FAQs

How do I print my Healthy Bedtime Habits Washing, Reading and Brushing Log?
After you have personalized your family’s Washing, Reading and Brushing Log, you will be able to print your log by clicking on the "print log" button at the top of the Log Your Progress page.

Back to top

I forgot to log in last week. Can I still update my information?
You can update your information for the days that you may have missed at any time.

Back to top

If I have more than one child in my family, will I receive more than one free toothbrush?
You will receive a free toothbrush for each child in your family who completes the online Healthy Bedtime Habits Washing, Reading and Brushing Log.

Back to top

How often should my child wash their hands in one day?
As many times as it takes. Children and adults should especially wash their hands after using the bathroom, before eating, while helping in the kitchen, after handling money, after sneezing, coughing or nose blowing, after playing with pets and after taking out the garbage.

Back to top

When should my child be able to wash their own hands?
According to a recent hand washing study, children as young as 3 can grasp the importance and the techniques of proper hand washing.

Back to top

What is the age that children should be able to brush their teeth on their own?
It is a good idea to help your child brush up to the age of 6. However, you should supervise your child’s brushing until the age of 8.

Back to top

What is the best way to brush a toddler’s teeth?
Use a small, soft-bristled brush. Use a circular or wiggling motion on all tooth surfaces, especially where the tooth meets the gum line. Once your toddler is able to spit out, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on the brush. Families should ask their dentist to demonstrate proper tooth brushing during the child's dental visit.

Back to top

When should I start using fluoride toothpaste for my child?
When your child is able to spit. Fluoride is safe and necessary to keep teeth strong, but only at appropriate levels. Younger toddlers tend to swallow toothpaste in excessive amounts, and this may lead to fluorosis, which causes discoloration of the teeth. And remember – even if your water is fluoridated, you still need to use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is necessary in both “topical” forms – like toothpaste, and "ingested" forms – like water or fluoride supplements.

Back to top

How often should I read with my child?
Try to make a commitment to read aloud at least once a day. It’s important to establish a routine, so try to make it the same time every day. If that’s not possible, reading aloud can be done anywhere, anytime, with almost any book.

Back to top

How can I help my child read alone for fun?
Studies show that reading at home helps children do better in school. Have a variety of children’s books, magazines and newspapers in your home and visit the local library often. Let children get their own library cards and allow them to pick their own books.

Back to top

What if my child wants to read the same book night after night?
It is not unusual for children to favor a particular story, and even though this can be boring for parents, a favorite story may speak to your child’s interests or emotional needs. Be patient and continue to expose your children to a wealth of books. Eventually, they will be ready for more stories.

Back to top

Please contact Colgate or RIF for more information.