National Brush Day

National Brush Day, observed annually on November 1, is a campaign in the United States dedicated to promoting good oral health habits, especially the simple practice of brushing teeth for two minutes, twice a day.

History of National Brush Day

The observance of National Brush Day began in 2013 as part of the coalition Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives, together with the Ad Council and other oral health organizations, aiming to reinforce brushing habits among children across the U.S.
This date, immediately following Halloween, was chosen thoughtfully: after a day when many children may indulge in sweets, November 1 offers a timely reminder to return to strong oral hygiene practices and build habits that protect teeth year‑round.

Why is National Brush Day important?

National Brush Day matters because it turns everyday routines into meaningful reminders. Brushing teeth may seem mundane, yet it’s the front line of preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and discomfort. By highlighting this one behavior, the day invites families to pay attention not just once, but consistently, to how they care for their mouths. In doing so, it connects to bigger themes: how small choices build lifetime health and how preventive habits reduce broader burdens—missed school, dental costs, pain.
On another level, the day offers a gentle communal reset. After times of indulgence or lax routines (like Halloween sweets), it encourages people—parents and kids alike—to pause and recommit to self‑care. It’s not a dramatic holiday, but it’s quietly powerful. Here are some personal reflections on its importance:

• It provides a clear cue: we just had sweets, now let’s brush.
• It reminds children and adults alike that brushing isn’t optional; it’s foundational.
• It reinforces that oral health is part of overall wellness, not a separate after‑thought.
• It helps simplify dental messaging: two minutes, twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste.
• It creates an opportunity for conversation at home about habits, care, and responsibility.

How to Celebrate National Brush Day

Observing National Brush Day doesn’t require elaborate planning—it just requires a little intention. You might make November 1 the day you replace old toothbrushes, introduce fun brushing routines for kids, or simply reflect together on whether you’ve been brushing as well as you could. If you’re a parent or guardian, the day can become a mini‑ritual: set the timer, play a favorite two‑minute song, and make brushing more engaging rather than just a task.
For schools, dental practices, or community groups, you could make it a theme: coloring sheets, “brush‑along” contests, or social media shares of smiles and brushing efforts. The point is to turn a good routine into a moment of shared attention and light celebration, reinforcing habit formation rather than demanding perfection. Here are five easy ideas:

• Choose new toothbrushes (or electric ones) and have everyone open and start them on November 1.
• Set a two‑minute timer or play a two‑minute song during brushing to make it fun for kids.
• Use the day to speak with children about why brushing matters: what happens when we don’t.
• Share a photo or social post of your brushing moment using hashtags like #NationalBrushDay.
• Visit or call your dentist afterward and mention National Brush Day—schedule a checkup if needed.

National Brush Day Dates Table