“This post was sponsored by the MetLife TRICARE Dental Program as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central.”
Let’s talk about dental health for a few minutes. With all of the Halloween’s candy the kids collected, now is the perfect time to talk about taking care of your teeth. Good oral health habits are extremely important for your overall health. Here are 7 oral health care tips for you to review with your family.
I will be the first to admit that I’m not a fan of the dentist. As a child, I dreaded going to the dentist and orthodontist. Now as a parent, I am adamant that my children take better care of their teeth and have a good relationship with their dentist. Brushing at home and seeing a dentist regularly is essential for good oral health. Dentists can detect small problems before they become bigger, more painful problems. Dental insurance provides up with routine dental care and the peace of mind.
7 Essential Oral Health Care Tips
Brush teeth twice a day.
Regular brushing helps prevent gum disease and cavities. It also helps freshen breathe and is essential for healthier teeth. Brush at least twice a day for 2 minutes at a time.
Pick the right toothbrush.
Pick a toothbrush whose size and brush shape will allow you to reach all areas of your mouth. It’s best to use a soft toothbrush.
Use the right toothpaste.
A toothpaste with fluoride is recommended. For children 3-6, a pea sized amount of toothpaste is all you need. For older children, the amount is only slightly larger. Remind children to never swallow toothpaste. They should spit it out and rinse well after brushing.
Floss daily.
Flossing keeps your gums healthy and helps remove plaque, a film that forms on teeth that can lead to cavities. Floss between your teeth to help remove food particles and plague.
Take care of your toothbrush.
After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with water to get rid of remaining toothpaste and debris. Store it in an upright position and allow it to air-dry. It’s best not to cover your toothbrush or store it in a closed container. Reminder to replace toothbrushes every 3-4 months, sooner if the bristles are worn out or if your children have been sick.
Get regular dentist check-ups.
You should have two dental cleanings and exams each year. Seeing a dentist regularly is important because they can detect small problems before they become bigger, more painful problems. Regular teeth cleanings help remove tartar and stains that regular brushing don’t remove. Regular cleaning can also help prevent gum disease. Plus regular visits are a great opportunity for children to help a good relationship with their dentist and learn the best way to take care of their teeth.
Review your dental insurance.
The need for dental care (cavities, root canals, sealants, wisdom teeth removal, etc.) often arises when you least expect it and often comes when it’s financially inconvenient. If you already have dental coverage, review it to ensure that it meets your family’s needs.
If don’t have dental insurance, enrolling your family in an affordable and reliable dental plan now ensures that you have coverage when you need it. The MetLife TRICARE Dental program provides complete dental coverage to military families at low premiums. It provides two cleanings and two dental exams each year, within a consecutive 12-month period, at no cost to you, when a network dentist is seen. Enrollment is quick and easy: Visit www.tricare.mil/bwe to enroll or www.metlife.com/tricare for additional information, or call 1-855-638-8371 Sunday 6:00 p.m. – Friday 10:00 p.m. (EST) except holidays. You can learn more about MetLife TRICARE Dental Program on the MetLife TDP website, by following them on Facebook and Twitter.
Great tips! We have completely removed fluoride from our food supply, because of toxic concerns, so use a great natural toothpaste from doTERRA. It has antibacterial properties that kill bacteria, prevents plaque and help improve gums as well.
I haven’t tried that toothpaste. I’ll have to look into it. Thanks
We’ve been using Tom’s toothpaste for years. And recently found a water purifier that removes fluoride. Most of them don’t. Great tips and thanks.
Thanks KC
Nice tips on dental health. My dad taught me to floss as a little girl. A habit that has always stuck with me to my great benefit. Not so my husbands family. He has barely any teeth due to poor oral habits as a child. We ordered special non flouride toothpaste from the local pharmacy when our kids were small to avoid putting floride in their teeth. It was the only way I could get it back then. We were humored but they thought we were weird. That was ok with me:)
We still use Flouride, but others are recommending cutting it out. I’ll have to look into it. Thanks.
Thanks for the great tips! I brush several times a day, but I fail miserably at flossing! Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Thanks Sandra. With all the candy from Halloween, it was a perfect time to share this.
I am going to have my son reading this because he neglects his teeth all the time!
My kids need reminders too. 🙂
Great tips. I still hate the dentist, but I know it’s a necessity to take good care of your teeth. I make my kids go to their regular check-ups, but have to get better about going for myself.
I’m the same way. I dread it, but put on a happy face for the kids.
Good tips! I’ve never understood why people with the coverage for it don’t go in for every free cleaning but it seems like there are alot of people who don’t! I’m glad I’ve always had that habit.
It’s a healthy habit to have.
Great tips! And you just reminded me that I need to schedule appointments for myself and my girls, I keep putting it off, but it is so important!
Thanks Joy. I was just reminded that it’s that time of year for me too 🙂
I had terrible experiences at the dentist when I was growing up. Needless to say, I have made sure that my children take care of their teeth (great points listed, btw) and that they see dentists who LIKE children!
My children see a pediatric dentist and it makes a HUGE difference. They have had great experiences and my oldest was actually excited to get braces this summer.
Great reminders! We make our own remineralizing toothpaste and avoid fluoride and have had wonderful results. Little things like changing toothbrushes regularly are things we can forget though. Thanks so much!
Thanks Kelly