Happy 2012… hopefully your New Year is starting off on the right foot, or perhaps on the right tooth. Hehe, had to segue into my post- if you remember back almost a month ago, my family and I took the Listerine Oral Care Challenge. We started on December 5th, and basically for 3 weeks we were going to try our best to brush, floss, and rinse twice a day.
It was actually harder than I thought it would be! We always did the brushing twice a day but it seemed we sometimes missed one of the other tasks. With flossing definitely being at the bottom of the barrel and being done the least (yes, I’m hanging my head in shame). And then of course we had some sickness throughout the month, so there were some days where we just weren’t really that focused on our teeth.
We had a chart to help us keep track but it was a little hard with 5 people in the family. In order to continue to use a chart I’d have to customize it quite a bit so not sure if we’ll be keeping up on that in 2012. We only put a magnet on the days where everything was done twice a day for everyone.
My hubby was best at rinsing with mouthwash- he always used it before the challenge too. He wasn’t that fond of the flavor but did say his mouth felt really fresh afterward. I used the Listerine Total Care Zero mouthwash (no alcohol), the other kind is just too strong for me. And our 6 year old really liked using the Barbie Smart Rinse mouthwash that shows in the sink if you missed something with brushing. The first time she used it she was a little scared, but after she got used to it she was actually the one reminding me when we needed to use mouthwash.
The flossing was just plain lacking for everyone. My youngest two daughters- 2 and 3 year old- actually bit my finger the first time I flossed their teeth. It’s definitely best to use a floss stick with a handle so no fingers have to go in the mouth. My 6 year old didn’t mind it but we still missed days. It’s not even that hard or take that much time once you do it, but for some reason in my head it always feels like a chore to do.
We all agreed that the days we did everything twice a day our teeth and mouth felt cleaner and fresher. I hope our oral care habits as a family continue to improve throughout 2012… we will definitely be focusing on flossing!!
How are your brushing, flossing, and rinsing habits… what will you be working on in 2012?
Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Listerine and received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.
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Your daughter’s are so cute! We love listerine in our house. My husband and I both prefer different types though. I think it’s about time I start having my 4 year old floss. Great post :)
I typed too fast. Please disregard my *daughter’s. It should have been daughters. That’s my biggest pet peeve and I did it. I wish there was an edit button :) LOL. Well you know what I meant.
Oh they are so cute! I am kind of OCD about brushing and flossing, so I definitely do that enough. But I don’t really use mouth wash. Maybe I should start trying that!
Those are great smiles!!! I am bad at flossing too, it is always on my list to improve
I think its all about making something a habit. I worked in dermatology for several years so its second nature for me to apply sunscreen daily (rain, clouds, or whatever outside) yet my friends rarely do but keep saying they should. I too need to make flossing a regular habit!
Once flossing became a habit for me several years ago, I never missed a night of it. I am kinda miserable if I run out of floss, so I’ve taken to having a couple back-ups. I don’t always rinse at the end, although I’m not sure why because I do have Listerine Zero. I love that, and I’m going to start rinsing tonight every night!