The importance of good oral hygiene was something that was stressed to me as I was growing up. You only get one permanent set of teeth for your entire life so it’s important to teach your children to take good care of them. It’s never too early to start! Our kids’ first visit to the dentist starts at age 3. I take them to my appointment with me and they get to watch me go first as the hygienist explains what she is doing. This really helps cut back on the fear and know what to expect when it’s their turn. I was so proud of my oldest at his first visit. He was so brave!
Creating good habits is easy. When you have a consistent routine everyday your kids learn quickly what they are supposed to do, when they are supposed to do it. Kids thrive on schedules and consistency! Make toothbrushing more fun by letting your kids pick their own toothbrush or toothpaste with their favorite character on it. Be sure to brush morning and night, preferably after breakfast and right before bed. My oldest two who are 4 and 2 brush on their own for the first minute or two and then it’s my turn. They love it when I sing the “toothbrush” song which I just made up. It goes something like things “Brusha brusha brusha brush-aaaaa brushy brushy brushy brush” It’s to the tune of something but I don’t know what. It doesn’t matter, kids are easy to please so any silly song will do to keep them entertained long enough to get their teeth cleaned. I also like to remind my kids how important it is to “brush the bugs off” so they won’t get cavities.
Halloween is just around the corner. This time of year treats get a little out of control. I try to keep them to a minimum but it seems they are everywhere! I often offer yogurt as an alternative. My kids love yogurt, especially Go Gurt so they’ll happily trade in their piece of candy for a tube of Phineas and Ferb yogurt-y goondess. Still, it’s a good idea to brush after snacking too. This is the one we have the hardest time with because we really haven’t incorporated it into the routine. How do you get your kids to remember to brush after a treat?
If your kids are into Disney characters (and what kid isn’t?!) Here are a few products to get your kids excited about good oral health:
Listerine Smart Rinse
This “Phineas & Ferb”-themed mouthwash includes an added kick for kids by tinting food particles and bacteria, leaving proof in the sink of a cleaner mouth.
SRP: $4.79 at Target, Walmart and Walgreens
Reach Youth Toothbrushes
These kid-friendly toothbrushes boast bi-level bristles, and with “Phineas & Ferb” in hand kids will keep clean teeth a top priority.
SRP: $3.19 at Walmart, Rite Aid and Kroger stores
Oral B Stages – Toothbrushes & Paste
Oral B Stages toothbrushes and paste are specially designed to address children’s needs at every stage of oral care development. And the colorful Cars-inspired products mean kids are sure to experience a brush with magic!
SRP: $2.49 at Walmart and Targets nationwide
General Mills Yogurt – Yoplait Kids and Go-Gurt
Healthy snacks like Yoplait Kids, along with the conveniently portable Yoplait Go-Gurt, give kids and moms something to smile about — a sweet treat with health benefits!
SRP: $1.99-2.99 at grocery stores nationwide
Disney Living has launched the D-Lightful Living campaign on their Disney Living Facebook page. Over a 12 week period they’ll post a weekly challenge for families to encourage them to live a healthy lifestyle. These challenges will feature simple tips and product suggestions to make it easy. You’ll be able to download a checklist that outlines all 12 weekly challenges to help you track your progress. You’ll also be able to participate in an online forum to share tips with one another. Last, but not least, visitors will be able to enter to win a weekly Disney-branded product prize package! Be sure to visit Disney Living on Facebook for all of the details.
Complimentary products were provided for this post and I am being compensated for my time as a Disney Brand Ambassador, however, all opinions expressed are my own. See Mommies With Cents disclosure policy for more details.