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.
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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.
Sticking to a routine and trying to set a good example.
be a good example!!
We have a monthly contest and everyone who brushes and flosses twoice a day gets a prize (small) at the end of the month.
I have braces and am very dedicated to my oral routine and I think if people see you brushing, flossing and talking about tooth health then they will be more likely to follow.
I brush my teeth with my kids…we all do it together for two minutes!
I let them pick out their own toothbrushes and toothpaste and they get demonstrations on how to brush from their dentist.
We let everyone pick their own toothbrush out and we take turns listening to favorite music while brushing.
Brush to the length of your favorite song.
brush every morning and every evening-get in a routine!
my best tip is to buy a fun timer for your family to make sure they brush for the full two minutes!
Using toothpaste and mouthwash that tastes good is a big part of it for our family.
It’s important to be a good example. I always brush my teeth together with my child.
Be a good example and I also let my son brush his teeth first,then I follow up with a good brushing.
Stick to a routine! And with my daughter, I get to brush her teeth, then she gets a turn, so she will learn what a good brushing should be like.
Our kids visit the dentist twice a year. They love the little floss samples. So, for a little while they step up their oral hygiene.
I buy my son tooth brushes and tooth paste with his favorite characters on him to encourage him to want to brush his teeth!
Everybody picks out their own toothbrush(es) and toothpaste. That seems to keep everybody interested.
I brush my teeth with my daughter because she loves doing everything mommy and daddy do.
I encourage my kids to brush their teeth by brushing with them, using a color changing mouthwash that shows the dirty plaque/germs left behind and I tell them the truth about what the dentist does about cavities.
We brush the kids teeth to make sure they get them done well, especially behind the teeth.
We have a toothbrush with a timer…a full two minutes, please!
We buy fun toothpaste flavors and sometimes I sing while they brush.
I try to be a good example for my daughter. I think its very important that she sees by my example how to take good care of teeth. By brushing, flossing and rinsing.
Fun toothbrushes and repetition! My older son (3) just got a Dinosaur Train toothbrush to encourage him to brush without fuss.
My tip is to lead by example.
DDs are always happy to pick up their own brushes and flavored toothpastes. This is how I encourage them to engage in healthy oral care habits.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Brush as a family, if your kids see you doing it, they will do it too!
I make sure that brushing is fun for my kids, like using spongebob squarepants toothbrushes and toothpaste
Stick to a routing and make it fun and add incentives – like “let’s brush our teeth and then we will read a bed time story”
I buy flavorful toothpaste that they like.
we practice,practice,practice till it’s habit
brush everyday and often!!
Our Son’s oral care is very important to us. He has a ‘toothbrush chart’ that we put stickers on. Every time he brushes his teeth, he gets to pick out a sticker to put on the chart.
We change the chart each month.
He loves stickers so this is a great way to make sure he brushes twice a day and, as of yet, no cavities!
Thanks for the great giveaway opportunity.
My kids are grown but I brush and floss daily and I like to buy different kinds of toothpaste.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I always bought flavored toothpaste. That always worked.
Leading by example 🙂 Brush my teeth with them 🙂
we all brush at the same time
try different flavors… if they don’t like the taste, they’ll fight every time…
My tip is to set a timer for brushing teeth to make sure it’s done properly.
prizes and games for clean teeth
Brush and Floss morning, noon and night
Make sure they brush for 2 minutes
offer praise for brushing teeth
Having routine is my best tip for encouraging my family’s healthy oral care habits.
Leading by example and making it part of a regular routine ヅ *Thanks* for the giveaway!
Toothbrush with a timer is a big hit!
told them what to do an pointed out what could happen if they
arn’t
My best tip is to set an example and let them brush along with you.
Thanks so much.
make brushing your teeth fun! buy fun toothpaste, and brush your teeth together
buy fun products to clean our teeth with
I let my kids pick the toothbrush and toothpaste they like
My best tip is to always have supplies on hand so there are no excuses to skip!
Buy the listerine smart rinse for your kids. Get them to use it once and it will sell itself!
My best tip for oral health is to make tooth brushing fun via music!
Having a routine.
I let my family members select their favorite toothpastes, and I also serve as a great example by flossing and brushing multiple times a day!
We let our daughter pick out her own toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash flavors so she is exited to brush her teeth.
abfantom at yahoo dot com
Floss, Floss, and more flossing
NO TV UNTIL YOU HAVE BRUSHED AND FLOSSED…IT WORKS
By being a good example to my kids. I want to thank you for this awesome sweep and hope to win 🙂
make it fun by singing every time
it’s a requirement for the kids to brush their teeth when they wake up and before they go to bed
My tip is to lead by example.
austma7@aol.com
brush often and eat good foods!
I do that Santa message for my kids every year, and last year I made the deciding factor for the good list whether or not they brushed their teeth. So now any time I get any grief about brushing teeth, I just tell them that Santa is watching. 😉 Rylie actually loves to brush, but Bryce needs some encouragement now and then.
Regular dental visits – that I schedule.
I just tell our children to go in the bathroom and brush their teeth, and they do; and every six months, they go to the dentist for a checkup and cleaning.
I always make sure we are well stocked and sometimes we try different flavors
Leading by example.Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
I try to set a good example by brushing AM and PM.
I make sure they have fun looking toothbrushes and a great incentive for a good dental checkup
Get them in a routine and reward good check ups.
I let my children pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste.
make it something good to do
I don’t have kids, but I was a my boss’s house a few weeks ago. When she sent the kids off to brush their teeth she told one to hurry up so she’s got the clean sink. I guess just make it fun?!
I provide good products
Just expect it of your kids each day
special toothbrushes
Make sure that they are aware that good oral hygiene means less or no cavities, which means that they would only go to the dentist for cleaning.
We have a brushing routine in the morning and evening.
I got my kids electric toothbrushes and now they love to brush.
Brush after every meal
Put the floss on the end table. Floss while watching tv.
Try to encourage regular flossing! grammypenny@frontier.com
We use electric toothbrushes that vibrate every 30 seconds so they know to switch the teeth they are cleaning. Plus we brush as a family and hum a song some nights to make it fun.
daily flossing
Remind the kids how much they enjoy the good comments from the dentist and that they avoid having cavities to fill.
I tell my children a healthy mouth is less frequent visits to the dentist. They also have toothbrushes that are their favorite characters. Thanks for the giveaway!
katbirdfl (at) gmail (dot) com
I think routine is half the battle!
fun toothbrushes help
I got my youngest two electric crest toothbrushes
Brush and floss daily!
Electric toothbrushes, mouth rinse like you wrote about here, and I sing while they brush. It works for us!
Buy a waterpik like oral rinse. They are fun to use.
My best tip- keep a supply of Sugarfree/sugarless gum in the house & in your pocket- won’t harm your teeth and you’re less likely to snack between meals.
I let my kids pick out their own toothbrushes that encourages them to want to brush.
my best tip is…Rinse out your mouth after every meal!
we brush as a family, that way we always remember and we can supervise the kids to make sure they are brushing good enough.
I have a routine for the children after breakfast they brush their teeth, when they come home from school and before bedtime. Now it’s a habit for them (lol)
My daughter and I like to brush together
Eveyone in my family has a timer on their toothbrush, so everyone is brushing thoroughly!
I had my mom show my kids what happens when you don’t brush your teeth. You see, she has dentures and took her teeth out to show the kids. They were grossed out…lol.
Ewww!!! I Love this!!!
I buy cute spinbrushes and kid flavored toothpastes and mouthwashes
Have a fun toothbrush !
We pick out our own toothbrushes and use floss picks.
I buy new toothbrushes every few months.
i like to try out the newest products, and my daughter, who is 14, will try them, then give me her opinion. she thinks its fun, and i know that she is getting good oral care! as long as we keep getting the samples, this will keep working! 😉
I make brushing a little more interesting by having available 2 or 3 different toothpastes with flavors we like, so we can change things up a little.
Offer fun flavored toothpastes they like.
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
have fun toothbrushes
I keep Listerine in each bathroom. We all gargle each day. When you skip, you will notice if you do it daily.
everyone brushing together!
lets kids pick out the toothpaste
Brushes the kids like, and toothpaste they don’t hate the taste of!
My kids have a stuffed cavity germ from giantmicrobes.com and they don’t want those in their mouth.
The kids get strawberry toothpaste & their favorite color brushes.
I make sure I have the right supplies: floss, rinse, etc.
I make sure to have toothpaste we all like, and new toothbrushes every month!
It’s just Ogre and I … so money is a pretty important motivator. Dental work is expensive!!
Make tooth brushing fun with new toothbrushes every month.
I got my kids a sonicare kids brush!
Start them young. As soon as they have a tooth start brushing.
Make it fun by buying childrens toothbrushes and fun toothpastes
My grandson likes to set a timer. It makes him want to brush longer
My kids have the toothbrushes that sing the abcs & counts so they love brushing their teeth..Not only do they like the songs but they are learning at the same time!
2 minutes minimum on brushing
I leave my son’s toothbrush on the middle of the counter top so he can’t miss it.
If I’m being honest, he still does sometimes. Grrr! But I keep talking to him and leaving it out.
I let them choose some of the dental and oral hygeine products. There are so many fun products now.
the kids brush their teeth to a song that is 2 mins long..they know that while its going they brush when its over they are done
i let my kids pick their own toothpaste
We encourage good oral hygiene by setting a good example for the kids.
Brush your teeth together. Family bonding time.
I buy cool toothbrushes and good tasting toothpaste.
I let my kids pick out thier own kids toothbrushes and mouthwash. We also have a timer for when they brush their teeth.
Brushing as a family with the smaller children
each day different person picks the soap and tooth paste we use for that day mverno@roadrunner.com
Start early and make it a routine.
Fight hyprocrisy – lead by example
I let them pick thier toothbrush and toothpaste.
My son loves his character toothbrush. He picked it out.
START GOOD ORAL HYGIENE HABITS EARLY :)THEN THEY WILL AUTOMATICALLY JUST THINK IT IS PART OF THEIR DAILY ROUTINE..
shebebes@yahoo.com
I don’t have any tips, I just try to make it fun for them. I buy whatever toothbrush, toothpaste and mouth wash they want. It makes it more fun for them. thank you!
Lead by example.
Lots of reminders to brush their teeth.
sing the abcs during the brushing to make sure they are clean
For us, we mostly need to remind our kid to brush and take her time each day. It’s a habit, but not fully ingrained yet. 🙂
Getting new toothbrushes every couple of months
I recommend flossing in the shower – it converted me to a daily flosser about ten years ago. Thank you for the giveaway!
We buy mint flavored dental floss.
Set a timer to help keep track of how long to brush
Brush your teeth together.
Every six months if all five of my kids dont have cavities we go out and do something fun as a family to celebrate.
I buy the kids fun toothbrushes. They like to use them more.
I let my daughter pick out her toothbrushes and paste and we brush together.
We buy fun tooth brushes and paste.
i let them use my iphone timer to make it more fun
Brush your teeth together as a family. If they see their parents with good habits, they will want to do it too.
We keep a set schedule and don’t deviate from it. My son has character toothbrushes that he has to use.
We sometimes to a silly little dance when we brush are teeth
We use organic, flouride-free toothpaste and choose flavors my son will love!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Getting our kids really cool toothbrushes and products help them want to bursh more. Also, we set rules. They can’t play on their Kindle’s unless they have brushed!
set a good hyiegen example
Fab giveaway! thanks again! Janna Johnson
jannajanna@hotmail.com
janna @ feedyourpig on gfc
I read the kids a book after they brush. They also get to pick their own fun toothbrush.
Electric toothbrushes have made all the difference.
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
We make teeth brushing fun by dong it as a family.
If my kids brush their teeth every night for a week, we take them out for ice cream.
Set a good example and just make it part of the every day routine starting when the kids are young
We make brush time fun.
Electric toothbrush. 2 minutes of brushing and it shuts itself off
I always love to have cute looking toothbrushes
I let them pick out their own toothbrushes.
My daughter does likes to brush her teeth with a light up toothbrush. as long as its something entertaining its easy to get her to brush her teeth.
cweller75@gmail.com
me and my daughter brush our teeth together so he thinks its a game
i have to remind everyone in this house. if i didn’t they would all lose their teeth.
Best tip? Showing them pics of real life bad teeth – black ones, yellow ones, bleeding ones.
I have everyone brush together in the bathroom and make it a game
I tell them they don’t want teeth like mine
My daughter doesn’t have all her teeth yet, but we make sure we brush them every night before she goes to bed.
We brush to music. So we get down in the bathroom. lol
Make brushing and rinsing part of the bedtime routine. Also, buy products that taste good to encourage kids to brush more often.
If my son has a good check up at the dentist, he gets to pick where we go out to dinner.
Make it a part of routine. Do it together – My son loves copying whatever I do!
I think a routine and check ups are really important to teach kids young
I stressed the importance of good oral hygiene. I really never had a problem with them when they were little. If I did I just reminded them of grama teeth (thats what they called my gma because of false teeth) looks like without the teeth! lol
I make sure we all go to the dentist every 6 months. I also help my 4 yr old daughter brush every night and make sure I explain why it’s so important!
definitely with fun looking toothbrushes! and yummy flavor toothpaste
For the kids, we found songs on our kids CD’s that were 1 minute long and play them while they brush. They dance around as they brush and always forget how long they are actually brushing for.
I’m just honest with them. We don’t have dental insurance, and every extra dollar I have to spend at the dentist, is less I get to spend on fun stuff! It works for us!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I always let the kids pick their own toothbrushes.
Use a rinse & toothpaste that have a pleasant taste.
Best tip – set a good example with regular brushing and flossing.
Thank you.
We have a changing of the toothbrushes every month.
I let the kids pick out their own toothbrushes
Daily reminders to floss and brush.
Daily and to carry floss no matter where u are
Threatening them? jk. It’s something I need to work on
After having gum surgery about 10 yrs ago, I believe in flossing and Listerine.
I make sure that we’ve got good/new toothbrushes, toothpaste everyone likes, plenty of floss, regular checkups…
buy fun toothpaste like strawberry or sparkles – it really does help!
Get in a daily routine. That works for me
I always let my children pick out their own toothbrushes. They loved brushing their teeth with a new one.
If you start kids out very early in life, they will just automatically brush morning and night!
Letting children know, that not taking care of teeth can be a far bigger problem, than the few minutes it takes to brush them.
Show them how its done and i always brush my teeth with them.
Thanks,
riadeliza823(at)ymail(dot)com
we use a timer to make sure the kids bruch for 2min 3xs a day works round here they love to k\listen for the “ding”
I try to always have their favorite flavor of toothpaste so they are more interested in brushing.
shawn113(at)hotmail(dot)com
everyone picks out their own toothbrush and uses god tasting mouthwash
We never go to bed without brushing our teeth.
i always let my daughter pick out her toothbrush and toothpaste. sometimes i would brush with her.
My 15 month old loves to brush his own teeth, so I encourage it while I supervise & then do it for him myself.
Me & hubby brush teeth together to make sure it gets done.
Starting when the kids are young helps them want to have clean teeth.
ALWAYS LET YOUR CHILDREN CHOOSE THEIR OWN TOOTHBRUSHES AND FIND A RINSE THAT DOESN’T TASTE SO HARSH FOR THEM.
I give them rewards for not having cavities
We love the little floss picks. They are so convenient and easy to use keeping those handy all the time encourages flossing.
Let them pick their favorite color brushes!
The children always have toothbrushes in their favorite colors (which are, luckily, all different!), which encourages them to use them!
To encourage my daughter we like to brush our teeth together.
Scar them with dental nightmare pictures
I keep sugarless and sugar free rewards (candy/gum) in the home to help make teeth maintenance not feel burdensome.
Just knowing it will decrease dentist visits!
Lead by example!
Be persistant!
ptavernie at yahoo dot com
Set a good example and brush and floss with your children.
make it fun
Everyone gets to pick their own toothbrush and toothpaste.
I get them toothpaste and brushes they like!
Let them pick their brush and toothpaste.
It’s kind of funny, but we have a tooth inspection to make sure there is no plaque monsters in their mouths.
We try and make brushing fun and brush our teeth and floss with them.
My son loves a fun character toothbrush!
we make sure to get the fun flavored tooth paste and cute tooth brushes.
ferriza2(at)yahoo(dot)com
Lead by example, and work with your dentist to make a good check up a big deal.
Let children choose their own toothbrushes and toothpaste, within reason. Always check to see if they really brushed and didn’t just pull the “wet the brush” trick.
I let them pick out their own toothpaste and brushes, they usually go for the “gross” products!
Letting my kids pick their own toothbrush gets them more excited about brushing
Make brushing your teeth a family activity – they’re more likely to do it if everyone else is.
I tell them importance of brushing and make sure they do it morning and night!
making sure we do other fun things on DENTIST DAY haha
I let my guy pick out his own toothbrush. He has more fun brushing that way.
We set a timer for 2 minutes so the kids know how long to brush for.
let the kids pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste
Lead by example
I let me son pick out his own toothbrush & toothpaste and we brush our teeth at the same time.
Remind and nag as much as needed. They may hate you for it at the time, but it will pay off! wgbc1446[at]yahoo[dot]com
We try to make it fun, we have a special toothbrushing song we sing and we let her help
keep reminding them cavities aren’t fun to get filled
Fun toothbrushes and tasty toothpaste make it easier to get my boys to brush.
Do it all together as a daily tradition.
we use the colgate spinbrush my kids love them so they brush more
We make brushing teeth a ritual. My son loves it, he thinks it’s so fun
brush & floss every night before bed
We have a sticker chart and if we fill up the entire week with stickers for brushing and flossing after breakfast and before bed, we get a special trip to the toy store on Sunday. 🙂
I make a BIG deal about clean teeth and my children know that I will do the breath test before school and bed.
I tell my daughter the importance and what can happen to your teeth if you do not brush and take care of them. Plus I have lost many teeth, because I did not take care of them right, so she can see what happens.
I brush and they copy right now..
We brush as a family and make funny sounds and faces while we brush. I have a 4 year old and 18 month old sons so I think they really just like being allowed to spit
I monitor, encourage and use fun incentives for everyone!
-Ashley Marie Morrissey
ashummz05(at)yahoo(dot)com
I just lead by example and use rewards when everything is done well!
Colin Batchelor
colinb9000@gmail.com
Get everyone together and brush, floss and rinse together – making it a family activity.
I buy the flavors my family likes
itsjustme62613 at gmail.com
my daughters have their favorite characters atooth brushes and that makes brushing more fun
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
We use a calendar to make sure we can check every day off!
We make sure to brush at least twice a day and floss
we sing when we brush are teeth
amy16323(at)gmail(dot)com
We made it part of a routine when they were little. Now they just now that brushing well is whatthey do before bed.
well this may be funny or not but I always tell my grandkids the importance of taking care of their teeth by brushing and flossing. I reminds them of my teeth…(Dentures) I just point to my mouth and they go right upstairs to brush.
brush teeth together
We make a routine of how to brush (how many time each side and how long etc) so they develop good habits. My son even goes to brush after eating anything sugary!
Make it a fun activity for them. Show them that you find it fun, too. Showing them that you’re brushing your teeth too, and love taking care of your teeth will hopefully show them that it’s a fun and good thing to do.
make it fun and not a “chore” I let them pick out their own toothbrushes and toothpaste thanks
I just try to make it fun for my son
We try to make it fun with silly songs and pretty toothbrushes.
i just remind my son how much he hated going to the dentist
last time
Lead by example and monitor mouth care/wellness.
brush and floss two times a day
By Example
I always lead by example in brushing, rinseing, and wellness
I always make sure my son flosses twice a day, he hates it but he has no cavities!
i have timers in both bathrooms, so the kids will know how long to brush
Consistency. We have our son brush twice a day, every day without fail at approximately the same time. Now he’s so used to it he does it by himself!
Those crunchy tablets that stain the parts of your teeth you haven’t brushed well enough.
Those toothbrushes that play a tune that’s the length that they should be brushing are fun-they make it into a game!
teach by example and buy favorite toothbrush and toothpaste.
I remind them every morning and night to brush and floss.
I leave an extra toothbrush in the spare bathrooms so maybe brushing will stay on their minds.
I had to break my son of an old habit of swishing juice around in his mouth! He now knows not too drink too many sugary drinks
show them how their teeth will look like if they dont brush that always gets my kids
brush and flossing
we brush the “plague monsters” out of our mouth
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Regular dentist visits, regular brushing, flossing, and mouth wash!
Buy toothpaste that tastes good.
I brush with my children because it keeps them brushing longer.
My best tip is to lead by example! 🙂
Do it all together, this way you set an example.
We make brushing and flossing fun by singing and making family time by doing it together.
Routine- that way you don’t forget
Routine- that way you don’t forget
Daily brushing and make sure that they see how bad mommy and daddy’s teeth are to keep them brushing
we used to use a timer when the boys were young and they learned to brush well nupa123@gmail.com
We discuss the importance in good dental care. We also discuss what happens if we neglect our teeth.
New, fun toothbrushes encourage mt family’s habits
always use a rinse
I try to make brushing fun for my son by being silly and making it a fun thing, not just a chore 🙂
bakergurl02 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Be consistent in having children brush.
we encouraged the brushing and rinsing and flossing at an early age. we also make sure we make all our trips to the dentist!
I tell my 3 and 4 year old I am going to “tickle their teeth” so that they will let me finish up their brushing and get into those places that they haven’t perfected getting to yet.
For the younger children I buy toothpaste that won’t burn their mouth and pleasant flavored flosspicks. I also have a two minute timer and the brush your teeth song for them to brush along with
cute toothbrushes 🙂
I buy fun toothpaste flavors and fun toothbrushes.
My best tip is to let the child choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste so they’re an active participant; also, set a good example by making a big deal out of mom and dad brushing their teeth
I buy Bubblegum flavored toothpaste and floss and have them floss every night before bed.
I set the example.
We always used a rewards system when she was little (3, 4) we had a chart, every time she brushed when asked, she got a check. If all the boxes were checked off at the end of the week, she got to choose McDonald’s or a small toy. After a while we no longer had to remind her to brush, it was automatic
Getting new character toothbrushes and flavored children’s toothpaste makes Liz and Tristan want to brush their teeth.
Buying fun toothbrushes and starting them young witb brushing
pleasant tasting toothpaste and swish
Make it a part of the daily routine
My family members are older so I remind them of the cost of fillings as well as the fact neither of my parents had teet (had dentures) because of poor oral care
Right now since my kids are young, I try to set a good example. They see me brushing my teeth after meals. I also help them brush their teeth.
I buy the fire-fly toothbrushes that light up which is fun and also provide a timed brushing for them. Also, CONSTANTLY telling them to bursh their teeth…
We have an excellent pediatric dentist that the kids LOVE to see…so going every 6 months with them is easy. PLUS, as a mom, I can’t ask them to do it if I’m not gonna do it, right? So I go every six months, too…;)
Easiest way for our family to build a habit is to make it part of our routine, like brushing before bed!
Floss!
let the children pick out their own toothbrushes and set a cute timer when brushing
marygardner49 at aol dot com
I like to make a poster for the kids that they can add stickers to as they brush, floss, etc. each day. We also include floss in Easter baskets and stockings. They get excited about it! 🙂
My kids use a tooth timer to make sure they brush for as long as they need to.
We always brush after meals when at home, and we make a point to all brush together at night, even though our daughter goes to sleep much earlier than the rest of us.
My best tip is to just stay on top of it. It’s so much harder than it sounds so you need to do it.
Lee
My daughter loves to rinse with mouthwash, so I always keep a bottle around.
My best tip is don’t let toddlers use a bottle and then not brush! I know someone who lets their toddler wander around with a bottle all day and go to sleep with it. Her teeth are a mess 🙁
We brush together. We also take our kids every few weeks to pick out a new toothbrush.
Make sure the kids brush before bed and try to make it fun…I like to sing a little song for them while they brush 🙂
Just keep on ’em! (but then I’m a dad not a mom) 🙂
They have a battery operated toothbrush so they clean better. and I always let them pick their own toothbrushes and toothpaste out.
we play a song while we brush and dance around making it fun so they look forward to it.
Making it a bit more fun. Adding a spinbrush into our routine!
I buy flavors they like and I do as I say. Set the example and they will follow, but make sure to check and make sure they are doing.
We make it fun by singing.
Buying cute toothbrushes and a toothpaste flavor they like.
I cook toast/bacon as side dish for breakfast if we brush/floss/rinse twice the day before
put a signup over the sink saying to brush daily and for 2 minutes
I don’t have any really good tips. I have to follow my kids around every day to make sure they are brushing and flossing
I try to check in every night to make sure they have done their oral care before bedtime.
I make our regular check ups and let the dentist tell the kids what to do–they listen to her more than they listen to me!
timed toothbrush or a timer for brushing
We brush daily.
Brushing after every meal!
Always keep the toothbrush and floss somewhere where it will remind you to do both every time you go into the bathroom! 🙂
I encourage my family to brush their teeth after every meal and in the morning/night. I also encourage them to floss/use mouthwash.
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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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
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i have had to learn the hard way on flossing 8 cavities and no dental insurance!allison_99_01@yahoo.com