Delta Dental of Arizona Celebrates National Toothbrush Day by Donating Toothbrushes to Local Nonprofit Oral Health Programs

 

GLENDALE, Ariz. (June 13, 2019) - The humble toothbrush is key to maintaining good oral health, so for National Toothbrush Day (June 26) Delta Dental of Arizona will provide three local nonprofits with 500 toothbrushes each to support their oral health programs.

Delta Dental of Arizona is asking the public to help choose the recipients of the toothbrush donation. Six Arizona nonprofits are in the running to receive the toothbrush donation: El Rio Community Health Center’s Dental Clinic, Mountain Park Community Health Center’s Dental Clinic, North Country Community Health Center’s Dental Clinic, Southwest Human Development’s Oral Health Program, University of Arizona Cochise Cooperative Extension's First Smiles Program and Winslow Indian Health Center’s Dental Clinic. Voting started June 12 and will run through June 26. Cast your vote:

Phoenix: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaDentalAZ/posts/2215642065186590    

Northern Arizona: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaDentalAZ/posts/2215636335187163   

Southern Arizona: https://www.facebook.com/DeltaDentalAZ/posts/2215627641854699  

One winner will be selected from northern, central and southern Arizona and will be announced and awarded on June 27. These nonprofits were nominated for their on-going partnership with Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation and for their commitment to promoting optimal oral health in underserved Arizona communities.

Although commonplace in daily routines, the toothbrush is ground zero for promoting healthy teeth and gums, but many still take it for granted. According to the Academy of General Dentistry one in 10 people admit they regularly forget to brush their teeth and the average person only brushes for 45-70 seconds a day when it is widely recommended to brush for at least two minutes per session. The American Dental Association (ADA) also recommends using a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush and to replace a toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

Keeping a good oral health routine is important because oral health is linked with overall health. Poor oral health can increase the risk for heart disease, respiratory illnesses, strokes and more. In fact, a dentist can spot evidence of more than 120 different diseases in or around the mouth, including anemia, GERD and diabetes.

Historically, brushing teeth dates to Babylonian times in 3000 BC when humans frayed the end of a twig to act as a brush to clean their teeth. The first natural bristle brush was created in 8th century China where bristles were made from pigs’ necks (later horsehair) and attached to a bone or bamboo handle. The first mass produced toothbrush emerged in 1770 England, followed much later by the first electric version invented in 1954. The routine of brushing teeth here in the United States did not become commonplace until after World War II. The U.S. Army required soldiers to brush their teeth each day and after the war, the soldiers brought the habit back home with them.

“Although the history of toothbrushes and its evolution to current day standards is fascinating, the fact remains that good oral health has been proven to directly impact overall health and the toothbrush is the first line of defense in optimal oral hygiene,” says Barb Kozuh, director of community benefit marketing at Delta Dental of Arizona. “We are pleased to further support these nonprofits who do so much to improve oral health in underserved communities and we hope the donation of toothbrushes help them in their mission.”

For more oral health tips or to learn more interesting facts about your toothbrush, visit the Delta Dental of Arizona Blog at www.deltadentalazblog.com. 

 

About Delta Dental of Arizona
Delta Dental of Arizona is the leading dental benefits provider in Arizona, serving more than 1.2 million enrollees and more than 3,500 contracted dentists across the state. Passionate about oral health and its importance to generations of families, Delta Dental of Arizona has worked for more than 45 years to improve oral health by emphasizing preventive care and making dental coverage accessible to a wide variety of employers, groups and individuals. For more information about Delta Dental of Arizona, visit www.deltadentalaz.com.