Ds (8) needed teeth extracted due to decay a few years back. I was devastated by this, and still feel terribly guilty. His early years were a difficult and stressful time, and I just wasn't on top of my game.
Since then I've probably become over invested in his dental health. I'm constantly reminding him to brush his teeth, and supervising/ overseeing, taking over if I feel he hasn't been thorough. If he is worried about his teeth, I try to be super positive and tell him that they are perfect, strong etc, which is echoed by his dentist at 6 monthly checkups.
It is becoming obvious though, that my behaviour is causing anxiety in him. He is often looking at his teeth in the mirror- worrying that they 'aren't white' (they are), and talking about needing to brush his teeth straight after eating sweets.
How can I find a happy medium? I need to be on him in terms of brushing, as I cannot allow him to develop further issues, but I really don't want to upset or worry him. His teeth, as it stands, are in very good health currently.