I Hope My Kids Love The Dentist

This post brought to you by Tom’s of Maine. All opinions are 100% mine.

Growing up, I loved the dentist. I don’t know if it was the big “treasure box” of toys we got to pick from or what…. I used to make up silly songs about brushing your teeth when I was little. I was actually excited to get braces at age 16. I was fascinated by the orthodontist, and even did an interview with my orthodontist for a writing assignment I had in high school. I considered being an orthodontist until I realized although I loved the science behind how they can move teeth around, I didn’t really want to stick my hands in people’s mouths.

Perhaps I loved the dentist because I have only had one cavity in my entire life, and that wasn’t until I was in my mid-to-late twenties. That might help. I suppose not having to go through drilling and filling at a young age, and always hearing “your teeth look great!” helps. I want to pass on my love of dental hygiene to my children, and make their trips to the dentist fun and pleasant, too!

We’ve started baby’s dental hygiene by wiping his gums after meals and before bedtime (which you can start at any age, but definitely once you begin giving solids to your baby). When he’s a bit older, we’ll use a baby toothbrush. And we pay attention to the toothpaste we use. We were happy to see Tom’s Of Maine makes a Flouride-Free Clean and Gentle Toothpaste, due to recent statements by the CDC and ADA about being cautious about fluoride, since research is showing increased fluoride intake can lead to enamel fluorosis in children.

Tom’s of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care. They have a 40-year history of being committed to supporting their customers, which is why they came out with a fluoride-free version of their toothpaste. Here’s what Tom’s of Maine says about their Fluoride-free toothpaste:

“Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) foams and disperses ingredients, but some consumers want toothpaste without SLS. Our breakthrough formula uses the gentle ingredient glycyrrhizin (derived from licorice root) for natural low foam. Plus, natural flavor oils for a great taste!”

We’ve also tried Tom’s Of Maine’s Wicked Fresh Cool Peppermint toothpaste, which has a great flavor and keeps your mouth feeling fresh. One aspect I love about all their toothpaste is that Tom’s does not use artificial sweeteners or preservatives; instead they sweeten their toothpaste with Xylitol, a natural sweetener. I could go on about how their ingredients are better for you, but their website lists every ingredient in each toothpaste, and where that ingredients is derived from.

To find out more about Tom’s Of Maine visit their Facebook or Twitter. And you can win Tom’s Of Maine Wicked Fresh Prizes (like a $500 Target Gift Card) by sharing your Wicked Fresh moment, experience, or discovery. Visit the That’s Wicked Fresh contest page.

So… do you like the dentist? hate the dentist? Concerned about fluoride or other ingredients in your toothpaste? Leave a comment below!