The Dentist

[Rainstorm]

Yeah, I'm overdue for a visit. The last time I went was back when I was 6 or 7, and I had to get one cavity filled then. Now, I'm 14. I try to brush my teeth daily, but I know I have some cavities that need to be filled. I also think I might need braces, because my top teeth completely cover my bottom, or something.

Thing is, my parents are lazy when it comes to this, and when I ask, they say No. And it's starting to get annoying, because I want my teeth to look nice. How can I convince my parents to take me, or at least go by myself?

[Kaleidoscope Eyes]

It's about more than just your teeth looking nice--avoiding the dentist can cause your teeth to end up with a lot more problems.

Try to help them understand that. The longer you leave cavities, the worse they get and the more expensive they are to fix. Also, the longer you go between visits the more chance you have of having a cavity that you don't notice until it gets really bad. they need to understand that it's important to your health that you go in for a check-up at least once a year (every six months is usually what's recommended).

In addition to the cavity situation, your wisdom teeth are going to start coming in within the next few years, and the dentist should be taking x-rays every here and there to make sure they're not impacted or anything. Most people end up having them removed for some reason or another, either because they're impacted or because there just isn't room for them. It's good to stay on top of that and to know what the deal is.

So, just try to let them know how important it is to go to the dentist, especially if you already suspect that you have some cavities. And let them know that it's only going to be more expensive to have to do this later once it's worse.

[Rainstorm]

So, just try to let them know how important it is to go to the dentist, especially if you already suspect that you have some cavities. And let them know that it's only going to be more expensive to have to do this later once it's worse.

I've talked to them about that, and so have my Grandparents. They know that I need to go, but don't have time, or money, to take me. My Grandma keeps telling my Mom to schedule an appointment, and my Mom keeps saying she will, and puts it off.

I have also told her that I have cavities, and she says it's my own fault. When I ask her to take me to the dentist, she says "When you take care of your teeth and get rid of the cavities, I'll take you."

I can't exactly get rid of a cavity without the dentist, can I?

[Commander Thor]

No, you cannot get rid of a cavity on your own.

[enzenzz]

Well, you can brush and floss regularly, that will prevent the cavities from getting worse, but it won't get it back to normal. Maybe use a mouthwash to really reach inside those holes.

If the problem is money then that can be a big deal, but if the problem is only time, you could suggest that you go by yourself.

[Kaleidoscope Eyes]

Yep, you need a filling to fix the cavity, which the dentist needs to do. Leaving them is just going to cause them to get bigger. That's WHY you need to go to the dentist. If you could fix the cavities on your own, there would be no rush.

[sebbie]

In the UK it is recommend that we have dental check ups ever 6 months so you are long overdue by our standards, it is better to go sooner than later. Try explaining to your parents the best you can, maybe even say you have toothache so they will fell a lot more inclined to take you ?

Also brushing your teeth is important but also try using mouthwash too, apparently it can make a huge difference as it really gets everywhere in your mouth. Other than that try to reduce the sugary/acidic foods/drinks the best you can.

[mrmcdonaldduck]

wait, do people in america get dental from the government? cause if you do, i cant see why you havent gone already.

you should probably say you have a bad toothache or something like that so that they have to take you.

[Kaleidoscope Eyes]

No, we get no health coverage from the government. If you're low-income, or elderly or disabled you can potentially qualify for some health coverage through the government, but we don't have universal health care.

I don't think it's an insurance issue here, though. A big part of the problem is that his parents are trying to act like he doesn't need to go and thus putting it off.