Last month, I accepted Listerine’s challenge to add flossing and rinsing to my daily routine. My husband and daughter also accepted the challenge, but since they were already good flossers it wasn’t much of a challenge for them. Me on the other hand, it was a challenge. Now for the results…
I flossed most days, and I rinsed everyday!
I admit, I am still not a full-time flosser, but I made great progress considering how very rarely I flossed before. I actually liked the new floss (Reach Total Care Plus Whitening) vs my my ancient floss, but I insist on using the old stuff because I won’t let it go to waste… So the my husband (who hates my old floss) will probably use up all the good stuff 
I would say on average, I flossed every other night. A BIG step for me, I assure you.
When I started the challenge, I thought the rinse would be the hardest part because I really don’t like the taste of the Listerine Antiseptic, and I thought that’s what all Listerine was. So I was leery about putting that biting taste in my mouth. I am pleased to report that “Smart Rinse” is totally different. There’s no bite, just cool mint. I actually liked the taste. So if you are afraid of Listerine, I hightly recommend giving Smart Rinse a shot.
The first time I used Smart Rinse, I was surprised to see little clumps when I spit. There were no clumps going in… So I read the bottle (of course) and learned that those clumps are the Smart Rinse sticking to bad bacteria that brushing missed. Ewwwww. Now that’s incentive to rinse!
Because I wasn’t sure how my rinse challenge would go, I started with the smallest bottle I was sent. That way I could donate the larger unopened bottle if I hated it. I am pleased to show you that my small bottle is almost gone, and I WILL be using the larger bottle of Smart Rinse. (Although I still think I am going to donate the Listerine antiseptic – I like the Smart Rinse, why mess with success?)
Yes, that’s Batman, and no not all Smart Rinse has Batman on it. That’s just what I was sent for the challenge.
My daughter spotted the Barbie Smart Rinse that I was sent immediantly and wanted to try it. Because I am not about to discourage her from wanting to do something for her oral hygene we gave it a shot. The recommended age for Smart Rinse is six because little ones are not very good at spitting… The bathroom mirror is proof a four-year-old has a hard time spitting! LOL. For now we are practicing with water, but she is holding on to her bottle to try again soon.
Overall, I am very pleased that I took the challenge and with my personal results. As my husband said, “If it takes a blog challenge to get you to floss, go for it.” (Anyone know of any blog challenges to keep a cleaner home?)
I am still not the perfect flosser, but I will continue to floss more if for no other reason than to set the right example for my girls. After all they are my top priority, and I want to make sure they grow up to take good care of themselves!
Ready to take your own oral care challenge? Get tips for adults and kids from Listerine.
GIVEAWAY – One lucky reader will win LISTERINE® and REACH® product samples to step-up their oral care routine and a $100 Walmart gift card to continue the healthy habit.
To enter – Please use the Rafflecopter form below to take advantage of your entry opportunities.
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No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and District of Columbia, Eighteen (18) years of age or older. Sweepstakes end March 30, 2012. Prize(s) provided by Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products, a division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. Void where prohibited. See Official Rules for complete details: http://www.themotherhood.com/
Disclosure – This post is brought to you by Listerine and TheMotherhood, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Don’t buy sugary junk food and make sure to brush twice a day and floss every day.
my kids see me floss, so they know i’m not just saying they should do it
i discourage sugary things near bedtime
I get them toothpaste and toothbrushes that they like, and that are fun for them. Right now, we have musical timer toothbrushes that keeps them wanting to brush.
No brushing means no treats. It’s a rule!!
Brush your teeth when you wake up and right before you go to bed. I’ve never had an issue (yet) with them no cooperating.
they get rewards for brushing everyday.
brich22 at earthlink dot net
It is a rule in my house to Brush your teeth when you wake up and right before you go to bed.
We buy flavored toothpastes to make it fun.
I keep a chart in the bathroom
We sing the alphabet twice while brushing our teeth to make sure we’re doing it for long enough.
We’ve always just made it part of the process of getting up in the morning and before going to bed so they don’t think it is even a chore, just a normal part of the day.
we use a timer and the kids like that
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
Set an example and your kids will develop healthy habits.
Good tasting toothpaste and easy access
I let them choose their own brushes & toothpaste flavors at the store.
Brush and floss 2x a day it’ll keep the cavities away
I would buy flavored toothpaste and a spin brush. My daughter loved it.
We’ve recently discovered toothbrushes that light up for one minute, teaching kids how long to brush their teeth. I highly recommend them!
Encourage them with money.
We make brushing teeth a family affair – everyone brushes their teeth at the same time so it is fun and family time.
sewingmema1720@yahoo.com
Do not put off dentist checkups especially if you feel pain. If the dentist says nothing is wrong but it still hurts go somewhere else!
I recently bought the kids toothbrushes that they decorate themselves and they really love them. They look at the stickers every time they brush!
my kids clean teeth 3 times a day they even take it to school
We try to brush together as a family at night. It makes it fun for them.
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google +/ shirley pebbles
We always brush in the morning and again at night and have teeth cleaned twice a year at the dentist. Thanks for having the contest!
Brushing is part of our AM & PM routine, so we haven’t had any issues.
yes sing me up
If I had children I’d make sure they have a bath every day, and brush our teeth together & floss twice a day.. I also wouldn’t give them anything sweet before bed time so that they can wind down. Thank you for the contest.
My best tip is to make brushing and flossing fun rather than seeming like a chore – incorporate songs and skits, colorful brushes and paste, and do it all as a family to make it part of your daily ritual. Thanks!
Hello, how are you? Thank you for this opportunity. I encourage the children to floss, brush and rinse by demonstrating. A little song and dance does not hurt. Make it fun.
I demonstrate and offer rewards for a good dental report.
It helps when kids get to choose their toothbrushes. I also encourage no sweets before bedtime.
Musical toothbrushes! Makes it a lot more fun!
We do it as a family.
This giveaway is awesome! I make a game out of it! I tell them how beautiful their smile is with nice clean white teeth too!
I encourage my girls with sand timers!
Get a fun timer for the bathroom so that kids know when they have brushed long enough.
We brush and floss before going to bed and when we wake up.
We have flavored toothpaste for the kids!
I let them pick out their own toothbruch and flavor of toothpaste and the dixie cups they like
Showing is better than telling.
Thanks for the contest.
Thanks for the giveaway…best advice is to be consistant; brush teeth in bathroom so kids know it is an essential task.
senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com
We make brushing fun! It’s a game in our house!
Toothbrushes and toothpaste that everyone likes. A big plus truly are the battery and electric toothbrushes, they just seem more fun for the little ones.
We have made index cards for getting ready for bed, and lots of them are dedicated to dental health…and playing music to make it fun!
My best tip is to build it into a steady routine
https://twitter.com/#!/tawndam/status/185391359719510017
i have had to learn the hard way on flossing 8 cavities and no dental insurance!allison_99_01@yahoo.com