#Listerine 21-Day Challenge Complete: How Did We Do?

by Nicole Etolen | Mar 6, 2014 | Health & Beauty | 17 comments

Disclosure: “I received a Target gift card to purchase LISTERINE^® Brand products from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. and The Motherhood as part of my participation in the LISTERINE^® 21-Day Challenge. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.”

Pretty much exactly three weeks ago, I shared with you how Jake and I were doing the Listerine 21-Day Oral Health challenge. Our biggest issues were consistency. While we brushed every night and most mornings, we often skipped either flossing, rinsing or both. Flossing was pretty much the biggest challenge, as I tended to rely on the mouthwash to get between teeth. While it does help loosen and wash away some bacteria, it’s not a replacement for flossing.

Jacob’s biggest issue was timing. He views oral health care as an interruption to his “me” time. Taking five minutes out of his nightly relaxing time is a big deal to an 8-year-old. In the morning, he likes to wake up early and either watch TV or play on his computer. Again, brushing his teeth is not exactly a welcome distraction. So I had to find a way to work it into the routine without leaving him feeling like he was missing out on his fun time.

Balancing good oral health with a busy schedule and a forgetful mind

The first step was to make myself actually remember to floss, brush and rinse every night and day. Not just do one of the three, but all three every time. For me, that means leaving the Listerine products out in the open where I see them. Some people like to stash their oral health care products in a cabinet. I have so much stuff in my cabinets, I’ll never remember to look there! No one but me uses my bathroom, so honestly, I don’t really care if it’s company-ready all the time.

For Jacob, I created a schedule that doesn’t interrupt his play time. I let him stay up 5 minutes later at night and get up 5 minutes earlier in the morning. That’s really all it takes! Ten minutes off his sleep schedule really doesn’t make a huge impact, as he gets a good 9 hours of sleep every night anyway. He didn’t feel like I was taking away his fun time and I got what I wanted- a kid who doesn’t fight with me about brushing, flossing and rinsing. Sometimes you have to know when to compromise as a parent to reduce struggles. So how did we do? Overall, I think we did pretty good with the Listerine 21-Day Oral Health Challenge.

Still time to submit your Swish Selfie to help kids in need!

If you head over to the LISTERINE^® Brand’s Facebook page, you can check out the details on how to complete the 21-Day Oral Health Challenge yourself. Even better, if you submit a Swish Selfie picture, Listerine will donate $5 to Oral Health America. PLUS, you could have a chance at $500 for yourself! The contest ends on April 27th, so get started on your own Listerine 21-Day Oral Health challenge and enter!

Don’t forget, you can find all your favorite Listerine products at your local Target!

17 Comments

Amanda Love on March 9, 2014 at 5:12 am

This would be a great challenge for my boys. They currently use listerine but never remember to brush. Maybe I can get them involved with a bit of incentive.
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Robin (Masshole Mommy) on March 9, 2014 at 8:07 am

I use Listerine daily, but I would definitely love to get my boys involved in a better brushing/mouth washing routine.
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Scott on March 9, 2014 at 10:26 am

It’s a good challenge and so hard to introduce something new into old habits and routines. Hopefully you’ll be able to keep it up!
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becca on March 9, 2014 at 4:08 pm

My son would love to take this challenge he is all about good oral care.
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Emily on March 9, 2014 at 4:20 pm

My son is eager to brush his teeth every morning because he knows that he can then go downstairs for breakfast – poor thing wakes up famished every day! I think he’s a bit young for Listerine, he’s turns 5 in July, but when he’s ready I’m going to introduce it to him. I’ve been using it regularly for a few weeks myself – and I’ve noticed a big difference in how my mouth feels in the morning.
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valmg @ Mom Knows It All on March 9, 2014 at 5:30 pm

I think you did great. There’s nothing wrong with compromise, especially when it isn’t unreasonable and is for a good reason like improving oral hygiene.
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Beth on March 9, 2014 at 5:50 pm

5 minutes is a short time when it comes to a life time of having your teeth. Great reminder about oral care for all of us. Thanks!!
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Pam on March 9, 2014 at 6:00 pm

I’m glad you figured out something that helps him keep his me time and still helps his oral health! When my kids didn’t like brushing their teeth, I used charts and they got stars every time they brushed, rinsed, and flossed.
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Fabulous Perks on March 9, 2014 at 7:49 pm

The hubby loves listerine! I will share this challenge with him, Since our little one is way too young for it.
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Rachee on March 9, 2014 at 7:57 pm

My daughter and I have been struggling to come up with a routine. This would be a good challenge to help keep her on a good oral track and to eliminate the fighting.
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Mina Slater on March 9, 2014 at 8:30 pm

I’m glad you were able to find a way to make a schedule that works for your son. Oral health is so important! I brush & rinse properly but I could afford to floss more often. I forget at least 1-3 times.
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Luchie C. on March 9, 2014 at 8:58 pm

Oral healthcare has also been a challenge for me with the kids. They zealously protect their “me” time; aka playtime. (LOL) That was a great tip to incorporate the routine. And yes, having it visible helps.
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Sarah Bailey on March 9, 2014 at 9:03 pm

What a neat challenge I have to admit I do like Listerine mouth wash 🙂 x
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Marielle Altenor on March 10, 2014 at 12:12 am

I used to have to fight with my son for him to get his teeth brushed. He too thinks brushing his teeth will take away his “me” time lol He doesn’t fight as much now but I still have to remind him to do it.
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Eliz Frank on March 10, 2014 at 3:33 pm

Congratulations on completing the challenge.I think it was a brilliant way to get families taking better care of their daily routine.
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Ronnie on March 10, 2014 at 4:33 pm

I wasn’t raised on good oral hygiene unfortunately and had to learn the ropes once I was on my own. Listerine is one of my fave products by far. I always have one nearby, as well as my floss, toothbrush/toothpaste and tongue scraper.

Nice going on the extra 10 min btw – simple solution to a small problem. 🙂
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Mel Cole on March 10, 2014 at 8:39 pm

I always toothbrush and tell my boys to do it too. I only apply mouthwash every other day. Thank you for recommending this product.
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