Thursday, March 24, 2011

Does floss get stuck forever?

ARGGGGGGGGGGGGH!

That's the sound I ultimately make 20 minutes after I tell my lovely 8 year old that it's time to floss her teeth and she still won't let me near her mouth.

That girl could talk rubber off a tire - she has every excuse in the WORLD as to why she doesn't (and can't) floss. Lately it's: "It'll get stuck."

But at the end of the day (or night) it's ultimately terror. She is terrified of anyone trying to come towards her mouth. And I've tried to let her to floss herself but her attempts are insufficient - she just bounces the floss on the top of her teeth and exclaims, "I did it." No you didn't sister - I was watching.

She laughed the other day and I caught a glimpse into her mouth and the tarter and plaque we JUST got off her teeth at the dentist in December was back - she just doesn't take good care of her mouth.

So, here's my question to you parents: Will she outgrow this or is it time for some help? I asked her if she'd like to talk to someone about her fear because as I shake my head and think "What more can I do?", I am starting to think there isn't much more I really can do.

Oh, and yes, I still do pin her down to floss. Horrific. Bad parenting. Traumatic. But the only alternative is cavities and the *thought* of her having to deal with that is worth losing the Parent of the Year Award, for sure!!!

5 comments:

Fairly Odd Mother said...

do you use the little picks with the floss prestretched on it? or what about a water pick? Does that do the same thing? i used to LOVE my water pick with the stream of water that would get in and flush all my gunk away!

Fairly Odd Mother said...

OOooo, look at this: "coming soon"

http://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/products/countertop-dental-water-flosser/WP-260/

Fairly Odd Mother said...

OOooo, look at this: "coming soon"

http://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/products/countertop-dental-water-flosser/WP-260/

Julie B. said...

I agree with Christina, maybe try those little floss picks or ask a dentist if the water pick is a good alternative.

((HUGS))

Julie B. said...

PS.... Thanks for updating your blog! :-)