By Orshi:

While I wear out toothbrushes on monthly bases, mouthwash and I don’t know each other on first name bases. I am sorry but putting that burning-stinging terrible liquid in my mouth is just not something I do on regular bases. Our family has great oral health and I am one of the lucky mommies who do not have to struggle with my children for brushing teeth. Still, it was an excellent thing for us to join Listerine’s Healthy Habits for Lifetime Oral Healthy Challenge as we learned a lot and started some excellent habits (believe it or not … even me with the mouthwash).

I recall the first time ever I went to the dentist as a child and she pulled out one of those huge rows of teeth to demonstrate proper brushing methods. I want my children to remember this time: when they got their first bottles of mouthwash and learned the importance and techniques of proper brushing, flossing and rinsing. I truly hope that we have just had our oral care boot camp in the last two weeks by using Listerine and Reach products and these habits will follow them though their lives.

Look at all these goodies – opening the box that held all of our oral care tools was like going to the candy store. Each of my three children received one bottle of Listerine Smartrinse with matching toothbrushes that feature Barbie, Batman, and Phineas and Ferb. They also got a Reach Total Car Dental Floss to share. For mommy, they sent Listerine Total Care Zero Mouthwash (which I will just rave about ‘till the cows come home) and Listerine Antiseptic – yupp, that’s the bottle that is keeping my old one company under my sink now). Additionally, I received Reach Total Care Multi-Action Toothbrush and a Reach Total Care + Whitening Toothbrush. I pretty much think that this Whitening toothbrush is the best thing since sliced bread. I usually don’t fall for commercials and ads that tell you they can change your life, but you have to try this one. It has Calcium Carbonate MICRAWHTIENING bristles that just make my teeth squeaky clean (something that I used to get by sprinkling baking soda on top of my toothpaste before brushing – no need any more). And as for the Listerine Total Care Zero mouthwash …. I am sold again. It is less intensity than Antiseptic mouthwash as it has no alcohol, but protects teeth against cavities, restores enamel, strengthens teeth, kills germs and cleans to whole mouth. With this product, I am proud to say that I rinse every day. What an excellent habit to go along with my great flossing and brushing skills.

My children learn so fast, mostly by example. A Lifetime Of Smiles suggest different methods by ages on how to engage children it healthy oral care habits. Having a 3 year-old, a 4-year-old, and a 5-year-old, the best ways to get them brush teeth are still to do it along with them and to make it fun. Toothbrushes and mouth rinses with their favorite characters get them next to the sink in no time and they truly enjoy the privilege of having their own bottles of rinses. They are amazing little germ busters as they love to see the ‘bugs’ land in the sink and they can dose themselves with the squeeze and pour attachment that is build in each bottle. I did not think that my children were ready for mouthwash at all in their age, but they are actually ready to even do it without my help. Having their own bottles of mouthwash taught them independence and responsibility and they think they have the shiniest teeth in town.

Most of us don’t realize that brushing along misses 75% of our mouth and unfortunately 50% of children between ages 5 and 9 have a cavity or a filling. It is not surprise therefore that brushing needs to be teamed up with flossing and rinsing every day. Beyond that, don’t ignore the reminder card from your dentist: along with daily oral care, semiannual visits to the dentist will allow you to maintain good oral health . As brushing misses 75% of our mouth, rinsing will have to take care of the germs that are left behind. With the new Listerine Total Care Zero rinse even I adopted this habit and I can’t imagine how I could live without it before. For more tips on improving your oral care routine visit www.listerine.com and www.ListerineKids.com where you can find helpful hints and tips for a Lifetime of Smiles.

About Orshi:

Orshi is a teacher at UCIC where she works daily with children. She shows a great love for children as she has three of her own. She also loves Facebook, gardening and baking. She was born and grew up in Hungary and now lives across the street.