Oral-B Stages Want's to Spread the Truth about Teeth ~ Review and Giveaway!

Have you experienced mommy guilt when it comes to your children's teeth? I know I have! I have always been diligent about my children's bedtime brushing routine but flossing has often been a bit of a challenge. My children tend to be very independent. From the age of two my children have fought to dress themselves, pour their own cereal, and brush their own teeth! Now as an intelligent and well educated woman I know that children should not be allowed to brush their own teeth...at least not without some adult assistance but have you ever felt unable to fight the good fight? Exhaustion often takes over reason and moms like myself find ourselves lacking. I continue to remind myself that this fight is for my child's oral health and is important! Oral-B Stages wants to remind all parents of this very important point and are working to provide the tools you and your children need to maintain oral health.

Have you ever wandered down the toothbrush aisle and wondered, "Are kids toothbrushes really any different from any others?" They are, they are no marketing scheme! Oral-B Stages line-up is designed specifically to the dentition, development, and dexterity of your growing children. This became clear to me when my dentist handed me a brush with a teeny, tiny end so I could reach my numerous wisdom teeth. "Ah yes", I thought, "They really do need to design toothbrushes differently for a specific dentition and children would be no exception!"

My daughters fall into the Stage 3 category and Oral-B has thought of everything: a large non-slip handle for dexterity, soft gum bumpers on the head to protect tender gums, and cup-shaped bristles for better cleaning. The bristles are also tapered at the brush end for a better reach to the back teeth which are developing at this stage! My daughters just see the High School Musical design and say "Cool!" I look at the way the brush is engineered and say, "Awesome!" Isn't it funny how much a new toothbrush can excite a child?
My 9 year old son even smiled a little when I mentioned the new Oral-B Stages toothbrushes and toothpaste had arrived. Isn't it refreshing to see your children rush to the bathroom to brush? It should be a "new" toothbrush day everyday. My son is a Stage 4. Oral-B knows that at this stage teeth are missing or growing in and have accounted for the sensitive gaps by using massaging bristles. The free-form graphics and the adult-like handle {sized for a child} make this the "Big-Boy/Big-Girl" brush!

Even at this stage it is important to note that while children may choose to brush alone a parent should always check afterward for missed areas and help their children floss. As any dentist will tell you flossing is crucial for cavity prevention! Oral-B also sent us Oral-B Satin Floss which I personally find so much softer and gentler than other brands I've tried. Because it is so soft i don't mind using on my children's teeth as well as my own!

Oral-B Stages has created three stages of toothpastes from their Stage 1 toothpaste for babies free of fluoride, saccharin, artificial colours and preservatives to the cavity fighting mild gel formula of their Stage 3 paste. My children are just happy with the flavour {and believe me they haven't always been with other brands}!

A Few Myths about Kids and Oral Health!
Myth: You should wait until your child is at least three years old before you take them to the dentist.
Fact: Parents should take their babies to a dental professional for risk assessment and advice on oral care.

Myth: Kids don't need to floss.
Fact: Flossing should be done as soon as two teeth touch. It is the only way to remove plaque from between teeth.

Myth: I don't need to check my child's teeth after they've brushed.
Fact: It is a good idea to check to ensure your child is brushing well and to teach good brushing {some dentists recommend using a flashlight to check for missed spots}.

Myth: It's not a big deal if my child gets cavities or doesn't take care of their baby teeth--they just fall out anyway.
Fact: Baby teeth are still importnat for proper chewing and speech development. You don't want them to be painful. They are also placeholders for permanent teeth.
Information provided by Oral-B in their booklet "Olivia the Tooth Fairy and the Truth about Teeth".

Oral-B want to provide you with the tools for maintaining your children's oral health and is offering one Northern Mama reader Oral-B Stages toothbrushes for all their children {customized based on age and gender}! But they haven't forgotten mom or dad because they are also providing an Oral-B Vitality Pro-White and Crest Pro-Health toothpaste for you! Great for stocking stuffers!
To Enter:

• Visit Oral-B Stages and tell me something you've learned about oral health or what specific product{s} you would want to purchase for your children. {Required}
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Giveaway open to US and Canadian residents. Giveaway closes November 25, 2009 10:00pm CT. Read Giveaway Rules for further details.