Medically Reviewed by Bryant Birch, DDS on July 27, 2026
March brings several dental observances worth celebrating, including National Dentist’s Day, Dental Assistants Recognition Week, World Oral Health Day, and National Nutrition Month, each highlighting a different part of what keeps your smile healthy.
At Birch Family Dental in Green River, Wyoming, our team looks forward to March every year. It is a chance to recognize the people behind your care and to remind our patients that oral health connects to the rest of your well-being in ways that go beyond a routine cleaning.
National Dentist’s Day (March 6)
National Dentist’s Day falls on March 6 each year and recognizes the role dentists play in preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral disease. Beyond routine exams, dentists monitor the growth and alignment of your teeth and jaws, perform procedures like extractions and root canals, and help you understand how the health of your mouth connects to your overall health.
Dental Assistants Recognition Week
The first full week of March honors dental assistants, the team members who keep every visit running smoothly. Dental assistants comfort and listen to patients, provide an extra set of hands during procedures, and perform infection control tasks that keep the whole office safe. Our dentists depend on the work of our assistants to deliver the high-quality care our patients and their families count on, and this week is our chance to say thank you for it.
World Oral Health Day (March 20)
World Oral Health Day takes place every March 20 and is organized by the FDI World Dental Federation, representing dental associations from more than 130 countries. According to the American Dental Association, the observance spreads awareness about good oral hygiene practices and highlights how oral health connects to general health and well-being for both adults and children. It is a fitting reminder to schedule the checkup you may have been putting off, or to revisit your daily brushing and flossing routine.
National Nutrition Month
March is also National Nutrition Month, and the foods you eat play a real role in the strength of your teeth and gums. Calcium, certain fatty acids, vitamins C and D, and protein all support your jaw and tooth function. Protein in particular helps repair tissue and build bone density, while high-fiber and high-water-content foods increase saliva production, which helps rinse away food particles and neutralize the acids that lead to tooth decay.
Tooth enamel is one of the hardest materials in the body, but it can still be worn down or eroded by the acids and sugars in the foods and drinks you consume regularly. Small changes to your diet can make a meaningful difference in how well your enamel holds up over time. Consider these food and beverage habits as part of your oral health routine this month:
- Choose tooth-strengthening foods: Grapes, apples, strawberries, spinach, and dairy products support enamel and bone density.
- Add vitamin C and antioxidants: Citrus fruits, kiwis, and cranberries support gum health alongside your regular hygiene routine.
- Drink green or black tea: These beverages can help neutralize bacteria that contribute to plaque buildup.
- Chew sugar-free gum: This can help boost saliva production between meals.
- Limit sugary and starchy snacks: Frequent exposure to sugar gives plaque-forming bacteria more opportunity to produce the acids that cause cavities.
Celebrating Oral Health All Year at Birch Family Dental
March gives us a good excuse to highlight our team and the everyday habits that protect your smile, but oral health is a year-round commitment. Whether you need a routine cleaning and exam, guidance on improving your at-home hygiene routine, or a conversation about restorative or cosmetic treatment, our dentists and team are here to help. If gum health is on your mind after reading this, our February gum disease awareness guide is a good next read.
Ready to schedule your next visit? Fill out our contact form and our team will be in touch to find a time that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About March’s Dental Holidays
What is National Dentist’s Day?
National Dentist’s Day falls on March 6 and recognizes the work dentists do to prevent, diagnose, and treat oral health conditions. It is a day many practices use to thank their dentists and highlight the role they play in their patients’ overall health and well-being.
When is Dental Assistants Recognition Week?
Dental Assistants Recognition Week falls during the first full week of March. It honors the dental assistants who support patient comfort, assist with procedures, and help keep a dental office running smoothly and safely for every patient who walks through the door.
What is World Oral Health Day?
World Oral Health Day is observed every March 20 and is organized by the FDI World Dental Federation. It is a global campaign that raises awareness about the importance of oral hygiene and its connection to overall health, encouraging people everywhere to prioritize their dental care.
How does nutrition affect my teeth and gums?
Nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamin C support strong teeth and healthy gums, while high-water and high-fiber foods encourage saliva production that helps rinse away food particles. On the other hand, frequent sugar and starch consumption feeds the bacteria that produce the acids responsible for cavities.
What foods should I limit to protect my enamel?
Sugary snacks, sodas, and starchy foods like chips or bread can contribute to plaque buildup and enamel erosion when eaten frequently. Rinsing with water after eating these foods and limiting how often you snack throughout the day can help protect your enamel between brushings.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Owner, Birch Family Dental
Dr. Bryant Birch is a Green River, Wyoming native who earned his dental degree from Creighton University in 2006 before joining his father’s practice and later becoming its owner. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Wyoming Dental Association, and he values the entire team, including dental assistants and hygienists, who help deliver quality care every day.
