Sarah Stultz: It’s time to establish some new routines – Albert Lea Tribune

Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

On Monday I took my son to the dentist’s office.

To say that it has been a challenge to teach my son how to brush his teeth and follow through with that brushing twice a day has been an understatement to say the least. Not to mention encouraging him to tolerate some extra washing from mommy.

Landon was pretty young when he had his first dental work and I remember at the time feeling like a failure as a parent that he had already had so many problems.

For a while after that, we faithfully attended his twice-yearly dentist appointments and things were generally going pretty well. Although we weren’t perfect, no new cavities appeared for quite some time.

But after our insurance no longer accepted the dentist we were used to, we were forced to switch dentists and start over. I wanted to find somewhere he would feel comfortable and that could meet his needs.

It had been longer than recommended since he had been to the dentist, and it definitely showed in the results at our last appointments.

I knew going into this week that we probably weren’t going to get the biggest results, and that was definitely the truth.

Although Landon did pretty well with the x-rays, it took a little longer than usual and we had just started the cleaning when it was time for the dentist to come check his teeth.

Needless to say, after looking at the x-rays, he told us about some cavities that Landon had and recommended that we go to a nearby pediatric dentist to get the work done and a more extensive teeth cleaning done at that time.

Now, while we wait for the next appointment, my goal is to work on developing a new morning and evening routine with Landon and try to help him bond even more about the importance of taking care of his teeth.

His teacher at school has also agreed to help him in some ways in his classroom.

If anyone has any tricks of the trade for teaching kids about brushing, send them my way.

I’m trying to keep in mind how hard it is to develop a new habit as an adult. I know there is always room to grow.

Sarah Stultz is managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Wednesday.