Encouraging Good Dental Hygiene in Kids
This past week, the kids had their check up at the dentist. I feel like a terrible mom saying this, but for the longest time, I would dread going to the dentist. I wasn’t just going for myself that made my heart race and my palms sweaty, taking my kids got me worked up the exact same way.
I had Bug soon after I was married, when I was nineteen years old. I hate to use “I was a young mom” as an excuse, but when he was little, I didn’t make the best decisions for his health. He drank chocolate milk, and too much apple juice. He ate fruit snacks and other gummy goodies. As much as I tried to take good care of his teeth, all those sugary drinks and treats did a number on his mouth.
When he was about five, I took him to the dentist for the first time and discovered he had a handful of cavities that needed fixed, and now. I was heartbroken, and felt terrible- I hadn’t done a good job at helping him learn to care for his teeth. Regular cleanings are so important to a child’s health- without them teeth begin to decay, and then you’re stuck, as I was, with a child who needs fillings.
What made the entire situation worse was the COST. Oh my goodness, the cost. I am so glad we had dental insurance to help me pay, because when I was handed the initial estimate for the care he needed, I about hit the floor.
That dentist trip was a defining moment for me as a Mom. It was a wake-up call for me to choose better food and drinks for my kids, to take them to the dentist regularly, and be sure they are caring well for their teeth at home. I am proud to report that only one of the four kiddos has had a cavity since that trip to the dentist.
It’s terrible that I had to learn the hard way at the expense of my oldest son and my pocketbook, but I hope this cautionary tale will help your family! You can use the printable dental habits reward chart with the kids to help them remember to brush and floss, and you can sign up for Guardian Dental at any time throughout the year so taking your kids to their cleanings won’t be an issue.
Signing up for dental insurance through Guardian Dental’s website is easy- just type in your zip code and get an estimate. Check it out today!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.