Parental Guilt and Kids' Cavities: Five Things Every Guilt-Laden Parent Needs to Hear
by Lillian Dixon
As a parent, you only want the best for your kids, and when that doesn't happen, you can be filled with guilt. For parents of kids with cavities, guilt often surrounds going to the dentist. If you feel guilty about your kids' teeth, here are five things you should keep in mind:
1. You are not alone.
If you scour the internet or talk with friends, you are likely to find other people who share your feelings of guilt. Regardless of their brushing routine, many parents feel like it is their fault if their kids have cavities. Even parents of relatively cavity-free kids can have trouble escaping the feeling that a dental exam is an assessment of their parenting abilities.
2. Being proactive can abate feelings of guilt.
Being proactive can help to alleviate feelings of guilt. Make sure that your child has a brushing and flossing routine, and use things like sugar-free gum after meals to augment brushing. If you know that you are doing everything possible to help your child, it can help to alleviate your feelings of guilt.
3. Genetics play a big role in dental issues.
Rather than beating up on yourself, remember that there is only so much you can do to control dental issues. In many cases, bad teeth or a tendency toward decay is related to genetics. If your child just naturally has weak teeth, you can only do so much to help.
4. Dentists should be your partner.
Guilt is largely a shame-based emotion, and in many cases, it is related to things such as disapproval, censure or judgment. If you are sensitive to these types of interactions, do not look for a dentist who is going to wag his or her finger and tell you that you have "been bad". Instead, look for a dentist like those at Belconnen Dental Centre who will work with you as your partner. Having someone who supports you can really help if you are feeling guilty.
5. Your children's teeth are more important than your fears or guilt.
If you are overwhelmed with fear or guilt, it can be hard emotionally to take your child to the dentist. Remember that this experience is not about you – it is about your kids' oral hygiene. If you cannot face the experience, consider talking to a psychological professional or having a spouse or grandparent help you with taking your child to the dentist.
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About Me
As a mum, I know how essential sport can be to children's development. Through team sports like soccer, kids learn persistence, sportsmanship and the value of supporting their team members. However, all that learning carries some risk as well, and a stray elbow or a ball to the face can result in oral injuries. I have been the mum rushing to the emergency room with a precious permanent tooth sitting in a cup of milk. Admittedly, at the time, I wasn't even sure if the cup of milk was the right solution. As a parent, you will face those situations, and I'm here to make sure you know what to do when they pop up. With this blog, let's explore children's dentistry and sports injuries together... I want you to have the info you need to stay cool, calm and collected, regardless of how many teeth are on the pitch.