Kellan loves toothpaste. When I say he loves toothpaste, I mean he will eat it from the tube if I don't watch him closely. He also doesn't spit out the toothpaste after brushing no matter how hard I try to get him to do it. For this very reason, I only buy fluoride-free tooth gel. I've read up on dental fluorosis, or discoloration of adult teeth, and I know there's no real danger in that just from swallowing small amounts of toothpaste. Still, I can't help but be cautious.

I think part of my problem is that I still haven't taken Kellan to the dentist. I told myself I'd make an appointment when Kellan turned three, but six months later, I still haven't done it. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends finding a dentist by the time your child's first tooth comes in.  Hmm, I guess I dropped the ball on that one.

I've more or less been following the herd. I talk to friends with kids the same age and many of them have just started finding dentists for their children. I realize my own fears about Kellan freaking out at the dentist's office has made me drag my feet when it comes to making an appointment. Brushing his teeth is part of his daily routine. We also talk about taking care of our teeth as part of our overall health. But I need to stop stalling and take this kid to a dentist!