I think very few people actually enjoy the dentist. However, we know it is a necessary task, and especially if we have the means and access – a privilege.
When it comes to my kids, I’m happy to schedule them in as often as my insurance will allow. Before I had kids, I absolutely knew that I would dutifully brush their teeth every morning and evening, while singing happy birthday three times (or whatever the current recommended amount of time might be).
Fast forward a few years and I’ll admit that extensively detailed oral maintenance isn’t exactly at the top of my list during the witching hours (the two hours before school and before bedtime). Show me evidence of a wet toothbrush and I’ll buy the entire pack of lies when it comes to my precious twenty minutes of “me time”.
And here’s a #truthbomb that no one tells you. Cavities and dental work aren’t necessarily preventable. I discovered this way back in the day, in my moms’ group when another mom broke down in tears when her son had to get a number of fillings as a toddler. “I swear… the dentist said that some kids just have softer enamel!”
Now that I have 13 years’ of dentists appointments under my belt, I can confirm this is absolutely true. One of my kids is super meticulous when it comes to his tooth brushing and yes, even flossing. At our last appointment he did not join the cavity-free club while the more carefree types earned a place on the wall by only occasionally brushing for more than 10 seconds, supplemented with the weekly events when I get involved and wrangle them into a more thorough cleaning (after which we are both left in tears).
So, of course parents and caregivers should do our best at enforcing good hygiene habits… whether that involves stickers or the struggle of parent-involved brushing or throwing them a stick of sugar free gym every now and then for good measure, but don’t feel like you’ve lost a battle if they come up with a cavity or any other concern. It’s not (always) your fault!
-Jen
#ThatSurreyMom