My daughter is very young and was at the dentist on friday. She had 2 cavities and went to go get them filled today. The dentist told her what they were and filled them, and then let her go to the goody box to get an extra treat because she behaved well. Now, she thinks that cavities are the best thing ever and that you get special prizes for them. What can I do to explain to her that cavities are BAD and we need to start working better to get rid of them. I want to tell her in a nice way that won't hurt her feelings.
2007-10-22 09:19:08 · 16 answers · asked by SayCheese! 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Explain to her that the treats she got were for her excellent behavior and not for the damaged teeth. Tell her that cavities are not a good thing. Here is a website that will help explain the importance of dental health so a child can understand.
http://www.crest.com/crest_kids/index.jsp
2007-10-22 09:27:34 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DON'T go with the bribe thing that the majority of these people are suggesting. That is a terrible solution in the long run. You need to discuss the issue with your daughter even if she is very young. Also you should have a talk with your dentist and explain the situation. I'm sure he has some good techniques for "reinforcing" the point that cavities are a terrible thing.
2007-10-22 16:28:05 · answer #2 · answered by Randy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure she goes for cleanings also when she doesn't have cavities. She will get a treat for not having cavities and maybe even a sticker that says "Look at me, I'm cavity free!"
EDIT: Tell your dentist what your daughter said. The dentist may change things so that other kids won't think the same thing.
2007-10-22 16:23:34 · answer #3 · answered by Jayme S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont know how old your child is, but I would suggest that you need to sit down with her and talk to her first. You might be able to hit a cord with her when you explained that she was rewarded for her good behavior, not the reason she was there. The I would also ask your dentist not to let her go to the "box" if she is there for anything other than a check up. You can make sure you reiterate how happy you are with her behavior at the dentist. But then say we dont want her to have cavities. Make her understand that her having them makes her mommy (you) worried.
2007-10-22 16:25:22 · answer #4 · answered by Jeff K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell her cavities leave ugly spots on your teeth, and that for every visit she has with a clean cavity free check up she will get a special treat. Something better than the dentist has like a dinner at her favorite restaurant, or a new doll or outfit for a dolll. Good luck to you.
2007-10-22 16:23:07 · answer #5 · answered by bluefroggy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well - let her know that you also get to pick from the treat box when you have healthy teeth and go in for a check-up and cleaning.
Tell her that they gave her a treat because they know that having cavities can really hurt, and they wanted to make her feel better...
Just an idea.
2007-10-22 16:22:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Does a 2 year old know what a cavity is? Just be glad she isn't scared of the dentist.
2007-10-23 14:45:41 · answer #7 · answered by Chandra S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Explain the prizes were for the times she brushed, so she "only" had two cavities this time. Maybe next time she won't even have any! Then ask the dentist to reinforce this for you.
2007-10-22 16:23:40 · answer #8 · answered by Kennedy 2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A colleague of mine told her kids that cavities come from sugar bugs. The concept of bugs in their mouths keeps them from wanting sugar all the time.
My baby is just turning 2 so I'm not sure what we'll do yet, but I think I'd just offer an even better 'prize' for NO cavities.
Take care & Good luck!
2007-10-22 16:23:29 · answer #9 · answered by Poopsie-Daisy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with My3Boys. Make sure she knows WHY she got the treat. Because she was well behaved. Not because she had a cavity.
2007-10-22 16:37:23 · answer #10 · answered by zosephina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋