NAPSI: Dentists agree that toothbrushes in fun designs and shapes can make it easier to motivate kids to brush their teeth, and help moms check this often time-consuming task off their to-do list.

A recent national survey of moms found that many of them lose the toothbrush battle at least once a day, spending 30 hours a year—that’s nearly a full workweek—negotiating to get their children to brush their teeth. The survey also found that three out of four moms (76 percent) reported that their child had a cavity before age 12, and nearly 40 percent of those children were 5 years old or younger, making it more important than ever to add brushing your teeth to the naughty or nice checklist.

Michael Ignelzi, D.D.S., Ph.D., national media spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, stresses that good dental habits begin early: “It is very important for kids to develop good oral health habits at a young age. Kids are more likely to brush their teeth if they have a character toothbrush that means something to them. It is also important for kids to brush their teeth for the correct amount of time.”

You can find further facts, tips and dental care items online at www.gumbrand.com . North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.