Our first visit to (what might be the BEST child dentist in the country) the dentist went really well.
Until I heard this: "Nolan needs a crown"
Oh my gosh. The bottom of my stomach fell out. I felt a deep sense of guilt. The type of guilt that forces you to tell strangers on the street and wake up in the middle of the night in a sweat (both happened to me).
Today Karl took Nolan in to the dentist for the crowning. He was a trooper (as always) and although he wasn't thrilled about being at school he told all of his friends that he had a new "silver tooth".
I know there are bigger issues that kids have to deal with as a result of poor parenting. Like my deeply embedded distain for anything resembling Christmas. Or my bad sleeping habits and stress management skills that have rubbed off on him. But, there's something more concerning to me than the oral hygiene issue. It's the idea that I could use my 'busy-ness' to rationalize not being proactive with my child's care. Perhaps that sounds like I am being too hard on myself, and for just a big cavity, perhaps I am. But, I know first hand, too close, that you should never take your child's (or your own) health for granted.
There is an important lesson in here for me, and Nolan. For me: I have to get my schedule under control. For Nolan: he has to "floss his face off" (quoting the oral hygienist).
5 comments:
I remember when my daughter was younger and needed a crown. We were both fearful until the dentist referred to it as "princess crown." Suddenly my daughter wanted it and later realized the importance of brushing and flossing. Her teeth are beautiful now.
Don't be too hard on yourself. Our son had regular dentist appts and ended up with numerous crowns and caps by age 10 ... soft teeth, poor enamel. Dust it off, get on track and someday you'll laugh about it. Hope all is well otherwise!
They are truly the best dentist for children in the metro area...I know from experience! As for the other parts of the blog I echo what the others said about not being too hard on yourself. I am glad you have become aware of some parts of your life that you would like to change for the good of Nolan and the entire family!
I'm sorry about your kid getting a crown this early. Don’t worry; trust the dentist’s recommendations and your child's teeth will be in better state. At least, you realized the things that you should be prioritizing, apart from your “busyness”. Now, this is your chance to make up, and remember to floss his teeth regularly. How are his teeth's condition now?
Gus Eckles @Dr. Thomas Seal DDS
I believe you’ve been doing all that you can to guide your son in maintaining a healthy smile. There are times, however, that our efforts may not be enough that we would need a specialist's assistance. I hope he already have those crowns by now. Months have passed already, and I wish you were able to make up for those lapses in visiting his dentist.
Clinton Zelman @ Dougsmithdds
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