My older daughter had a dental appointment today, and although she does a relatively good job of brushing her teeth, she is starting to have some problems.  One issue is that she just doesn’t spend enough time brushing.  We have used timers before, but they tend to get lost, and they definitely clutter up the bathroom.

This toothbrush holder from Sevi offers a great solution. First off, it is absolutely adorable.  Made from wood, it features a sweet little girl perched atop a timer.  The cup holds your child’s toothbrush and other bathroom essentials, while the timer reminds her to keep brushing even when she thinks she is done.  You can purchase one of these cute little products for $29.99 at petitbaby.com, where it comes in many colors and styles suitable for boys and girls. I’m not sure it will solve all of my daughter’s dental issues, but I’m hopeful that it will make a nice (and attractive start).

Here is a fun but practical idea for a stocking stuffer or other small gift this holiday season.  The Flipper toothbrush holder is a cute little creature that grips your child’s toothbrush, keeping it as free from germs as possible.  The idea is that by covering the bristles of the toothbrush, you prevent bacteria from spreading from one toothbrush to another when they are stored in close proximity.

The recipient of three international awards for its design, Flipper comes in a number of cute animal shapes.  Choose a different one for each member of the family and enjoy the added benefit of making toothbrushes easy to identify, reducing the spread of germs through accidental toothbrush sharing.  You can purchase one for $7.25 at MyBellySprout.com.

Recycline has come up with a way to encourage your child to brush her teeth while saving wildlife at the same time. Designed for children ages 2 to 8, the Preserve Jr. has an ergonomically shaped handle to fit young hands, and soft bristles to protect young teeth. The handle is made from 100% recycled plastic, some of it from Stonyfield Farms plastic yogurt cups. The company even provides a postage-paid label that you can mail the toothbrush back to them to be recycled when your child is finished with it.

Recycline also supports the National Wildlife Foundation and endangered species through the sales of the Preserve Jr. toothbrush. You can read more about these causes at Recycline.com. There is a nice subscription option at the website, in which the company mails you one toothbrush every 3 months for a total of 4 a year, for $11. The company is currently out of the toothbrushes until December, but for now, you can view the various toothbrushes and options available at Recycline.com. This is a wonderful way to teach your child about the importance of recycling as well.

Caring for baby’s gums and teeth is very important. Teething babies will benefit also from the gentle massaging of their gums.

The Gerber Tooth & Gum Cleanser helps to make the discipline of caring for baby’s gums and teeth a fun time for you and baby. It’s a little space of time when you can talk to your baby while you gently clean.

It’s never too early to teach our children dental hygiene. The benefits are priceless. You can purchase one of these for just $5.99 online at CookiesKids.com.

Imagine how much easier the Tooth Fairy Pillow by Mullins Square will make your life. No more wrapping a lost tooth in tissue paper and placing it under your child’s pillow, only to find that the tooth has vanished when you tiptoe back in to your child’s room to make the switch.

This specialty pillow, which comes in girl’s and boy’s motifs, has a tooth applique pouch on the front to keep its treasure nice and snug.  Price: $16.00 at Littledragonflies.com.

I don’t know why I didn’t think of purchasing an item like this when my children were babies? I think I wrapped their first curls and teeth in tissue and put them away with all the other keepsakes. Now I couldn’t even tell you which belongs to who! But this would make a precious gift for the newborn in your life.

These miniature-sized treasure boxes are appropriate for their tiny treasures and make a lovely display in your child’s room. Each ceramic treasure box is 2.25″x2.25″ and comes gift packaged in a handsome oval box. Price: $28.99 at recurrentdreams.com.