Toothpaste Stages and when is it time to change

DoraTheexplorer When talking to my stepmother about brushing my children’s teeth she told me that they didn’t brush our teeth until we lost our baby teeth. Hmm. That wasn’t the advice I was looking for when I needed to know what to do about my kids teeth.

So we have deferred to the professionals here.

As a baby you are supposed to wash their gums. To do this you can use a wash cloth or buy a gum massager that you can place on your thumb or index finger and you can clean their gums. You can continue to do this until they reach the ability to spit. Or you can start using stages toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Colgate sent me some toothpaste and toothbrushes to try out. They didn’t need to because Colgate already is our favorite brand of toothpaste that we use regularly. On our kids we haven’t purchased in fluoride toothpaste yet. That is why we are going to donate the supplies that Colgate sent to us. The supplies that they sent to us where Dora the Explorer, loved by both my daughter and my son. We have purchased the Dora toothbrushes before, but since we have to replace them every three months, I sometimes purchase what’s cheapest, so right now we have Darby from my friends Tigger and Pooh which is another brand. Sorry Colgate, I’m one of those shoppers that purchase what’s on sale.

For years, Dora the Explorer™ has taken kids on countless journeys, helping them overcome obstacles and solve problems on the way to a common goal.  Now, in celebration of a decade of Dora, kids can explore a new challenge – discovering the path to healthy smiles with Dora the Explorer™ Toothpaste and an assortment of Toothbrushes from Colgate®.

Specially designed for kids ages 2 and up, the Dora the Explorer™ Anti-Cavity Fluoride Toothpaste in a Mild Bubble Fruit® flavor is clinically proven to defend against cavities while strengthening and protecting developing teeth.  Plus, the Dora Toothbrushes featuring soft bristles and non-slip cushioned handles are available in two styles – one specially designed for kids with developing teeth, and the other featuring a small “battery-operated” rotating head that cleans teeth and gently sweeps away plaque. The combination of the Dora the Explorer™ Anti-Cavity Fluoride Toothpaste and Toothbrushes will encourage brushing and have both kids and moms singing, “We Did It! ¡Lo hicimos!” 

The Dora the Explorer™ Toothpaste ($2.79) and Toothbrushes ($2.49 – $5.99) are available online (www.colgate.com/kids) or at major retailers across the country. 

 

We have been using toothpaste that is considered to be pre-brushing stage. It has no fluoride but has some flavor that helps encourage brushing. From there as they learn how to spit the Dentist has recommended that we move over to fluoride toothpaste.

Then we will also move them over to an electric spinning brush because our dentist has also recommended that an electric toothbrush will help keep their teeth cleaner. The spinning action removes more plaque than hand brushing.

One final note from me, we love adding things like toothbrushes to stockings. It makes them quite happy to receive a character toothbrush. So it’s easy to buy a necessity and include it in Christmas fun.

Colgate is also wanting to provide one of my readers with a package of goodies.

(close to a 15 – 20 value depending on if you receive an electric toothbrush or not)

 

To Enter:

Give me your best tooth brushing technique.

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The contest will run until December 14th 11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org. All rules can be found under giveaway rules. I can not guarantee shipment but we will try to get this to you before Christmas.

Who wants toothpaste I do I do.

What mother can say anything to something so musical as this.princesszoe

It was time for bedtime a few nights ago and while we were walking up the stairs she started singing.

“Who Wants Toothpaste” and responded to her own question.

“I do I do”

It was a perfect mommy moment and I was so glad that daddy was there to hear it to.

 

We have struggled for so long with teeth time, even though she had this one good night we still struggle. I just know that some nights she’s going to want to brush. So I look forward to those nights.

The Teeth Brushing War, Mom Verses the Toddler

ahhhh Brushing teeth in my house with my kids is a constant struggle. We have good days and we have bad. We know we need to do it and we do it every night. Some nights I just want to skip it because I’m so tired from a day of the kids, I just want to put them in bed. But my husband and I find the energy and do it as a team. Some nights we take turns but we always get the job done. We have even resorted to holding them down, completely restraining them, kicking and screaming while we brush their teeth.

Developing good oral hygiene is important from the start. It is recommended children see a dentist by age 1 or within six months after their first tooth erupts, but most American children do not see their family dentist until they are nearly 3 years old, according to a survey conducted on behalf of Delta Dental Plans Association.

I have asked so many people for advice.

The Moms Advice:

The Mom I grew up with (my stepmom) said that we didn’t start brushing your teeth until you got your permanent teeth in and you girls were fine.

MOMS Club Mom said get them their own toothpaste to use, the trainer toothpaste that doesn’t have any fluoride in it.

Another MOMS Club mom said to use a gum massager, she used one because her daughter’s mouth was so small that it was just easier to use it.

Our Doctor’s advice was to use a wash cloth.

Failed

None of these ideas worked because, well for one, we’re brushing their teeth come rain or shine. We were already using toothpaste, and I get bitten with the gum massager.

Dentist’s Advice:

Holding them down is fine. She had to do it with her won children. Just keep presenting it to them and do what you have to do to get them brushing.

What Worked

toothbrushWhen we were in Texas visiting grandma, Zoe started using Mommies brush. One reason, mommy was gone and Grandma and Papa couldn’t find the kid’s toothbrushes. So Zoe starting using mine. I was fine sharing my brush, esp if she would brush without all the drama. Grandma hates to see her grandbabies crying. She brushed and had a good time. We came home and she’s still using my brush. It’s hers now but since it’s more fun to use if it’s mommies we call it mommies toothbrush. Every night, do you want to use yours or Mommies?

Mommies with a smile. We still take our turn and make sure she has done a good job but her brushing skills have improved and it’s not a chore. Miles is in the stage where one night he likes it and the next he doesn’t. Actually to be honest, the boy LOVES to brush his teeth, he just hates when mommy and daddy take their turn.