I get where you’re coming from, but I actually think kids are way more tuned in to their mouths than we give them credit for. I mean, sure, sometimes it’s just a wiggly tooth or even something like a popcorn kernel stuck between molars (been there), but I’ve also seen my daughter pick up on tiny changes that I would’ve missed completely. There was this one time she kept saying her tooth “felt funny”—I brushed it off for days, thinking it was just nerves about losing another tooth. Turns out, a cavity had started under the gumline. No pain, no visible hole. If she hadn’t spoken up, we’d have missed it.
On the flip side, I do wonder if our own anxiety rubs off on them. But maybe that’s not always a bad thing? Maybe being aware and checking in is better than ignoring stuff until it’s a real problem. Is there really such a thing as being too cautious when it comes to dental stuff? Sometimes I think the trick is just not letting our worry turn into their worry... easier said than done though.
I get what you mean about kids picking up on the tiniest changes—my nephew always knows if something’s off, even if I can’t see anything. I’ve been in braces for a while and honestly, I notice the weirdest little shifts or sore spots. Sometimes I think I’m overthinking it, but catching things early really does help. I don’t think you can be too cautious with dental stuff—better safe than sorry, right? But yeah, trying not to let my own stress show around kids is definitely tricky.
I don’t think you can be too cautious with dental stuff—better safe than sorry, right?
Totally agree with this. I’m always hyper-aware of even the tiniest changes in my mouth, especially since I had a crown that felt “off” for weeks before it cracked. My dentist said catching it early probably saved me from a root canal. Maybe I’m a bit paranoid, but honestly, ignoring those little signals has never worked out well for me. Kids really do pick up on our stress though... I have to remind myself not to freak out in front of them when something feels weird.
I hear you on not wanting to freak out the kids—I swear my daughter gets suspicious if I even glance at the dental floss. I’ve definitely learned that “off” feeling isn’t just in my head, though. Ever had a weird taste or sensitivity that turned out to be something?
I get what you mean, but I’m not always convinced every weird taste or tingle is a sign of trouble. I’ve had random sensitivity that just went away after a day or two. Sometimes it’s just something I ate or maybe brushed too hard? I do pay attention if it sticks around, though.