I used to go to the dentist every 6 months for a regular checkup. Now that the husband and I own a small business I haven’t gone in a couple years due to the fact that we have to pay for our medical insurance. Do you have any idea how expensive it is for group coverage with medical, dental and vision? Let’s just say it’s freaking insane for a family of 4.
If I was going to go to the dentist we would have to pay out of pocket and honestly, getting the kids’ teeth checked out is more important at this time (especially because brushing a toddler’s teeth is not easy – I know you are all shaking your head in agreement right now about how difficult it can be to brush your kids’ teeth).
Because of my lack of dental insurance you would think that taking care of my teeth and gums at home would be really important, right?
Well…I’ve been a little slack in this department. I have been brushing my teeth twice a day and that’s about it.
Recently I learned that brushing alone misses 75% of the mouth, which means that I’ve actually not been taking care of my mouth at all. That was pretty gross to learn.
So, I’m making a change.
I’ve signed up to take Listerine’s 21-Day Challenge to improve my oral health.
According to what I’ve read it takes 21 days to form a health habit. Coincidentally I read it takes the same amount of time to make a mouth healthier.
My plan for the 21-Day Oral Health Challenge?
- Continue to brush my teeth twice a day.
- Floss every night before bed.
- Use Listerine Ultraclean Antiseptic twice a day.
My goal is to also get the rest of the family involved. The kids could use some serious improvement in their oral health care and I know it’s my fault because I haven’t taught them properly.
The cool thing about this challenge is that it not only benefits my family and me but for every person who signs up for the 21-Day Challenge on Facebook, Listerine will make a contribution to Oral Health America’s Smiles Across America program which has a goal of connecting up to 210,000 children with needed oral health services this year.
Apparently oral disease is now one of the most chronic childhood illnesses in the U.S. That’s sad considering it only takes a few minutes each day to take care of your mouth. Read more about Oral Health in America in this Report from the Surgeon General.
I hope that you will all join me in the 21-Day Oral Health Challenge. It’s good for you, your kids and other kids across America who need a little help. Plus it really doesn’t take that long to brush, floss and rinse with mouthwash each day. Time it if you don’t believe me.
I received products and compensation from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. and The Motherhood as part of my participation in the Listerine 21-Day Challenge. All thoughts, opinions and pictures are my own.
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Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I am absolutely petrified of the dentist. I won’t even admit when the last time was that I went for a check up there. You would think that because of that fear I would be a nut when it came to taking care of my teeth, but sadly I’m not. Brushing alone isn’t going to help me. Maybe I should try the 21 day challenge too.
Kimberly recently posted..My Reflection
You should check it out. I’m on day 4 or 5 and already my teeth feel cleaner and the kids tell me all the time my breath smells good.
Twitter: amountainmomma
says:
Man, I have dental insurance and don’t go enough. Horrendous. Good for you, good luck with the flossing!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Theresa recently posted..Wednesday Words of Wisdom/Wordless Wednesday: “Choices” for girls and boys…
Use that insurance, lady!
I LOVE going to the dentist, in fact Lucas and I are going tomorrow! Every six months… with or without insurance. I’d go monthly, if I could. I’m a big fan of Listerine too.
Tonya recently posted..What A Difference A Day Makes
I think that is the first time I’ve ever heard anyone say they love going to the dentist.
Twitter: skywaitress
says:
I avoid the dentist like the plague. My last experience there was pretty traumatic and I haven’t been able to talk myself into going again. To make up for it I am religious about brushing and flossing every day. Maybe that means I’ll never have to go back? Sigh. I know, not exactly how it works.
Abigail recently posted..Thanks teenage me
Your feelings about the dentist are my feelings about having blood drawn. Absolutely hate it.
Twitter: AccidentalDesig
says:
I once read that no matter how much you spend on your home dental routine, it’s a bargain, because it always costs less than the repair.
Maggie S. recently posted..One Good Day Out of Every Thirty
That sounds like it could be true.
My daughter has early childhood caries and the dentist said all of her teeth should be extracted. For now, I’m looking for a second opinion. I’m hoping that there might be another option. Oral health is really important, we shouldn’t avoid dental clinics. It’s for our own sake especially with children.