Easter Gifts: Dental Hygiene for Kids {Bright Smiles, Bright Futures}
For the past month, my boy’s Pre-K class at the YMCA has been studying hygiene and you can bet that my boy had a lot to learn about dental hygiene. I can openly admit that I have not been good about teaching the boy to brush his teeth and I can (embarrassingly) admit that I have not taken him to the dentist yet – and he is five years old! Part of their learning this month was about proper dental care and they all received a new toothbrush. Even though my son has received about ten musical and vibrating toothbrushes in the past five years, that one little plain red toothbrush has been the difference for him. Every day since he brought that “big boy five year old toothbrush” home, he has not given us any trouble with brushing his teeth. He has even asked to brush them after a meal a few times! I decided to surprise his class this week with an early Easter present and they were jumping with excitement!
During the next couple of weeks, kids are going to start getting treats of candy and chocolate and hiding Easter eggs everywhere. I thought a fun treat for the kids at my boy’s Pre-K would be a new character toothbrush and toothpaste so you know I headed to Walmart for all the goodies.
I was happy to find this huge Easter display just inside the door and it was filled with hygiene products and hair care. I checked out the dental hygiene products and found just what I needed. I picked up Colgate Dora the Explorer toothbrushes and toothpaste for the girls and Spongebob Squarepants for the boys, then made them each a little bag with some fun neon flossers.
Be Their Champion!
Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures
When I was young, we rarely went to the dentist. We didn’t have insurance so we only went when we had a problem. I can’t say that I am scared of the dentist, and I try my best to take care of my teeth, but I am not one to go to the dentist on a regular basis. I do; however, know that it is definitely time to get my boy in to the dentist. Fortunately, we have dental insurance and can afford to get this done.
Did you know:
Over 19% of children ages 2-19 have untreated cavities. A child’s complete preventive dental program should include fluoride, at least twice-daily brushing, wise food choices, and regular dental care. (Source: CDC)
Children living in poverty suffer twice as much tooth decay as their more affluent peers, and their disease is more likely to go untreated. Medicare does not cover most dental procedures (including routine check-ups), which means that these children are even more in need of basic dental care supplies like toothbrushes and toothpaste.
The daily reality for children with untreated oral disease is often persistent pain, inability to eat comfortably or chew well, embarrassment at discolored and damaged teeth, and distraction from play and learning.
Champions for Kids SIMPLE Service Project
You probably know by now that my boy loves to give. We have participated in so many Champions for Kids SIMPLE Service Projects and my boy just loves when I tell him it is time for another one. He was excited to deliver these Easter baskets full of Colgate dental hygiene packs for his classmates to Palestine YMCA today. Ms. Jane was quite proud of him as well.
You can be One of Millions too!!
Next time you are shopping in the dental hygiene section at Walmart (or anywhere, really) pick up a few extra toothbrushes and toothpastes and find a group of kids in need in your own community – and report it all on the Champions for Kids website. They want to know that YOU are helping, too!!
Become ONE OF MILLIONS and help Champions for Kids meet their goal of 20 million people served by 2020.
Get involved in your own community by checking out the Champions for Kids SIMPLE Service Project every month. Find out what others are doing by following Champions for Kids on Facebook and @Champions4Kids on Twitter.
Learn more about how you can Be Their Champion! and provide dental hygiene products for kids by following Colgate on Facebook and @ColgateSmile on Twitter.
Twitter Party Alert
Come join us for a Champion for Kids and Colgate Twitter Party on March 20 at 12pm EST!!
RSVP for the #Colgate4Kids Twitter Party here!!
Janet – thanks for sharing this great project and including such fun and sweet pictures! Well Done and Great post!
Thanks so much for visiting and commenting!
Our local home for abused kids would desperately need something like this. Such an awesome “give back”.
Marina recently posted..Whoa! Sprint and the Samsung GALAXY S III… Best. Thing. Ever!
I used to love getting toothbrushes and fun toothpaste for Easter. My mom got me those each year. Love this project!
Tazim recently posted..It’s Time to Start Thinking About Renovating and Redecorating
He looks so happy and proud with his donations! What a great idea to treat the class to new dental products.
Amy recently posted..iSing Karaoke with {Hello Kitty}
I almost always include a new toothbrush in all my sons gifts. Stockings, easter baskets, etc. He loves them!
Jenny K recently posted..Toddler Peanut Butter and Jelly Shapes [Welch’s #PBJYourWay]
I love this service project! This year I am definitely including toothbrushes and toothpaste in the Easter baskets.
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