The Two Minute Turtle Timer has a new fan, the Cook Children’s Hospital! We had a chance to interview Dr. Tonya Fuqua, Director, Child Oral Health at Cook Children’s Center for Children’s Health.

• Turtle Timer Q: How are you using the Two Minute Turtle Timer?

  Dr. Fuqua:

  • We are utilizing it as incentive for children when providing educational opportunities in the community and, with programs/partners involved with our Children’s Oral Health Coalition.

• Turtle Timer Q: How does the Turtle Timer help your work?

  Dr. Fuqua:

  • Parents need all the help they can get to encourage children to brush their teeth and create good oral health habits

  • Making brushing fun, and encouraging children to brush for 2 minutes, 2 times a day which improves oral hygiene and ultimately decreases Early Childhood Caries—tooth decay

• Turtle Timer Q: How do you think the Turtle Timer will help the families?

  Dr. Fuqua:

  • Interactive approach to establishing brushing routine, keeping children and families engaged in the process of setting good oral hygiene habits

• Turtle Timer Q: What do you hope for after families have used the Turtle Timer?

  Dr. Fuqua:

  • Improved oral health care habits

  • Children take control and increase their excitement for brushing their teeth

• Virginia, Turtle Timer Q: Have you tried it yourself or observing children with it yet?

  Dr. Fuqua:

  • We have received positive reviews from children and parents

  • Even my 16 year old daughter thought it was cute and wanted to try it out

• Turtle Timer Q: Anything else you’d like to share about your work with children and helping them brush teeth well?

  Dr. Fuqua:

  • Keeping children engaged, educated , set in a routine and giving them a fun way to care for their teeth is key to truly make a lasting impact in a child’s oral health

  • Children start at a very young age (2-3) wanting to be in control and doing things themselves, so this is an awesome tool to excite and engage children as a parent introduces an oral health care routine at home

  • Brushing and taking care of your teeth can be fun and this turtle timer proves that!