v 5 issue 5: My First Tooth

This week’s issue celebrates one of the important milestones in your baby's life, the first tooth and those that follow. Also a great article to ensure your little one’s baby teeth gets off to a healthy start.


Cover by Julie Butler








1 One friendly alligator with a set of gnarly teeth entices and teaches children to brush regularly in the adorable boardbook Toothtime with Chomper. With each boardbook your child receives a plush Chomper-one of five Rascals from Haydenburri Lane. Enter code: TickleYourTeeth for 15% off your purchases.

2 The Flipper toothbrush holder is both hygienic and fun to use. Children simply pull the handle of their toothbrush and the Flipper automatically opens up. Just as easily closes over the toothbrush when brushing is complete. Many cute characters available @ Cupcake Cuddles. Enter code: tottrends for 10% off your purchases.

3 Warn the world you have a teether on your hands with a tee from bcause i said so. A yield sign warns others of a teething baby, hopefully helping Mom and baby to dodge a few of the dreaded stares cranky babies can stir up. All tees on special for $12

4 Ringley makes the all natural alternative to teething rings. Made of smooth, untreated Maple and organic cotton terrycloth, each ring provides two effective textures to satisfy the gums and teeth of baby without all the unnecessary chemicals and dyes.

5 The American Dental Association recommends beginning oral care early. Tooth tissues are 99% natural, fluoride and paraben-free textured dental wipes formulated with xylitol-a natural cavity fighter. Perfect for quick & easy cleaning after meals.

6 Perched high above a timer, a crowned beauty keeps pearly white necessities under a close eye. No excuses for skimping on cleaning when kids have a timer and toothbrush holder all in one place.- lollipoprascals.com Enter code: tooth fairy for 25% off their entire tooth fairy line thru 8/30.

7 Ease your babies teething pain with 100% natural ingredients, no synthetic fragrances, colors or preservatives. Essential oil of Roman chamomile acts as a natural analgesic in Bug & Pickle’s Teething Oil. Tip: Keep in your fridge to increase the cooling, soothing effect.

8 Crib Rail Baby Teethers easily slip over the rails of most cribs for safety and soothing. Made of phthalate-free, non-toxic soft plastic. Each set comes with 4 12" sections to protect baby & crib.


This weeks mom tips
Organizing Tips:
Even in small bathrooms there's space for organization — you just have to know where to look. Over the toilet bath furniture is a great place to put extra toilet paper, toiletries and even towels. If you don’t keep the toilet seat down, opt for a unit with cabinets or closed shelving. You can find attractive shelving at major home stores, usually for less than $100.

Time Saving Tips:
As soon as you pull sheets and pillow cases out of the dryer, or off the line, place all matching flat sheets, fitted sheets and additional pillowcases, inside one of the matching pillowcases. The entire set will be together next time you want to use it.

Financial Tip:
To earn the highest return on savings (annual percentage yield) with little or no risk, consider certificates of deposit (CDs) and treasury bills or notes.

Green Tip:
Fill 'er up! Make it a full load. The average washing machine uses 40.9 gallons of water per load. Buy a high-efficiency washer or save up for full loads.


How to Take Care of Your Child's Teeth
As a parent, you have a big role to play in keeping your child's teeth healthy and clean. You can help prevent cavities. Prevention starts at home, with good eating habits and daily cleaning of the teeth.

As soon as you begin to see your child's first tooth erupt into their mouth, that's when you should begin to brush their teeth. You should not use toothpaste of any kind, but a soft bristle tooth brush and warm water would be just fine. Remember it only takes one tooth to develop dental decay. You should begin flossing when two teeth have erupted, and are touching.

Why Floss?
According to the American Dental Association, flossing once a day is key to keeping the mouth healthy. Apart from reducing cavities and bad breath, flossing has an even more important purpose. Without flossing, you’re leaving behind roughly 40 percent of the bacteria present in your mouth. Flossing removes the tiny bacteria that reside between teeth, bacteria that are responsible for producing acid, which eat away at tooth enamel. Bacteria are also notorious for contributing to bad breath. The earlier kids get into the habit of flossing, the sooner they’re on the road to a lifetime of good oral hygiene. Children are especially vulnerable while are on the verge of developing a permanent set of teeth. Look for products that make it easier on children to floss, such as items with plastic handles. These are often more hygienic anyway, since the floss is not being directly handled.

Preventing Cavities
Diet plays a large role in preventing cavities. When your child eats or drinks sugars, the germs (bacteria) in your child's mouth mix with the sugars to make a mild acid. This acid attacks the hard outer layer of teeth (also called enamel). It can make holes (or cavities) in the teeth. Avoiding sweets, sticky foods. That means anything down the gummy snack isle. These snacks lodge in the deep crevices and grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth. Give your kids 100% juices with no sugar added instead of the so called juice made with only 10% real juice. We water down juice in our house 50/50.

If you start early, and teach your kids healthy habits, you can ensure that they will have healthy teeth for life.