make A Snack That’s Smile Worthy
Sugars and sticky treats are known to lead to cavities and other dental nightmares. Try filling your plate with a snack your smile will thank you for. Make yourself a healthy meal including crunchy vegetables and calcium rich items such as nuts, cheeses, and fresh greens. Not only will these foods help you feel amazing, they will also help build up your enamel and fight gum disease.
7. Invest In A Water Pick
We all know the shame that comes with answering the dentist’s favorite question. No, you probably haven’t been flossing regularly but maybe investing in a water pick will motivate you to begin. Finding a quality water pick you enjoy can add an extra burst of clean to your daily hygiene routine. If you’ve tried flossing before and found it uncomfortable or difficult to manage, a water pick is perfect for you.
8. Swap Your Red White For White
There’s a reason you always see red wine in those late-night carpet cleaning infomercials. The drink is one of the leading causes of teeth staining and shares an equal amount of guilt with our beloved coffee. If you’re a wine lover, consider making the occasional switch to white wine. With fewer stain causing food items in your diet, your teeth are sure to see an increase in brilliance.
However you choose to celebrate it, #NationalBrushYourTeethDay is a great reminder to start thinking about taking care of your body as we approach the holiday season. Not only is your smile an important part of your overall health, it also is the first feature you’ll notice when you start getting tagged in all those holiday party photos. We all want to look our best, and have something to smile about. Following these eight simple tips can help you celebrate your smile and have a happy holiday season.