The month of
May is celebrated as National Smile Month. This day was established by the Oral
Health Foundation to raise awareness of important health issues. And it serves
as an opportunity to flash your bright smile after a dental cleaning (just my
opinion).
During my
last dental cleaning, the hygienist asked how my adult sons were doing. She
reminisced about the times my younger son would visit for his cleaning. He was
about three or four years old at the time she recalled. “He would hop in the
chair, no apprehensions, and after a short while he was asleep.”
A few years
older, my son was still relaxed enough to fall asleep. The dentist and hygienist
liked the antics of my son, but I was the one who got in trouble for his smile.
I was told, “Mom, you have to brush his teeth for him when he doesn’t do it.” I
don’t think they understood my struggle. I tried to brush his teeth; I got a
few of them brushed before he twisted and turned.
Fast forward
fifteen years or so I’ve still said a time or two, “Did you make your dental
appointment?”
His response
was, “Ma, I’ve got it from here.”
That’s when
I realized, this phase of my parenting was done. The condition of my son’s
smile was now in his hands.
What will
you do to observe National Smile Month? Dental Health.org has ideas for celebrating.
If you have grandchildren or know of young children, one idea that sounds fun
is to write a letter to the tooth fairy.
For adults
who want to show support, take a smiling selfie, and post it to social media.
There is a “Smiliey” background that Dental Health would like you to use. If you’re
interested in more details about National Smile Month, click here.
Keep your smile healthy and brighten someone’s day by flashing your smile at them.
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