Can 21 Days Make a Difference?
Growing up, I had horrible experiences with the dentist. My parents emphasized good habits of brushing our teeth and made sure we were happy with the toothbrushes and toothpaste we had. From what I remember, we did a pretty good job. Unfortunately, the dentist we went to was the problem. From what my mom was told when we were older, he was known to be a shyster and drilled for the sake of being able to bill parents more than he should have. I think most, if not all, of my baby teeth had fillings of some sort and the permanent teeth that had grown in while under his care received the same attention. As a result, I have taken great care to ensure my kids don’t have the same experience I did.
Yet here I am, developing poor habits myself. I’ll be the first to admit that when I’m exhausted and ready to crawl into bed after a long day that I don’t always brush my teeth. Wish I could use that same excuse for not flossing; I don’t do that mostly because I’m lazy. I use a fluoride rinse at the recommendation of my dentist but even that isn’t a regular habit for me.
So today marks my first of the LISTERINE 21-Day Challenge which includes brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash twice a day, every day, for three weeks. Three weeks, folks. That means when I’m tired and want to crawl into bed, I need to remember that not only am I setting a bad precedence for my kids but I’m also setting myself up for long-term failure.
Yesterday I headed off to Target to purchase a variety of Listerine products to help me succeed on this challenge. (Except I forgot to print my Listerine coupons first!)
In addition to Listerine toothpaste, antiseptic and Reach floss for myself, I also purchased Listerine Smart Rinse for the kids.
They have use Listerine Smart rinse in the past and are really good about using it without me nagging them. Maybe if I take care of my nighttime routine while they are doing theirs then I’ll actually succeed at this!
One of the coolest parts about this challenge isn’t what is happening in my home but what is happening elsewhere. Listerine has committed to raise awareness of oral health by making a contribution to help Oral Health America’s Smiles Across American program reach their 2014 goals. For every person who submits a “Swish Selfie” to the Listerine brand page, Listerine will donate $5.00 until they reach $85,000. That’s a lot of selfies and a lot of money!
Now let me ask you something. Do you like to take selfies? It’s for a great cause! Are you ready to take the Listerine 21-Day Challenge with me?
What an awesome challenge! I may have to try this out with my family to keep us motivated 🙂
I’m quite shy so no, selfies aren’t really my thing. But I have to say that Listerine is a must in our family’s dental routine.
With dental health proven to be linked to so many more aspects of our health, I can’t think of anything more important than taking care of your teeth!
My kids love to swish more than brush so I have to make sure they do both!
A great challenge for you! I already use mouth wash daily, so I guess I’m already on it. lol
Good luck on your challenge! I love their SmartRinse mouthwash and plan on using it on my little ones when they get a little older!
This is a great idea! I’m good about brushing but terrible at flossing. That’s because I kinda hate it. 🙂 But I know it’s important! Maybe I need to do a challenge, too!
It’s so true how 21 days can make a difference and can start a healthy new habit.
I rarely take selfies but I might consider it for this challenge!
I have a special needs son, so getting him to brush his teeth is difficult. I think using the rinse would be so helpful and I need to try it out.
we are *so* going to get that avengers rinse when the snow Is cleared!! i’m also starting the challenge (not for a campaign, just to get into the habit again)
Love Listerine, it always makes my mouth feel fresh and clean even after brushing!
I had a terrible experience at the dentist when I was a kid too. But I am taking this challenge too! Good luck!
That’s great that you’re doing a challenge to have better habits. I had a similar experience with dentists growing up. Good job getting your kids involved & on the right track. I am also lazy when it comes to flossing. Your post is inspiration to get a jump start on the habits I need to keep!
It’s no fluke they chose 21 days for their challenge length. That is typically how long it takes to form a long lasting habit. Good for you for doing this challenge. I must admit I’m a bit like you that sometimes I fail to brush my teeth before bed because I’m too tired to care. Lately I’ve been forcing myself, no matter how tired, to get it done. I’m not like a shark that can automatically replace any broken teeth that I lose. 😛
This is a great review for mouthwash. This has helped me decide what to get for my kids! 😉
Yes Christy its really great so getting him to brush his teeth is difficult…!