to feel really ashamed about my dentist

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I haven't taken my children to the dentist for 2 years.

They are 8 and 6.

I have no idea how it happened - I just forgot or never got round to do it.

I finally rang for an appointment today and was so appalled when she said how long it had been.

I'm a terrible mother

These things happen. At least you/'ve done it now...no use beating yourself up!

I hate taking my kids to the dentist. I always organise the appt so it falls on DHs shift!

Your dentist will just be pleased you've started going again

If your DC have a good-ish diet (with minimal sugar intake between meals) and brush well, I'm sure all will be fine.

My dentist would have removed us from their books, but they do send reminder texts and postcards.
I have done similar op...I don't think my boys had their (short) hair brushed for about 2 years when I had 3 kids under 3!

OP I did it too. I was shocked when I was told it had been two years. I went home and cried because I felt so bad.

We had a hell of a lot going on at home and I knew we were late going but not that late. We had deaths in the family and spent a year just trying to get through so I guess I just forgot with everything else going on and kept putting it to the back of my mind.

My dentist was arsey about it to be honest. I apologised and told him I already felt bad enough without him making me feel worse and then he shut up.

It happens, it shouldn't happen but we are human and sometimes we mess up a bit, but it does not mean you are a bad mother. Bad mother's wouldn't give a shit they forgot and probably wouldn't take them at all.

I've been so busy with my degree and moving house my kids haven't been for 4 years. I hadn't realised how long it had been until my mum was discussing dentists for some reason the other day. But they look after their teeth well, and feeling bad about it doesn't achieve anything - I refuse to do guilt, generally. As it happens, I've just phoned this afternoon to register us with a new surgery. They can't book us in until August!! Oh well, let's hope all our teeth last another couple of months....

My mum stopped taking me at 12 ,my younger sisters were only 9 and 6 and she never took us again.
Because I was so terrified of the dentist it took me another 18 years to pluck up the courage to go myself,I only managed it because I had just had DD1 and didn't want her growing up with a mum who would have no teeth.

Mine have never been to the dentist if that makes you feel any better. I know it's not ideal but I don't think it's the end of the world either.