Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not a huge fan of the dentist.  However, I realize it’s super important to teach the kids about proper oral hygiene and make sure they see the dentist regularly.  I never had a cavity until I was an adult, and I hope my kids inherit my teeth.  But that doesn’t mean we can slack on our brushing, flossing and rinsing!

America’s ToothFairy is focused, as a nonprofit organization, on the elimination of children’s preventable suffering from dental disease. They work with community-based organizations, civic groups and others.  Did you know that oral disease has become the #1 chronic childhood disease?  I had no idea- and it’s bad because it can lead to serious illnesses, PLUS a kid in pain isn’t going to want to eat and children need healthy foods to grow.

Some info:

• 44 percent of American kids will suffer from pediatric dental disease before they reach kindergarten
• Of the 4 million kids born each year, more than half will have cavities by the time they reach 2nd grade
• 43% of Americans lack dental insurance
• All in all, 16 million kids suffer from untreated dental disease

Last year alone, over 50,000 kids received critical oral health services (screenings, fluoride treatments, cleanings, sealants, restorative services) thanks to Johnson & Johnson’s contributions to America’s ToothFairy.  And while that’s great, there are still so many kids who need help.  One way to get involved this season: Join Trick or Treat for America’s ToothFairy.  Just set up a virtual page for Halloween, invite friends and family to join you, and take on the opportunity to help raise money to care for a child in need.  You can learn more at AmericasToothFairy.org.

OK, you’re probably saying- that’s a lot of info, and all but so what am you going to do about it personally for your family?

I’m so glad you asked!  Our family will be participating in the LISTERINE SMART RINSE Sweet Smart Challenge.  In an attempt to get the kids into the habit of brushing, flossing and rinsing properly, we’ll be monitoring their progress over the course of three weeks.  We received an assortment of adult and children’s products from the makers of LISTERINE® and REACH® to help, as well as tips from pediatric dentist Dr. Kaneta Lott for engaging our family in their oral health in a fun and easy way.  And we also have a calendar and stickers to help our family track our progress.

Day one starts tomorrow!

The boys checking out the new supplies for the challenge

Thanks to The Motherhood for involving me in this campaign and providing our family with the info and products needed!