Brusha, Brusha, Brusha

Dental hygiene is such a critical part of  a child's life.  And man is it hard to instill the skills and recommended routines to make it happen.

I'd say since McKenna turned two and was actively eating foods that included sugar, we have tried to be adamant about brushing her teeth.  Man is the struggle real! I mean a two year old who is now in control of her body, chooses when she feels comfortable with someone helping her stick a brush with bristles on it in her mouth.

So here is my list of must haves and do's:

1. The right brush.  We started out with the normal 0-2 yrs tooth brush, but that wasn't working. Then I stumbled upon the Jack N' Jill silicone brush.  The brush is the trick!  Bringing independence to our little girl! We purchased from Amazon here,  but then I found the exact same product at Wal-Mart for a couple bucks less.  Can be purchased on Amazon here or at Wal-Mart in the baby section. The best thing about this brush is that it can be used from ages 2-5 years and surrounds the teeth on bottom and top at the same time!!! Major plus and saves some major hassles.  I still go back and take a regular toothbrush and get really good along the gum lines and on the molars.


2. The right toothpaste.  We have chose not to use fluoride and avoid any paste with dyes or unneeded additives.  My favorite two pastes right now are Poofy Organics and Jack N' Jill's strawberry flavor. McKenna absolutely loves these and I love that they are good for her.  I also choose to use a fluoride, clay based toothpaste from Redmond.


3. Encouragement and Consistency.  Sometimes good ol' You Tube is just the thing.  Our favorite videos are the following because they are catchy and fun.  Typically lasting about the time the child should brush their teeth to get an adequate cleaning.

I also have McKenna join me in the morning and evenings to brush teeth.  We try to make it fun! Even brushing our dolls and stuffed animals when extra encouragement is needed. Because they need clean teeth too!

4. A trip to the dentist for an introduction.  This past Wednesday I had my 6 month cleaning and I had been talking with my dentist about his tips.  He invited her to come and watch for this visit.  She was scared at first, but enjoyed learning what was happening, the tools, and even playing with some gloves.  She even got to pick out my toothbrush and floss to take home and then some little prizes. Over all is went well and she talks about the dentist cleaning her teeth now.  I have loved the office I go to and how upfront and real they are.  I even asked for a dye free paste to use on my teeth for the cleaning and the hygienist immediately responded of course.  They had just plain pumice!  

So good luck to all the families out there that and on this adventure too!

New adventures....hopefully!

Yes, it has almost been a month since my last post.  But if you refer to the previous post, you know why!

Last Friday, we received the letter that informed us McKenna had not been chosen for the 3-year old preschool.  We had applied in hopes that she could attend and then attend a child care center for the remaining part of the day.  Yes, it would have saved us money.  But now I think it honestly was meant to be.  As a public school educator, I had the fear of "schooling" being pushed at too young of an age. I have always said that children are born with the desire to learn until it becomes forced.  Not to say this program forces, but I just worry that she would get tired of the "schooling" at a young age. I know the social aspect would have been great for her, but she gets it in other doses.  And this mama is planning big things for the summer including starting gymnastics!  So the stress of getting into the program had me going, but now I am at ease with the decision.  She will stay with her wonderful sitter for the next year!

I have also been stressing about other changes that could possibly take place.  There are many details to follow, but thoughts for us and positive vibes are welcomed right now!