Sunday, October 11, 2009

Tickled Clean Teeth

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Sonicare for Kids.

My husband and were starting to worry that perhaps our daughter, "The May Queen," (who just turned 7!) wasn't doing a good enough job brushing her teeth. She would rush through her brushing, and we were concerned that she wasn't giving all areas of her mouth equal time. My husband had just been to the dentist and suggested that when I went the next week I should check out this electronic toothbrush they were advertising. Sonicare. He thought it might help our May Queen get her teeth cleaner without us having to be the brushing police.

But before I even had the chance to make it to the dentist myself I was offered the chance to test out Sonicare's new toothbrush designed specifically for kids. Kismet, no? I eagerly signed us up.

When the toothbrush arrived we got it charging right away. The May Queen was delighted that she got to choose from three different stick-on faces to decorate the toothbrush. She chose blue. That evening, the brush was ready to use. The May Queen was so excited.

Upon first putting the brush up to her teeth she giggled. GIGGLED! A lot. The vibrating motion was tickling her teeth. She loved it.

The brush gives off a fun musical sound indicating when it's time to switch to a different section of the mouth. It took a bit of instruction for her to understand that rather than moving her wrist she just had to slowly movie the brush over one area until it was time to switch places, but by the second use she was a pro.

And it works. The May Queen LOVES using it. The tickling sensation, as promised in the directions, lessens with each use as your mouth gets accustomed to the motion of the brush. The May Queen looks forward to using it, and undoubtedly spends more time brushing than she did before. The timer on it is fantastic, it keeps her from rushing like she did with her regular brushing routine. About a week after she began using it SHE visited the dentist. He was pleased to hear she was using Sonicare, and told her to keep up the good work.

I would recommend the product on the sheer fact that our 7 year old now enjoys brushing her teeth and spends more time doing so. But I also feel confident saying that it does a better job of cleaning her teeth than she ever did on her own. She has a lot of her permanent teeth already, and I want her to keep them cavity free. I am confident that Sonicare will help us reach that cavity-free goal.

as an aside: Sonicare was kind enough to provide us with an adult version of their toothbrush as well, and I can personally say that it DOES tickle at first (I giggled, too!), you DO get used to it, and my teeth feel VERY clean when I am done. I didn't get to choose a fun stick-on faceplate, but I'll keep using it anyways.

Wanna check it out for yourself? Blogher and Sonicare are having a sweepstakes! You have a total of 10 chances to win a $100 Visa gift card from BlogHer Reviewers, plus the chance to win a Sonicare prize pack on the BlogHer.com special offers page! To enter, leave me a comment below and tell me How do you handle your kids' dental hygiene? - or you may write a post about your kid's dental hygiene on your own blog leave a link to that post in the comments below. The contest will begin at 9:00 a.m. (PST) 10/15/2009 and will end 5:00 p.m. (PST) 11/15/2009. Make sure that you leave a correct e-mail address so I can contact you if you win!

Here's the Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.

You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.

This giveaway is open to US-residents, 18 years of age or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw (via the Random Number Generator), and will notified by e-mail.

You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Please see the official rules here: Official rules.


For more information on Sonicare for Kids check out their Official site.

69 comments:

Amy Y said...

My kids have pretty good dental hygeine. I'd love to try one of these toothbrushes, though, to help with plaque buildup. We see the dentist for regular cleanings every six months. They brush twice a day and do a mouth rinse to help fight cavities. So far at ages 6 and 8, they remain cavity free! Yay! But the front teeth are a slight yellow color. :(

kayerj said...

nice review, and it never hurts to make a chore fun :)

Magpie said...

this'll probably disqualify me, but my child alternates between a regular kid toothbrush, and our rechargable braun. does she really need her own kid sized electric?

Mami2jcn said...

I brush my kids' teeth twice a day and use kid flossers on them nightly.

Mfalcon13 said...

My 6-year-old uses a spinbrush and it seems to work well.

mfalcon13 (at) hotmail (dot) com

Unknown said...

My sons are older now and you still have to worry about dental hygiene but now you have the extra added problems associated with braces. I always have encouraged my kids to brush their teeth at least 2 times a day and more often if possible. Flossing is a must and limiting drinks with a lot of sugar. Sometimes it can be a challenge!

imbeingheldhostage said...

My kids are great at night brushing, but not so much so in the morning. I get a lot of eye rolling. However they are all pretty entertained watching me use MY Sonicare, it never occurred to me that maybe I should see if there was a kid version!

alejna said...

Hmm...Maybe we should think about an electric toothbrush.

Our tooth-brushing routine includes singing "the broccoli song" while brushing our daughter's teeth. "You've got broccoli in your teeth, so you've got to brush your teeth..." (Sung to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle. Lyrics by my husband.) We substitute in whatever food was for dinner, and sing it through twice. But I'm sure it's still not really long enough.

Unknown said...

We have been using the Cool Blue Agent to get our kids to brush longer. I think this this would help them brush better.

Unknown said...

My kids are pretty good about brushing their teeth. I use the sonicare. I think it is great that it is now offered for kids. It really does use a good job

Nicole Brady said...

My daughters are 6 and 5 and the rule is that they brush their teeth twice a day. In the morning, they get to do it themselves and in the evening, I do it for them. The dentist told us that kids can't effectively brush completely on their own until they are much older!

I have a Sonicare and am excited to see that they've introduced a children's version!

Beck said...

My oldest, at 10, is very careful about brushing her teeth and so I don't worry about her and my youngest, at 4, is young enough for me to brush her teeth still when necessary. But my 7 year old? Mph. Right now, I settle for constantly nagging the poor kid about his poor unbrushed teeth.

Pgoodness said...

my boys would probably get a big kick out of that! we struggle with brushing..I could use some help enticing them!

Kyla said...

We get the kids those Crest or Oral B spinning brushes. We have to brush KayTar's for her, but BubTar is pretty good with his, though once a week or so, we do a brushing for him just to check things.

Ali said...

cute toothbrushes always seem to help, the ones with see through areas with floaty charms and glitter go over well!

Hula Hooping Mom said...

We have the kids sing to each other – and when they are done with the song, they can stop brushing. Or you can actually use a timer too and have the kids set it.

hernandez5621@netzero(dot)com

Gina said...

I make sure they brush and "swish" w/ a flouride rinse twice per day...

Bre said...

I handle my son's dental hygiene by making sure he brushes his teeth both morning and night.

Tuesday Girl said...

I bought my twins toothbrushes that play a song, when the song is over then you can stop brushing. I thin it is a great way to keep them brushing for the right amount of time!

tuesdayef at aol dot com

rbailey1958 said...

We have 2 monitor them at the ages they R for now. We R determined they get the job done twice a day
pkbailey@charter.net

Candace said...

I still brush my youngest ones' teeth (he's 15 months). But my 3 yr old, now that's another story. Usually, we have a bit of a struggle because he likes to play with the toothbrush and use it on everything but his mouth. Hopefully, this will get better.

JC said...

I got them cartoon character electric toothbrushes since it seems easier and funnier for them to enjoy brushing teeth ritual. But I got to admit that Sonicare sounds like a better option for my next purchase if I need to get them new ones. And of course, dental visit every six months!

JC said...

Tweet http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/5266085252

JC said...

Blogged. http://tcarolinep.blogspot.com/2009/10/giveaway-painted-maypole-reviews.html

Bayou Belle said...

we too brush morning and night but I also brush their teeth for them at least once a week. That way I can reinforce the proper way to brush and make sure i get their teeth really good!

Unknown said...

I make sure they brush their teeth twice a day. They also floss and use mouthwash. I make sure they do that because I don't want them to have and breath.
shopgurl101@gmail.com

Unknown said...

tweeted: http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/5353126653

Unknown said...

http://sweetqt.wordpress.com/2009/11/01/giveaway-painted-maypole-reviews/ blogged

shopgurl101@gmail.com

Nancy said...

They brush their teeth every morning and every night. I try to add a little incentive by buying toothbrushes they like (barbie, mickey, etc) and flavored toothpaste. It seems to make it a wee bit easier and more enjoyable.

Clarissa said...

We use character toothbrushes and timers!
clarissa at digitaldeacons dot com

Mommy Daisy said...

My son (3 years old) is allowed to brush his own teeth, but he must let me "follow up". That way I'm letting him learn to clean them (he does pretty good), yet I know they are getting as clean as they need to be when I finish.

Linda Stewart said...

My girls are grown and handle their own dental care now. I do however have my grandsons living with me and they both love ‘tooth time’. Lil Man has his own special brush and toothpaste. He will brush for a while then I finish up for him. After he rinses he loves to smile really big and show his pearly whites. Lil Bit has just cut his first two teeth. Ever since he was born I would wash his gums with wash cloth but now that he has two front teeth I have a fingertip mini brush I use to brush those little teeth and we will slowly graduate him to a regular brush when he is older.

carmen said...

Flavored toothpastes and floss work well in our household. Also keeping the sugar to a minimum helps as well!

carmensechristjunk at gmail dot com

carmen said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/atlantagalknows/statuses/5491883944

Carolyn G said...

the rule is to brush after every meal and before bedtime.

Carolyn G said...

tweeted http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/5509226158

raven_1884 said...

brush twice a day and you will be find that is what i tell nmy son

Chacoy said...

I have him floss before he takes a shower and brush in the shower and right before bed:)

Joanna (joanna.price(at)live(dot)com) said...

Even though my son is only 10 months, we still work on his dental hygiene! He has two little toothers on the bottom, and we use a "gum cleaner" to brush them!

Joanna (joanna.price(at)live(dot)com) said...

Tweet- http://twitter.com/joannagiveaway/status/5550635129

Joanna (joanna.price(at)live(dot)com) said...

Blogged- http://pricemommysense.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaway-monday.html

megatonk said...

Gentle, flavored products are a hit around our house.

Cori Westphal said...

From day one, it has just been routine to brush in the morning and at night. No exceptions. This way, there is no battle over brushing, it's just the way it is! My kids at 5 and 7 now so they pretty much handle brushing themselves, but I still check to make sure they did a good job!

Cori Westphal said...

Tweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/5567853218

Cori Westphal said...

Blogged: http://asahmlookingforadeal.blogspot.com/2009/11/sonicare-for-kids-is-giving-you-10.html

Mom said...

We use timers and brushing charts!

Mom said...

http://scsoldierswife.blogspot.com/2009/11/sonicare-contest.html

Andrea Hatfield said...

We try to make them brush twice daily but it usually doesn't happen. They have been to the dentist and have no cavities but I really want to invest in an electric toothbrush for them. Their grandfather has one and he loves it. Thanks for the giveaway!

Andrea Hatfield said...

Tweet!

http://twitter.com/simplyandreah/status/5606409998

Hetal said...

I do all sorts of things. No candies if they don't promise to brush after. I brush with them every night and ask them it is a ritual. Girls are 7 & 5 and seem to be learning okay.

Hetal said...

http://twitter.com/hminnesota/status/5616107758
tweeted

Mariana said...

We all have battery-powered toothbrushes and make brushing a family activity. We all squish into the bathroom and do it together ;)

Mariana said...

I blogged: http://ridingwithnohands.com/november-8th-weekly-roundup/

GigiWendy said...

I let my 8-year-old son brush his own teeth twice a day but I randomly check to make sure he is doing a good job. If he isn't I scrub them myself. He would probably do a better job with an electric toothbrush.

momznite said...

Too bad they don't make fun stick on choices for grown-up brushes!

The whole dental routine was much more dramatic and challenging when my daughter was a preschooler. Now we use a mini hourglass shaped timer for teeth brushing followed by floss and rinse.

Louise said...

Ohhhh, we don't do enough for our kids' dental hygiene. We instruct, watch and check, but both have little spots they miss. I never knew about a kids' kind. I have the grown-up kind. I hated it for the first week, but got used to it. (My teeth actually felt dirtier, but the reason my dentist made me get it is that apparently I'm a compulsive over-brusher.) PERFECT thing for kids!

Navigating the Mothership said...

My baby is still young, but we are already letting her see my Husband and me brushing our teeth so it becomes a normal part of everyday life.

Janice said...

My husband and I both use sonic care, but I haven't gotten them for our little guys yet. (3.5) still doing their teeth by hand.

Ashley said...

My 10 month old has seven teeth, and it is all I can do to try to get a little baby toothbrush or washcloth in his mouth. He is so independent that I think he will really enjoy brushing, once he can do it himself!

Bring A. Torch said...

My kids are as-yet hypothetical but I think using something like this might be the easiest way to handle dental stuff without arguing. Now if only they could gadgetize flossing!

Anne said...

I handle my kids dental hygiene by nagging them constantly to brush their teeth, and making sure they get to the dentist every 6 months. I find they still need constant reminders, even my 13 year old.

Anne said...

I blogged
http://lunaj1456.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaway-from-sonicare-and-blogher.html

Anne said...

I tweeted
http://twitter.com/lunaj1456/status/5725378757

The Gori Wife said...

We use an electric toothbrush as well, an Oral B because the smaller brushhead is easier to get into a three year olds mouth.

Lauren Wayne said...

We have a 2-year-old, so we try to trick him into opening his mouth and leaving it open so we can get to all the places inside. We try to make it fun, which sometimes works!

mail AT HoboMama.com

Kristi said...

Pain in the tushie though it is, I sit criss-cross applesauce (gag) on the floor while they lay back and I dry brush then floss - then they go brush at the sink with flouride toothpaste. We use regular cheap brushes because I change them about once a month.

Anna said...

I'd love to win one of these for my boys. We handle brushing by using one of those toothbrushes that blink for a minute while they brush (so that they will brush long enough). This sounds like an awesome brush!

Anna said...

I tweeted: http://twitter.com/mamajourney/status/5749856491

Anna said...

I blogged: http://mamajourney.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/sonicare-kids-toothbrush-or-100-visa-card-giveaway/