P&K Insider

I just came from a dentist appointment with my 6-year-old son. I hate to admit it…but he had a cavity that needed to be filled. Much like me, he doesn’t care for pain, especially in form of the outrageously large Novocain needles. When I tell you, that I lost sleep over this procedure for weeks leading up to the appointment, I’m not exaggerating.

I called the dentist office to hear a step-by-step description of the procedure and I googled “cavities and children” to find out what methods are most safe. I woke up with a stomachache, which went nicely with the super, fake smile plastered on my face as to not alert my offspring that anything too horrible was coming.

I’m an honest mom. I don’t like to surprise my kids. I’m a talker. I played this one a little close the chest, though. Sort of nonchalant.

Flash forward a few hours and he’s mounted in the dentist chair. He doesn’t mind the gel used to numb his gums. He doesn’t even flinch when they inject the needle. In fact, he dismisses me from the room saying, “I can do it alone.”

He never ceases to amaze me.

My point is, a visit to the dentist may cause more anxiety for the parent than the child. I found some great information, resources at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that may help some fellow parents.

Another wonderful local resource is Dr. Mel of Framingham. He once told me that he’s answered any and all tooth-related questions imaginable.  You can find a recent Q&A here. Feel free to send a question (parentsandkids@cnc.com)  to me as well and I’ll Dr. Mel to lend his sound advice!