I’m unsure if my son’s dental appointment was a case of “what goes around comes around,” karma, or something else. BUT, it was definitely a case of mother knows best.
A few months ago, Ari told us he wanted a Sonicare toothbrush like the rest of the family. We decided to upgrade his toothbrush, hoping he’d become a better brusher like his big sister. No. Such. Luck. At his checkup three months ago, the tartar buildup on Ari’s lower teeth was substantial for a kid who gets his teeth cleaned every three months. (That’s right, folks. My children inherited my propensity for tartar buildup. Therefore, we must get extra cleanings during the year, so it doesn’t get out of hand.) The dentist felt he was ready for tartar control toothpaste.
Ari didn’t like ANY of the tartar control toothpaste tubes we bought. After five unsuccessful toothpaste purchases, I told him he had to choose one and deal with it. But Ari’s way of dealing with it has been trying to put as little toothpaste as possible on his toothbrush. Plus, he doesn’t like us going over his teeth for 30 of the 120 seconds he’s supposed to brush. I’ve told him, time and time again, “If you don’t let us go over your teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, then you’re going to have buildup. You know you didn’t like how it felt the last time the hygenist scaled your teeth.”
Day after day, for three months, my dear son has fought us. This morning at 8 a.m. was his payback for not being a good brusher. Ari bristled and grimaced when the hygenist began scaling his teeth. This went on for a couple of minutes. Knowing that he hasn’t been the best brusher, she reminded him gently that he has to brush for two full minutes, angle the toothbrush towards the area where the teeth meet the gums, and let us oversee his flossing and brushing every night.
Somehow, Ari exited happy (Thank goodness for those dental office vending machines filled with toys!) despite discomfort during his appointment.
Meanwhile, Isabelle and I left, whispering to one another about whether or not things will be different tonight.
Fingers crossed that today was a game-changer!
Raising Literate Humans 
I definitely have my fingers crossed for you! I once resorted to showing my younger child pictures of rotted teeth. It was completely disgusting, but I’m not sure it worked. Still, we were at the dentist last week, and the dentist says he’s doing well – probably more a function of age than images, but I like to imagine I helped. Here’s hoping Ari gets the message.
The report from my husband was not good this evening. I’m on duty in the morning so hopefully it’ll be better.
Hope you win this battle! Teeth brushing is hard as a kid…I remember my mom fighting with me and my brother about the same thing.
Thankfully, it went better with him today.
Mother knows best, Stacey, but children have a mind of their own.I see this with my grandgirls. I hope every thing works out.