There’s no way around it, brushing teeth is a chore in our apartment. Brushing teeth has gotten easier as our girls have gotten older. Now that O is 8 years old, I don’t have to remind her (as much) to brush her teeth. S, who is 4, is a different story. I have to entertain her to get into the bathroom. Then when we actually get there, I have to entertain her while she is brushing her teeth. For example, we race to the bathroom; once we’re in, we sing songs or dance while brushing teeth (no joke). I am SO relieved to have been invited by Momtrends to celebrate the launch of the new line of GUM Star Wars toothbrushes – which truly make brushing teeth fun and easy for the whole family!

Sherri, Nicole and Brooke from Momtrends with Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper.

Me with @RebeccaMartin's daughter and S posing with Mr. Vader and Mr. Trooper.

While the girls ran around checking out the sites at Ripley’s Believe it or Not in NYC’s Times Square, we parents were enlightened by Dr. Michael A. Ignelzi, Jr., D.D.S., Ph.D., who gave talked to us about good dental hygiene.  Here are his top tips for a healthy smile:

1. Brush teeth in the morning after breakfast and at bedtime. It is most important is to make sure kids brush their teeth well at bedtime so plaque doesn’t sit on their teeth all night long.
2. Talk to your dentist about the right amount of flouride. Flouride works in two ways: topically, coating the teeth already in the mouth; and systemically which helps in developing permanent teeth.
3. Avoid giving your kids sticky food. The worst food to give your kid is a fruit roll-up because they stick to your teeth. Sugars in the roll-ups convert to acid which leads to cavities! (OMG – we are so doomed – fruit roll-ups is a whole food group in our apt!)
4. The first sign of a cavity is a white spot. If you see white spots on your kids teeth, take them to your dentist.
5. The first dental visit should occur by age one. First birthday, first tooth, first dental visit.
6. Make sure that kids brush long enough. They should spend 60 seconds on the bottom teeth and another 60 seconds on the top teeth = 2 minutes of brushing time.
7. Children under 6 should be supervised by an adult. The rule of thumb is: when kids have the manually dexterity to tie their own shoes, they have the manually dexterity to brush their own teeth. So, until that time, you need to do it for them (or take turns).
8. Make sure to develop a good dental routine. This helps develop good habits. Make the routine fun so that it’s easy on you and your kid.

Which leads us to what can totally make brushing teeth fun?! The NEW GUM STAR WARS (TM) TOOTHBRUSHES, of course! (The only suggestion that the girls in this family has is: MAKE PRINCESS LEIA VERSIONS!!)

GUM® Star Wars™ Lightsaber™ Toothbrush  with LED lights that light up the entire brush and flashes for 60 seconds. Batteries included. Available in Anakin Skywalker™, Yoda™ and Darth Vader™. SRP: $3.49

Can you tell that S is having a fabulous time using her new Lightsaber™ toothbrush?! She now wants to brush her teeth in the morning!

GUM® Star Wars™  Power Toothbrush has soft oscillating bristles that massage gums. It has a built in suction cup on the bottom to reduce counter clutter and to keep the brush head clean. Batteries are included.  SRP: $5.99. This is the one that our 8 year old, O, chose since she is used to a rotating toothbrush. She was not in the mood to have her picture taken while she was brushing her teeth.

What do you do to make teeth brushing fun?

xo

Triple Threat Mommy

Click here to read the Momtrends post.

G.U.M  brands toothbrushes are available at most major retailers.

{I was not compensated for this post. I did receive a giftbag which contained samples of each GUM toothbrush for review purposes.}