A while back I wrote about encouraging our two youngest son’s heroic habits regarding tooth and oral care. About how as a family, we’ve been trying to step up an effective oral care routine, my husband and I by leading by example. I mentioned how Josh and Isaac love their hero Avengers LISTERINE Smart Rinse.
Well that was great, but I’ve found as the weeks have gone by a new strategy has been working wonders across the household. We decided to change tactics a bit and actually let them think we are following their lead during tooth brushing time. We’ve made it their job to remind us when it’s time to brush, rinse, and floss. And let me tell you, they’ve taken ownership of this initiative and run with it.
While they use their Avengers rinse for kids, we’ve been using the LISTERINE Healty White gentle rinse along side them during tooth brushing time in the evenings. We’ve started calling them our Teeth Police. It’s really amazing watching was not always the easiest bedtime routine turn into something fun for them.
For some added fun, I made this Sheriff image and printed it onto a plain white shipping label to make them badges to wear.
My teenager has had braces for almost two years, and he’s so over them. He’s ready to chew and eat all those things the orthodontist has told him to stay away from. So, instead of using gum to freshen his breath (which isn’t good for his teeth anyway), his favorite thing to have on hand are LISTERINE POCKETPAKS. Plus unlike gum, he’s allowed to take them to school.
The downside to this is he always takes my POCKETPAKS from my purse, and then I don’t have them when I want them.
The little Teeth Police don’t have any problem reminding big brother to brush every morning before he goes to school. This will make his breath smell good, they tell him. His response is usually along the lines of “Yeah between that and my mints, I’ll be smelling goooood”, which gets a giggle from the oh so serious teeth patrol officers.
He’s actually right though, the infomation about the POCKETPAKS says they not only freshen breath on the go, but they also kill 99.9% of germs that cause the bad breath to begin with!
For now, we are liking the oral care habits we’re establishing in our home. Having little Teeth Police is something I wish I’d thought of years ago. I realize now that by giving them something to do and be proud of it becomes beneficial to the entire family. Not to say that big sister and brothers always love hearing “Have you brushed your teeth yet? Don’t forget to floss!” every night, but it’s been effective so far.
