Dental?! 😨

As I mentioned in earlier posts, I wanted to chat a bit about dental care... 😅 Honestly, there’s not a whole lot to say.

Truthfully, we’re still figuring out dental visits; they really scare me, but I try to stay brave for my kids, and we tackle it together as a team.

Two of my children handle it well, but my middle child, who has different abilities, finds it quite challenging. My best advice for you regarding dental visits is to find a really understanding dentist and maybe think about scheduling weekly visits to help your child get comfortable with the environment. (I haven’t managed to do this myself due to time constraints, but it sounds like a great idea!) Pretend play dentist and maybe get your child used to some of the tools that they use regularly could also help with the adjustments of someone poking around their mouth. There are tons of options for dentist play tools, leave them out let your kid explore them more before going to the office.

That said, I've managed to turn teeth brushing into a little less of a battle. While he’s not a fan, it’s definitely one of those important tasks.

Routine has really made a difference for us—you might find it helpful to keep a consistent way of holding him. I should mention that my child enjoys a little pressure since he’s a sensory seeker. I usually brush his teeth right after breakfast and just before bedtime. I start by saying, “Hey, hun, it’s bedtime; let’s brush your teeth,” or "Time to brush your teeth, and then I'll give you some space until it’s time to go." Then, I take his hand and guide him to the bathroom. His hands rest by his sides, and he leans his chest against the counter. He lays his head back into my arms, which makes it much easier to brush without any struggles or frustrations. It might sound a bit unusual, but if I don’t approach it this way, he doesn’t take it seriously, and I definitely want to avoid any dental troubles! ☠️

I also learned early on that he’s not fond of mint! He really enjoys the fruity toothpastes, and I totally get that choice. Anything that makes the regular routine smoother is much better than facing a confrontation. Of course, my methods might not work for everyone, since every child is unique. But I truly believe that the more we try and the less we give in, even when it’s tough, the better the outcomes. It's important for him to have that sense of independence, which he really needs.

I’d love for you to share in the comments what has worked for you as well. The more ideas, the better, since everyone’s different. ❤️

Best wishes always and I hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving. Most of you though I gather may have had a more stressful time to which I say just because it's stressful, don't not do it. You are doing the best you can and you are amazing. Get out there and enjoy your day.

Lots of Love

Kendra