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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

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Original poster

Tell me what age you gave them total responibility for looking after their teeth

26 replies

Gymbob · 20/07/2015 13:11

Mine are 16 and 15. Neither of them have any fillings, and both of them have a lovely white straight set of teeth. That's all thanks to me of course. I have nagged and nagged, made them get out of bed to clean their teeth and been really shit hot (if I do say so myself ), at dental hygiene. Never had fizzy drinks in the house, been fussy over what they've eaten, blah blah, blah. DD2 has particularly hated me for looking after her teeth. Asked regularly why it's so important to me etc, as its just not on her list of priorities, and she can't see the point etc etc.

Anyway, I've had it. School is out. I've said I won't be forcing asking them to clean their teeth any more, it's up to them. (I actually don't know how long it will last, as I expect it will wear me down). DD2 is over the moon. She hasn't cleaned her teeth once since Friday, but she's gone out today looking fabulous. I know she's a teen, but I still just don't get it.... looking fab with rank teeth!

At what age did you leave them to it, if ever?

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SomewhereIBelong · 20/07/2015 13:17

ermmmm since about 7... mine have lovely straight white teeth and no fillings either... because they take care of their teeth, because I have instilled in them that their health and hygiene is important for THEM to keep on top of.

I still arrange the 6 monthly dentist.

Original poster

Gymbob · 20/07/2015 13:17

As a reminder though, I bought a little sign yesterday, and put it in the bathroom next to the toothbrushes. It says 'You don't have to brush all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep!

DD2, just looked at me with contempt, but it was to be expected.

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Original poster

Gymbob · 20/07/2015 13:20

I have done the same obvs!

And of course I will be arranging our family trip to the dentist for check ups still.

What age are yours now?

So it is just my teens that aren't bothered about their teeth?

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GemmeFatale · 20/07/2015 13:23

If she doesn't clean them soon and it bothers you can you arrange for someone to notice her breath? She might not care about her teeth and hygiene but she'll probably care about smelling bad to her peer group.

mrsdavidbowie · 20/07/2015 13:30

Yes tell her that her breath stinks.
Mine are 18 and 16 and Have no fillings.
They do get a twitchy before dental appointments!!!
Maybe it's because I told them fillings are agony.

SomewhereIBelong · 20/07/2015 13:33

mine are 13 and 14 now

Nagging them to clean their teeth is not the same as just expecting them to do their teeth.

having to tell a 16 year old to brush their teeth seems a bit weird (sorry- trying to think of a word but can't) - why don't they WANT to do it? Is it the "mum's nagging so it's a chore" not just a natural requirement, something that you do for your own health and well-being type thing?

pollycazalet · 20/07/2015 13:37

My DS 15 got a lot better about his teeth after having to have a filling and a run down of what this would have cost him once he turned 18.

Original poster

Gymbob · 20/07/2015 13:40

The DD1 is ok with looking after them, not brilliant but ok. We went through years of twin block braces, train tracks etc, and she is delighted with the outcome.

DD2 is just downright lazy. She understands the implications of not looking after them, but she just can't be bothered. It means she has to walk into the bathroom, maybe especially, and lift up the brush, put toothpaste on it, and use her arm for something other than her phone. Besides she might have to put her phone down to do it. She says she's plenty of time in the future to do it. I'm hoping to have a word with the dentist in advance at the next check up.

I told her her breath stank this morning, she said she would brush her teeth, but she didn't. But might be better coming from one of her mates, will have a word.

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Original poster

Gymbob · 20/07/2015 13:41

I think having to have a filling might do the trick, she is terrified of needles!

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mrsdavidbowie · 20/07/2015 14:33

Lay it on thick gymbob

Original poster

Gymbob · 20/07/2015 14:43

thanks I will!

anyone else have this problem?

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Thumbcat · 20/07/2015 15:00

DS is 7. I remind him to brush his teeth but don't supervise as I trust him to be thorough.

I think in your shoes I'd tell DD that her breath smells like a sewer and leave it at that.

bowbear · 20/07/2015 15:55

Yes! and it drives me bonkers! I cannot believe I have to nag my DD14 to brush her teeth - pure idleness is all I can put it down to! I have spent years going on and on about how important it is to look after your teeth, regular dental check ups etc but she just seems to think that she's immune to any of these problems. No fillings yet but I'm sure it's only a matter of time!!

SecretSquirrels · 20/07/2015 16:05

I don't think I've been involved since they were about 7 years old, apart from arranging dental check ups. I suppose I can't take credit for their healthy teeth if parents are still supervising tooth brushing for teenagers.

Original poster

Gymbob · 20/07/2015 18:57

bowbear! thank goodness there's someone else! I was starting to feel very alone

I think you've hit the nail on the head. she thinks she immune to any future problems. I do remember thinking the same as a teen, but not about teeth brushing.

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JustDanceAddict · 21/07/2015 09:47

Erm, about 8? I do sometimes time DS as he isn't a great brusher and dentist is always on at him to brush the backs better. Mine go to dentist every 6 months or so, use flouride toothpaste, don't have excessive sugary stuff (I have cut down massively on fruit juice/squash at home). They don't have fillings either, but maybe cos it's been drummed into them at early age re teeth hygiene by dentist? They know they have to clean 2x a day and I don't think they have ever tried to get out of it. I feel yuck if I don't clean my teeth 2x a day, so can't see the attraction of missing it.
DD has fixed braces so has to look after her teeth well.

JustDanceAddict · 21/07/2015 09:48

Oh and take her to the hygienist - brutal - it's about gums as well as teeth!

bowbear · 21/07/2015 17:38

No sadly you are not alone Gymbob! I'll second the comment above - dental hygienist is the next weapon in my war on getting her to look after them!

Original poster

Gymbob · 21/07/2015 20:30

yes, actually there are two dental hygienists at our practice. I won't have one of them as she is evil. think she's the one DD needs an appointment with

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3catsandcounting · 21/07/2015 20:33

Mine are 15 & 18 - no probs with brushing teeth, but my DD18 has spent the last 2 years with a brace on hers (plus 4 extractions to make room!) - braces off 6 months ago and all the discomfort and time spent cleaning during that time, has been totally bloody worthless as she 'forgets' to wear her retainer cos it's "too much trouble" and her teeth are starting to revert back to previous form! (Sorry, I know this thread's about brushing, just had to get that off my chest!) ????

iwantgin · 21/07/2015 20:37

DS hasn't had to be reminded to brush his teeth since he was a very small child.

It's always been part of daily routine. Morning wash/shower and brush teeth. same again in the evening before bed.

I'd leave your DC to it, they will soon be told about bad breath by friends/peers.

Original poster

Gymbob · 21/07/2015 20:41

3cats.. yes, kind of same here. DD1 has spent years with braces, and now has retainers that she rarely wears. its infuriating isn't it

She's away for a week at the moment, and I have found the retainers at home, so another week without them.

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goshdarnit · 21/07/2015 20:58

We have been to the dentist today, both my teens got told off for not brushing well enough.
I feel I nag them so much, they end up ignoring me. but if I don't nag, they don't do it! Aaaagh! ds (16) doesn't seem to care about the consequences, even when I point out that no one is going to want to kiss a filthy mouth. (unfortunately, left to his own devices, he can be a bit of a soap dodger in general.)
thankfully, they have both avoided fillings... so far!
dd is getting braces after our holiday and I know I am going to have to up the nagging about dental care. I'm not looking forward to that!

sillygiraffe · 21/07/2015 21:33

Ds is 18 and still I quite often ask him if he's brushed his teeth when he is on his way out in the morning! At which point he turns around and heads back into the bathroom! So he's rubbish at it.

Original poster

Gymbob · 22/07/2015 07:46

strangely gosh DD1 was very good at looking after her teeth while she had braces. I think that it might have been because there was a very visible reminder in her mouth for so long and there was no avoiding it.

Also, the visits to the orthodontist were every 6 weeks and she would be reminded of the .importance of brushing each time.

So, you might be pleasantly surprised! good luck

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