Dear Eric: My grandchildren, ages 10 and 14, have not been to a dentist since long before Covid. I have brought up the subject with their mother and she agrees they need to see a dentist, but it has not happened.
Their mother and father have excellent teeth and the children have inherited this, but I do worry about them.
I have an excellent relationship with my daughter and try not to interfere in her parenting. I have offered to take them to the dentist myself, but she has declined.
The younger one comes to my house before school every day so at least she brushes her teeth once a day. Should I just stay silent and let the children suffer the consequences?
– Concerned Grandma
Dear Grandma: Make one last direct ask to your daughter and then let it be. Tell her that you have major concerns and ask if there’s something getting in the way that you can help her with.
You can make your case if you want – the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a checkup every six months. They also note that a child’s dentist can tailor the frequency of visits based on a child’s specific needs. Your daughter can’t know what those needs are without seeing a professional.
Take advantage of your excellent relationship by prying and pushing a little more, but if she resists, tell her you’re going to drop the subject. Then really do drop the subject. To needlessly butcher an old saying – you can lead a person to dental insurance, but you can’t make them floss.
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