5 Things You Can Do to Get Your Kids to Brush Their Teeth #MetLifeTDP

I participated in an Ambassador program on behalf of Influence Central for the MetLife TRICARE Dental Program. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

When my kiddos were little, one of the battles I hated the most was trying to get them to brush their teeth. I have to admit that their creativity in trying to avoid brushing their teeth was rather stunning. One of my sweet little angels even went so far as wiping toothpaste on his tongue so that when I smelled his breath I would be fooled. Alas my child, Mommy is smarter than that. I tried so many things and even sang a silly song. Check this out and feel free to use it if it suits you.

The Toothbrushing Song (to the tune of Row Your Boat)

Brush, brush, brush your teeth,

to keep them nice and white,

you brush them in the morning and you brush them in the night.

It did not take me long to figure out that I had to try some new ideas. Here is what worked for us.

5 Things You Can Do to Get Your Kids to Brush Their Teeth

1. Brush with them. If you are at the sink together, they are more likely to actually brush. Plus, you can model a good brushing method.
2. Let them choose their toothpaste and mouthwash flavor. Many kids dislike the adult flavors.
3. Warn them about the sugar bugs. I used to tell my kids that there were sugar bugs on their teeth and we had to chase them away with the toothbrush. As they grew older, I explained plaque and oral bacteria to them.
4. Buy them an electric toothbrush. Let’s face it, electric brushes are more fun and some of them even have timers.
5. Reward them with praise. Since my kiddos sometimes pretend to brush, I often inspect their mouths after they brush. When I can tell they have done well, I compliment them on how clean their mouth is and what a great job they did.

Make sure you start early with your kiddos!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and to celebrate I would like to share some information about my dental plan, the MetLife TRICARE Dental Program. This dental plan provides dental benefits to spouses and children of Active Duty personnel and National Guard and Reserve members and their families. We have found it to be an affordable plan with excellent coverage. For example, if you see an in-network dentist, you can get two cleanings and two exams per year at no cost. An added bonus is that the MetLife TRICARE Dental Program has always paid our claims quickly and without event. Take note though that the MetLife TRICARE Dental Program is part of the TRICARE Health Plan for military families but you must enroll separately in the TRICARE Dental Program to obtain dental coverage for your family.

For more information on the MetLife TRICARE Dental Program, including how to enroll, visit their website or read the Factsheet.

Visit MetLife TRICARE Dental Program on Facebook, Twitter

The next stop on our dental journey….orthodontia. Thankfully, we are covered by the MetLife TRICARE Dental Program.