Even at four, my son will remind me if we sit down to read a book and we’ve somehow forgotten to brush his teeth. Because I started modeling and instilling healthy oral care habits within my children when they were very young, they both enjoy brushing their teeth. If you remember, I recently participated in a month-long oral care challenge with Listerine and Reach. My goals were to teach my son how to floss and help both of my children learn to brush properly.
So how did we do?
For starters, I utilized a Responsibility Chart with my oldest. Beyond the fact that it’s colorful and fun, it serves as a visual reminder for my son. He knows that each week, if he’s completed enough of his responsibilities in all categories, he’ll get a reward (my mother decided she wanted to provide the reward which involved a trip to our local toy store).
Since I am striving to allow my son some degree of independence as he nears the milestone that is five, we agreed that he could brush his teeth in the morning and I would help him in the evening, to ensure he is brushing properly. Since we are doing this with my daughter as well, I decided that singing the ABCs might help both of them brush for longer periods of time since they are often brushing too quickly and missing some areas. My daughter is fiercely independent, so “helping” her brush her teeth isn’t a feasible option right now. However, she does it and enjoys it which is really where she needs to be at this point.
The other goal I wanted to accomplish with my son was establishing a nightly flossing routine. At four, he doesn’t have the dexterity or patience to floss in the traditional sense. I happened upon these colorful Fun Flossers which make it easier for my son and more likely that he’ll be able to floss independently.
As part of this oral care challenge, we received a few bottles of Listerine’s Smart Rinse for Kids and Mouthwashes for Adults. My children are not quite at the age where they can use the rinse, however, my husband and I took on the challenge and committed to rinsing at least once a day. Rinsing was such an easy step to add to our oral care routine, that I ended up doing it after each brushing session in the mornings and evenings. What really helped me was the fact that I kept it on our bathroom counter, visible, right next to our toothbrush holder (I need visual reminders). What I found is that my teeth literally feel cleaner. I can run my tongue along my teeth and they just feel smooth. I also like the added security of knowing I am getting 24 hours of protection against plaque and gingivitis.
Overall, I felt like the challenge was a success. We learned the importance of regular oral care and it’s impact on health and we’re tapping into our resources to ensure that our entire family has healthy smiles.
Thanks to Listerine and Reach, I have a few tips that will help you begin your journey towards a healthy smile:
1. Brush, floss, and rinse twice a day. It only takes a few minutes.
2. Visit your dentist for bi-annual screenings and cleanings
3. Choose wholesome foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support a healthy diet and thus a healthy smile
How do you support a healthy smile?
This is part of a compensated campaign with The Motherhood and Johnson & Johnson. Products were provided which helped facilitate this challenge.
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great tips! & why didn’t i think of making a chart. What kid can resist a chart?!
My kids loved the whole “taking care of our teeth” challenge. I enjoyed the fact that the kids really cared about their teeth. Great post, Caryn! Your son looks too cute!