I recently took my 16 month old to the dentist for the first time. I scheduled the appointment after I was told by numerous parents at a huge playgroup that I was remiss not taking him (gulp) within six months of getting his first tooth. Oops. Well, I can’t really say “Oops”. I was in a state of denial. I knew what I needed to do, erh, what was being recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, but I also know my kid and that’s important.
Okay, I admit it, I was I scared for that appointment. I feared it. I loathed it. My little guy screams like bloody murder almost NEVER except at the Doctor’s office. We’re talking red face, sweaty head, screaming lungs off upset. And the thing is, I prove him right every time (i.e. he does get shots that hurt.) thus reinforcing the behavior.
Well, I am happy to report the appointment went extremely well. The dentist suggested the typical twice a day brushing with the evening brushing being most important (we produce less saliva, which helps to break down sugar and thus protect your teeth, in the pm) and showed me how to man handle my 16 month old to brush his teeth (chances of me being able to actually accomplish this feat on my own are pretty slim).
The dentist is young, his office modern with all the compelling wooden toys and technology. Most of what I enjoyed about him is that he holds refreshing perspectives. For example, he believes in children beginning their visits to the dentist at an earlier age because it makes for better emotional adjustment rather than bringing your kid in when they are already old enough to know better. Furthermore he believes starting visits earlier also helps create healthy habits early, of which , as you all know, I am a huge proponent.
We left happy except for one thing. My crutch on-the-go snack got a shake of the head from the dentist. What is so wrong about Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies and Honey Grahams? Apparently a lot according to my dentist. The carbs that break down on the teeth, etc. I really did appreciate the lecture and still felt that way once I was home, staring into our cabinet filled with boxes of the “crutch”. Okay, I appreciated the lecture but it did strike a nerve. I am not going to lie, I may have asked the dentist, “Do you have kids?” at one point. Yes, I stepped over the line. However, the two minute piece of advice did get me thinking – “have I become lazy? have i created a crutch for our on-the-go routine?”
So I am attempting to be better and prepare healthier snacks for the road. Here are a few that I have “re”-incorporated into our daily routine:
- Apple slices
- String cheese
- Tofu bites (I had to bake it for my little guy to eat it)
- Cheddar cheese bites (cut up cheddar cheese)
- Steamed carrots or Weelicious Carrots Sticks
- Sweet potato bites
- Grapes cut in half or quarters (choking = bad)
- Blueberries (warning = can be messy)
- Fruit Leather
Will I eliminate Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies and Honey Grahams? Absolutely not. Moderation is key, folks. They are convenient, my kid loves them and they aren’t THAT bad for us. Just remember to wipe down or brush your child’s teeth before bed and you’ll be good.
One last thing, for on-the-go snacking use a Munchkin Snack Catcher. It’ll save your sanity.
Happy eating and brushing…
Marnie
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