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Being a mom of young kids, I spend a lot of time trying to make sure that what goes into or touches their bodies is mildly healthy.
A few years ago I discovered I have a genetic mutation that reduces my ability to process toxins…and since I only have bad genes to give…I know my kids have at least one bad gene too (and with all that Maddi has to deal with…I try to be extra careful with her especially).
I really focus on some of the every day products that I use that stay on them – like hand soap, laundry detergent…and especially toothpaste – and make sure that I’m using brands that don’t use a lot of extra chemicals.
My favorite brand these days is Tom’s of Maine (I use both the toothpaste and the deodorant…everyday) because they are made with no artificial colors, flavors, fragrances or preservatives.
But…it’s still a struggle to get my kids to actually brush their teeth.
Our Struggles
Back in December, Maddi had to have oral surgery to put caps on her front teeth because they were so damaged from her time at the orphanage. The dentist told me that I needed to be brushing AND FLOSSING her teeth daily.
Have you ever tried to floss a two years olds teeth?
As you can image, that doesn’t go over well….but I will say that all the screaming actually helps me get my job done each night!
And then there’s the boys…I’m pretty sure they think that toothbrushes are actually food….they spend the entire time chewing on their toothbrushes instead of actually brushing their teeth.
So…I’ve had to get a little creative to get them to do a good job. Last week I headed to Walmart to get what I needed to make brushing their teeth a little more fun.
Tips to Get Your Kids to Brush Their Teeth
1. Buy an electric toothbrush – Since they don’t really do a great job themselves, I like knowing that some kind of movement is going on with the toothbrush inside of their mouths…and the best way to ensure that is with an electric toothbrush. We picked out Star Wars toothbrushes, but I’m betting you can find one with your child’s favorite character on it too.
2. Use an egg timer – We have this egg timer (sand that goes from one side to the other) that goes for two minutes – the recommended time that children and adults should brush their teeth. This is a great visual reference for them to watch while they brush their teeth. (A clock timer would work too.)
3. Use great tasting toothpaste – Tom’s has a Silly Strawberry™ Flouride Toothpaste that the boys are really digging right now. They love the taste so getting them to brush is MUCH easier. Print this coupon for $1.00 off Tom’s at Walmart.
Tom’s of Maine has amazing toothpaste for adults too. I like the Antiplaque & Whitening Peppermint Flouride Free and also the Whole Care® Peppermint and Spearmint Flouride Toothpaste. I also use their Unisex Long Lasting Apricot Deodorant.
April is Earth Month and I’d like to challenge you to really take a look at the everyday products you use. Could you find any alternative products that reduce the chemical load on your family and the Earth?
Do you have any other tips that help get your kids to brush their teeth (and do a good job)?
