Brushing our teeth is not usually considered a communal event.  It’s done in the privacy of our bathrooms, in the morning and last thing at night. Perhaps we’ll open the door for our partner or children, but apart from that, our brushing routine is something not too many people see.

That is until National Smile Month comes around!

The Brushathon is a really popular campaign event, and one which has roots right back to the beginning of National Smile Month.

It’s perfect to get schools and groups of children involved in learning more about their oral health. It’s also great for large workplaces!

The Brushathon asks dental practices, hospitals and oral health educators to partner up with local groups to brush their teeth simultaneously for two minutes. You can also take this opportunity to talk to the group about good oral health and hygiene.

What makes the Brushathon such a great event is the factor of mass participation. The activity creates a brilliant buzz, especially among the children, which will mean they’re more likely to engage with the subject.

It’s also a great photo opportunity for local press too, especially if you take with you a Smiley for each participant!

Did you know?

There are currently three Guinness World Records when it comes to groups coming together to brush their teeth simultaneously.  They are…

• The most people brushing their teeth simultaneously in a single venue is 13,380 at an event arranged by Colgate Palmolive (Central América) Inc. at the Cuscatlán Stadium, City of San Salvador, El Salvador on 5 November 2005.

• The most people brushing their teeth simultaneously was 177,003 at 380 locations across India for an attempt organised by Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd in association with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) on 9 October 2007.

• The most people brushing dogs’ teeth simultaneously is 268, and was achieved by The Link Management Limited (Hong Kong), in Hong Kong, China, on 9 December 2012. This event took place in Stanley Plaza, Hong Kong, to promote dog dental care and hygiene awareness. It also supported the charity ‘Hong Kong Dog Rescue’.

Maybe these are a little bit ambitious for your events but why not get as many people involved as possible?  A Brushathon is perfect for building great relationships within local communities.

How to organise a brushathon

• Choose whether your Brushathon will gather participants in one location or throughout several locations.

• Decide on a date, time and venue/s.

• Send around an invitation to local schools, business and community groups, informing them of the Brushathon.

• If you would like people to attend your Brushathon, then you can upload the details on our website. Write about what your event is, where and when it is taking place and it will be listed on our events page, for all our visitors to find. From there, they will be able to add it into their calendars and if you are raising money as part of the event, supporters will even be able to donate to your event online.

• Give participants an option of whether they will bring in their own toothbrush and toothpaste, or will require them.

• Those needing a toothbrush or toothpaste can be facilitated for in our online shop. How about providing them with one of our Dental Goody Bags? They all contain a toothbrush, toothpaste and oral health and hygiene educational material. We have Adult Dental Goody Bags, Toddler Dental Goody Bags and Baby Dental Goody Bags… as well as many more for your tailored group.  They’re great value too!

• Tell the press. A Brushathon is a great photo opportunity so their picture desk would love to know about your event. Download our National Smile Month Press Release Template, fill out the details and send it into your local newspapers.  

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National Smile Month Official Sponsors