My partner thinks I’m over the top, but hey, better safe than sorry... especially after braces drama.
I get where you’re coming from—after all the hassle with braces, I’m way more cautious, too. But sometimes I wonder if running to the dentist for every little thing just makes kids more anxious. Have you ever tried waiting it out at home first, or do you just go straight in?
But sometimes I wonder if running to the dentist for every little thing just makes kids more anxious.
I totally agree—over-frequent dental visits can heighten dental anxiety, especially for kids who already associate the dentist with discomfort (thanks, braces). Minor toothaches or sensitivity, I usually monitor at home first. If there’s persistent swelling, visible trauma, or bleeding that won’t stop, then it’s straight to the dentist. Otherwise, saltwater rinses and soft foods seem to help most mild issues. It’s a tough balance between caution and overreacting, honestly.
I get the worry about overreacting, especially with how expensive dental visits can get. I usually wait things out unless there’s swelling or the pain keeps my kid up at night. One time my son bit into a popcorn kernel and chipped a tooth—I panicked, but it wasn’t bleeding or loose, so we just kept an eye on it and called the dentist the next day. Most minor stuff, saltwater and Tylenol do the trick. If it looks bad or they’re really hurting, then I bite the bullet and make the call.
