This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Sonicare for Kids
I was twelve when I got my first cavity. Until then, I boasted loudly, "I Have No Cavities!" and so it was a real let-down when I finally got one. And then there was the time that I simply didn't go to the dentist for a few years. I blame graduate school. Surprisingly, my teeth were in terrific shape - I think it was because I was using an electric toothbrush. In fact, when I went through another dental appointment drought after having my second child, the hygienist was shocked that it had been so long since I had a professional cleaning since my teeth didn't have the tartar buildup or inflamed gums she would have expected. When I mentioned I use a Sonicare, she nodded and finally believed me.
It was with glee that I accepted BlogHer's invitation to try out Sonicare For Kids. After all, since I had success with an adult electric toothbrush, I figured my kids would enjoy it as well.
My youngest son has already used my adult electric toothbrush, but with varying levels of success. Having a kid-size brush is much easier for him. My oldest son has been frightened of the adult toothbrush. He is on the autistic spectrum and has some concerns that make new experiences - particularly those of a sensory nature - nerve-wracking.
Truth be told, my oldest son doesn't have the best dental hygeine. It has always been quite a struggle to get him to brush his teeth. Plus, as "luck" would have it, he has particularly weak enamel. Even though we had been diligent about brushing when he was younger, as a todder the dentist descovered many cavities, including one that required a root canal. Although his teeth are sealed, it is still very important to brush them. Still, he balks at a regular toothbrush: we haven't been able to get the right bristle firmness - not too soft, not too hard - particularly as we are looking for dye-free bristles. I am pleased Sonicare for Kids has white bristles - I would encourage Sonicare to continue this. I understand the rational behind the ever-popular dye-indicator bristles, but hope that they keep white bristles as an option for their toothbrushes.
To my absolute delight, the Sonicare for Kids provides exactly the right amount of pressure for my oldest son - it is a soothing feeling for him without it being so fast, loud, or hard that it would cause fear. He laughed a bit initially because the brush tickles, but once he got used to it, he's been pleased. There are two pressure modes on the brush, so it was easy to find the right match. (There are also two sized brush heads.)
His brushing sessions have lasted much longer with Sonicare for Kids than when he used a regular manual brush. Officially, Sonicare for Kids has a "KidTimer" that increases brushing time over 90 days to the dentist-recommended two minutes. The "KidPacer" function gives little tones to indicate when to switch from lower teeth to upper teeth. But... we've been doing things a bit differently - because the kids want to brush even longer than the Sonicare for Kids routine.
I have confidence that the brush is reaching more places, too. As an added bonus - since my older son wants me to operate the electric toothbrush, I can make sure that all surfaces are hit, whereas he's "too big" to allow me to brush his teeth with a manual toothbrush. (I expect he'll soon take over the Sonicare duty himself, too, but I expect he'll do a more thorough job simply because the experience is more enjoyable than brushing with a manual toothbrush.)
My youngest son needed no coaxing to get on board with the Sonicare, and has been brushing several times a day thanks to it. He's lucky - because he has no cavities and has already been stellar with his hygeine. "Mom, I need mouthwash," he'll insist as I want to wave him off because I'm already curled up with a book for the evening - and yet I get up because I don't want to discourage his diligence. My youngest son is five, and can operate the Sonicare for Kids completely independently.
I'm very happy that the Sonicare for Kids has worked out well for us. I will be eager to see what my sons' dentist says at their checkup next month!
Now here's some great news for you: Thanks to BlogHer Reviews and Sonicare for Kids, I have a $100 Visa gift card to award to one of my readers!
To enter, leave me a comment below and tell me How do you handle your kids' dental hygiene? - or you may leave a link to your post on your own blog in the comments below. The contest will begin at 5:00 p.m. (PST) 10/15/2009 and will end 5:00 p.m. (PST) 11/15/2009.. Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.
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, 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 at BlogHer
• You have a total of 8 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!
Good luck! Please check out Sonicare For Kids' official site - Thank you to BlogHer and Sonicare for Kids - my kids definitely have cleaner teeth!
This contest is now closed - thank you all for your entries!
--
Disclaimer: As noted previously, this review was made possible by BlogHer Reviews and Sonicare for Kids. I received a free-for-review toothbrush and will receive a small stipend upon completion of the contest. The words above are my own, with the exception of the contest rules and links. My opinions and those of my family are our own and not influenced by any individual or entity. I was not under obligation to write a positive review. I selected this product for review because I expected that it would be something helpful to my family, and it is!
Comments (73)
I brush my kids' teeth twice a day and use kid flossers on them nightly.
Posted by Mami2jcn | October 16, 2009 12:11 PM
Posted on October 16, 2009 12:11
I blogged about this giveaway:
http://grand-giveaways.blogspot.com/2009/10/visa-100-gift-card-sponsored-by_16.html
Posted by Mami2jcn | October 16, 2009 12:12 PM
Posted on October 16, 2009 12:12
My 6-year-old uses a spinbrush and it seems to work well.
Posted by Mfalcon13 | October 16, 2009 12:12 PM
Posted on October 16, 2009 12:12
My son's 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.
Posted by Annette D | October 16, 2009 12:18 PM
Posted on October 16, 2009 12:18
my kids would love this toothbrush. I think Santa may have his bag full of dental hygiene products this year =) I have 4 boys that are all at different stages of wanting to brush. The older 2 don't mind brushing in the morning but don't want to brush at night. The younger 2 don't mind brushing at night but not in the morning! Maybe with the Sonicare they'll want to brush all the time. Thanks for the great review!
Posted by Lori | October 17, 2009 7:39 AM
Posted on October 17, 2009 07:39
My kids are pretty good about brushing their teeth. I try and make sure they brush every day
I use the sonicare. I think it is great that it is now offered for kids. It really does use a good job.
Your little son is so cute in that picture... He looks like a handful LOL.
Posted by marybeth i | October 17, 2009 8:50 AM
Posted on October 17, 2009 08:50
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!
Posted by Nicole (SAHM Reviews) | October 17, 2009 9:39 PM
Posted on October 17, 2009 21:39
cute toothbrushes always seem to help with the chore, the ones with see through areas with floaty charms and glitter go over well!
Posted by Alexandrea M | October 18, 2009 4:35 PM
Posted on October 18, 2009 16:35
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(at)netzero.com
Posted by Tara Hernandez | October 19, 2009 1:49 PM
Posted on October 19, 2009 13:49
I make sure they brush and "swish" w/ a flouride rinse twice per day...
Posted by Gina | October 19, 2009 2:00 PM
Posted on October 19, 2009 14:00
I handle my son's dental hygiene by making sure he brushes his teeth both morning and night.
Posted by bre | October 19, 2009 3:40 PM
Posted on October 19, 2009 15:40
My kids have needed lots of help and they are getting to the age that they don't want help. Agent cool blue has lenghened their brushing time, but I am still always looking for improvement.
Posted by Linda V | October 20, 2009 7:08 AM
Posted on October 20, 2009 07:08
I bought toothbrushes that play a song so your child knows how long to brush.
That and regular dental visits!
Posted by tuesday | October 21, 2009 7:32 AM
Posted on October 21, 2009 07:32
We have 2 monitor them on a daily basis 2 make sure they do it right, and long enough
Posted by Randy Bailey | October 21, 2009 9:21 AM
Posted on October 21, 2009 09:21
We keep the toothbrushes in the kitchen and brush as they finish eating breakfast. It has worked great and no cavities so far :)
Posted by Jill | October 24, 2009 12:38 PM
Posted on October 24, 2009 12:38
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.
Posted by Candace | October 27, 2009 8:57 PM
Posted on October 27, 2009 20:57
I let my kids start off brushing their own teeth and then I come in at the end and finish up getting any missed spots. Sounds like this toothbrush could help make this easier!
Posted by Tracy H | October 28, 2009 11:49 AM
Posted on October 28, 2009 11:49
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!
Posted by Jessie C. | October 29, 2009 11:21 AM
Posted on October 29, 2009 11:21
Tweet http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/5265410961
Posted by Jessie C. | October 29, 2009 11:22 AM
Posted on October 29, 2009 11:22
http://tcarolinep.blogspot.com/2009/10/giveaway-spectrum-of-reviews_29.html blogged.
Posted by Jessie C. | October 29, 2009 11:24 AM
Posted on October 29, 2009 11:24
The old-fashioned way - an egg timer. They brush until it runs out!
Posted by Scott | October 30, 2009 7:33 PM
Posted on October 30, 2009 19:33
I guess I don't have anything 'special'. They brush first to get practice, then I finish up with a thorough brushing to make sure they are getting it done correctly (ages 4 & 6).
Posted by William B. | October 31, 2009 11:20 AM
Posted on October 31, 2009 11:20
I write down a list of ''hygiene'' things for my son to do after showering. I decorated it like a bathroom pass and he has to complete them before coming out. (He has ADHD so I have to keep him in a ''routine'' like thing)After a while they get used to doing everything on it. Sonicare brushes are so fun and motivating for the kids, too. Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by Mindy | October 31, 2009 5:33 PM
Posted on October 31, 2009 17:33
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
Posted by Eve | November 1, 2009 7:19 PM
Posted on November 1, 2009 19:19
tweeted http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/5354187901
Posted by Eve | November 1, 2009 7:20 PM
Posted on November 1, 2009 19:20
blogged: http://sweetqt.wordpress.com/2009/11/01/giveaway-a-spectrum-of-reviews/
Posted by Eve | November 1, 2009 7:22 PM
Posted on November 1, 2009 19:22
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.
Posted by Nancy | November 2, 2009 5:12 AM
Posted on November 2, 2009 05:12
We use character toothbrushes and timers!
Posted by Clarissa | November 2, 2009 10:16 PM
Posted on November 2, 2009 22:16
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.
Posted by Mommy Daisy | November 3, 2009 6:31 PM
Posted on November 3, 2009 18:31
I tweeted- http://twitter.com/psmomreviews/status/5409615038.
Posted by Mommy Daisy | November 3, 2009 6:33 PM
Posted on November 3, 2009 18:33
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.
Posted by Linda Stewart | November 5, 2009 5:54 AM
Posted on November 5, 2009 05:54
I like to use fun-flavored toothpaste and dental floss. That seems to make it a more enjoyable experience!
Posted by Carmen | November 6, 2009 3:07 PM
Posted on November 6, 2009 15:07
Tweet: http://twitter.com/atlantagalknows/statuses/5491752039
Posted by Carmen | November 6, 2009 3:08 PM
Posted on November 6, 2009 15:08
The rule is to brush every morning, before bedtime and after meals if possible. Flossing is done everyday.
Posted by Carolyn G | November 7, 2009 8:43 AM
Posted on November 7, 2009 08:43
tweeted http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/5509616284
Posted by Carolyn G | November 7, 2009 8:43 AM
Posted on November 7, 2009 08:43
blogged http://theartofrandomwillynillyness.blogspot.com/2009/11/blogher-and-sonicare-giveaways.html
Posted by Carolyn G | November 7, 2009 8:44 AM
Posted on November 7, 2009 08:44
I may sound like a "mean" mom, but my son is not always gung-ho about brushing his teeth. I have to tell him that they are starting to turn yellow and then he is ready and willing to brush. I have found that lately if I have him floss before getting into the shower and then having him brush in the shower is much easier, and at night I tell him that the tooth monster comes and checks if you brushed your teeth and if you didn't he will keep tickling you until you brush. Works:)
Posted by Chacoy | November 7, 2009 2:28 PM
Posted on November 7, 2009 14:28
Twice a day as part of their chores. No allowance if it doesn't get done!
Posted by Scott B. | November 8, 2009 7:49 PM
Posted on November 8, 2009 19:49
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!
Posted by Joanna Price | November 8, 2009 8:04 PM
Posted on November 8, 2009 20:04
Tweet- http://twitter.com/joannagiveaway/status/5550346653
Posted by Joanna Price | November 8, 2009 8:04 PM
Posted on November 8, 2009 20:04
Blogged- http://pricemommysense.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaway-monday.html
Posted by Joanna Price | November 8, 2009 8:05 PM
Posted on November 8, 2009 20:05
It helps to keep favorite flavors of toothpaste on hand. :)
Posted by megs | November 9, 2009 9:40 AM
Posted on November 9, 2009 09:40
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!
Posted by Cori Westphal | November 9, 2009 12:06 PM
Posted on November 9, 2009 12:06
Tweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/5567699733
Posted by Cori Westphal | November 9, 2009 12:15 PM
Posted on November 9, 2009 12:15
Blogged: http://asahmlookingforadeal.blogspot.com/2009/11/sonicare-for-kids-is-giving-you-10.html
Posted by Cori Westphal | November 9, 2009 12:39 PM
Posted on November 9, 2009 12:39
we use a brushing chart and we use timers! they work great and the kids love them!
Posted by Leah | November 9, 2009 5:31 PM
Posted on November 9, 2009 17:31
http://scsoldierswife.blogspot.com/2009/11/sonicare-contest.html
blogged
Posted by Leah | November 9, 2009 5:32 PM
Posted on November 9, 2009 17:32
We just have a rule that they must brush at least twice a day. Morning and night. They both hate to brush so it is a battle. I would like to try the Sonicare brush, it sounds great!
Posted by Andrea H | November 10, 2009 6:00 PM
Posted on November 10, 2009 18:00
Tweet!
http://twitter.com/simplyandreah/status/5606809633
Posted by Andrea H | November 10, 2009 6:01 PM
Posted on November 10, 2009 18:01
I try all sorts of things: no candies if you don't brush afterwords, I brush with them every night..the girls are 7 & 5 and are learning I would say
Posted by hminnesota | November 11, 2009 3:06 AM
Posted on November 11, 2009 03:06
I am using dr fresh fire fly toothbrush for my son and he really likes it better than his electric toothbrush. He is very excited to brush with the music and lights. I bought this on the website www.firefly.us.com check it out for your little ones
Posted by Anonymous | November 13, 2009 12:33 AM
Posted on November 13, 2009 00:33
I have also switched to the fire fly toothbrush and my son is hooked. He really likes the lights of it and its his favourite colour green.Now he brushes his teeth twice a day without throwing his tantrums. Thanks to Dr fresh fire fly toothbrushes.
Posted by Anonymous | November 13, 2009 1:16 AM
Posted on November 13, 2009 01:16
We all have battery-powered toothbrushes and make brushing a family activity. We all squish into the bathroom and do it together ;)
Posted by Mariana | November 13, 2009 7:51 AM
Posted on November 13, 2009 07:51
I blogged: http://ridingwithnohands.com/november-8th-weekly-roundup/
Posted by Mariana | November 13, 2009 7:54 AM
Posted on November 13, 2009 07:54
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/ohMariana/statuses/5691462724
Posted by Mariana | November 13, 2009 1:29 PM
Posted on November 13, 2009 13:29
I let my 8-year-old son brush his own teeth twice a day but I do check every couple of days to make sure he is actually doing it and doing it well! He'd do a better job with an electric. I'll have to look into this one.
Posted by Wendy Briere | November 13, 2009 1:41 PM
Posted on November 13, 2009 13:41
Tweeted - http://twitter.com/NCBelle36/status/5691976713
Posted by Linda Stewart | November 13, 2009 1:48 PM
Posted on November 13, 2009 13:48
We use a mini hourglass shaped timer for teeth brushing followed by floss and a dental rinse. Twice a year I let the pros critique and give pointers.
Posted by momznite | November 13, 2009 1:56 PM
Posted on November 13, 2009 13:56
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.
Posted by Laura | November 14, 2009 8:52 AM
Posted on November 14, 2009 08:52
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.
Posted by janice | November 14, 2009 9:23 AM
Posted on November 14, 2009 09:23
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!
Posted by Ashley | November 14, 2009 9:32 AM
Posted on November 14, 2009 09:32
We brush the girls' teeth at night. They are 1 and 3. During the day, we let them "brush" their own teeth. We have manual toothbrushes for both. I'm hoping to get an electric toothbrush for the oldest next month when she turns 4.
Posted by Anita | November 14, 2009 1:56 PM
Posted on November 14, 2009 13:56
Here via Swistle's helpful reminder to enter. Congrats on raising a child so responsible that he requests mouthwash! That is incredible! On to your non-review blog next...
Posted by Jenny (Bring A. Torch) | November 14, 2009 5:33 PM
Posted on November 14, 2009 17:33
I nag constantly to get my kids to brush their teeth. My 13 year old can spend 1/2 an hour stressing over her hair and makeup, and forget to brush her teeth! Hopefully someday they will remember on their own.
Posted by Anne G | November 14, 2009 6:06 PM
Posted on November 14, 2009 18:06
I blogged
http://lunaj1456.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaway-from-sonicare-and-blogher.html
Posted by Anne G | November 14, 2009 6:07 PM
Posted on November 14, 2009 18:07
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/lunaj1456/status/5725007167
Posted by Anne G | November 14, 2009 6:07 PM
Posted on November 14, 2009 18:07
We use an electric toothbrush as well, an Oral B because the smaller brushhead is easier to get into a three year olds mouth.
Posted by TheGoriWife | November 14, 2009 6:46 PM
Posted on November 14, 2009 18:46
We use a manual toothbrush right now, mostly because our 2-year-old loses about a toothbrush a night, so it would be an expensive habit to keep replacing fancier ones. But he's so resistant to having his teeth brushed for a long period of time that I'm hoping an electric one will eventually intrigue him and be a good fit.
Posted by Lauren @ Hobo Mama | November 15, 2009 3:45 AM
Posted on November 15, 2009 03:45
My daughter is 6 now so she is pretty good about brushing. We do get the Listerine Blue mouthwash to help her see where she needs to brush. We also sing a song so she knows how long she needs to brush for. :)
Posted by Amanda Starr | November 15, 2009 9:48 AM
Posted on November 15, 2009 09:48
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.
Posted by Kristi | November 15, 2009 9:50 AM
Posted on November 15, 2009 09:50
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!
Posted by Anna | November 15, 2009 3:21 PM
Posted on November 15, 2009 15:21
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/mamajourney/status/5749569345
Posted by Anna | November 15, 2009 3:41 PM
Posted on November 15, 2009 15:41
I blogged: http://mamajourney.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/sonicare-kids-toothbrush-or-100-visa-card-giveaway/
Posted by Anna | November 15, 2009 4:20 PM
Posted on November 15, 2009 16:20