April is National Oral Health Care month, but you should never wait for a special occasion to pay extra attention to your teeth and your oral hygiene, right? As a matter of fact, not paying attention to your mouth all of the time can have a tremendous impact on your health in general. Did you know that poor oral health can lead to gum disease, which left untreated can lead to the loss of teeth or even respiratory problems? [1] The Canadian Dental Associations does.
I myself have had a love/hate relationship with dental care for a long time now. Due to an illness that caused facial nerve problems for me, my teeth suffered a great deal. While my situation was extreme, the way it affected my oral health was not new to my dentist. We have worked together to get back my smile and if you struggle with something that causes you to keep your mouth closed more than you should, you should check out the following tips. I guarantee they will get you on the path to a brighter, whiter smile. 🙂
For the kids
Children often look at mom and dad as role models, so make sure you lead by example and talk to them about the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums!
- Suggest using a timer or a song to ensure that the kiddies are brushing for as long as they’re supposed to. The ABC’s are the perfect background tune!
- Give your kiddos a bonus for brushing. A sticker chart that keeps track of their brushing habits is a great way to give them an incentive to brush.
- Introduce a toothpaste and brush that features one of your kid’s favourite characters – such as the Orajel™ Spiderman™ and My Little Pony™ Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste and the Kids Spinbrush™ My Little Pony™ Battery Toothbrush. It keeps things exciting while practicing healthy habits! My kids love using these brushes!
For adults
Make sure you’re brushing and flossing at least twice a day to achieve optimal oral health.
- The Canadian Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months or sooner if it becomes worn, for an optimal clean.
- Use a battery-powered toothbrush with sonic pulsating action. For example, the new Arm & Hammer™ Sonic Pulse Battery Toothbrush is clinically proven to remove 2X more plaque versus a manual toothbrush. This toothbrush has a slim, ergonomic handle and comes with a replaceable head and battery!
- If you can’t resist desserts and candy, pay attention! Foods that contain a lot of sugar can stain your teeth and soften tooth enamel. I recommend Arm & Hammer™ Truly Radiant™ Clean & Fresh™ Toothpaste for enamel safe whitening and lasting freshness plus it prevents tartar build up!
This month make it your goal to wear a smile you’re proud of. How are you practicing good oral health habits?
FT&PD
Suz
[1] Canadian Dental Association
Disclosure: I am part of the Church & Dwight 2017 Ambassador program and as such receive compensation in the form of product and/or payment but as always my opinion is my own
Lynda Cook says
I love this Arm and Hammer tooothpaste, it’s the only one I use!!
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
It is very important that kids learn at an early age to take care of their teeth, a spin brush helps to make brushing teeth more fun and so encourages them to brush. 🙂
Florence Cochrane says
My grandchildren love the spinbrushes. It gets them to brush longer.
Carole D. says
My granddaughters love the spin brush! I love their toothpaste!
kristen visser says
my girls love bushing their teeth!! we made it a big part of their routine, they are the ones telling us it’s time to brush their teeth 🙂
Jenn says
I am looking to getting an electric toothbrush – hopefully soon. I am glad to hear that the Arm & Hammer toothpastes are enamel safe! I definitely need to try it.
jENNY b says
Great tips… I love the idea of using a song because I think that will help my little one a lot. And I know for a fact that having a toothbrush with a favourite character helps out a lot! I like to let her pick out her fave one at the store too.
LisaM says
I just went to the dentist myself. I have _got_ to floss more regularly. Maybe I need a sticker chart 😉
June Murphy says
Didn’t realize that sugar can stain teeth. Yikes!
AD says
Great tips! When my youngest was little, he really hated brushing his teeth, so I had to use some scare tactics… I went online and found images of teeth and oral problems experienced by meth addicts and told him that is what happened when you don’t brush and floss your teeth. Scared him into being the amazing at his oral hygiene. It was underhanded, but worked!
Calvin F. says
I brush and floss thoroughly using techniques from my oral hygienist. Also have a brush pick for maximum flossing and mouthwash some times.
Kristi says
I floss regularly and I now have an electric toothbrush to help clean away more plaque. This is a good reminder that I should probably replace the brushing head!
Judy Cowan says
We don’t use manual toothbrushes anymore, definitely prefer the spinbrushes! Still have not tried the Arm & Hammer toothpaste, must do that!
kathy downey says
We love Arm and Hammer toothpaste,it’s so important to start kids early on good oral care!
Tania B says
Great post! I do need to floss more often and regularly. I love the Truly Radiant toothpaste – I have found it really does help remove the coffee and red wine stains when used consistently.
kathy downey says
Such great tips,oral care is so important for young and old alike!