Dentist says you’re not a ‘horrible parent’ if your child gets cavities

As a parent, you probably know the feeling of dread that settles in the pit of your stomach when you take your child to the dentist. It likely started all the way back when you were a child and got shamed for not brushing or flossing enough. And now, as an adult who is tired and doesn’t always want to reason with a toddler about the importance of oral hygiene, the last thing you need is a lecture from a dentist who doesn’t have to be in that tantrum-y bathroom with you after a long, exhausting workday.

That’s why this viral video from a pediatric dentist is so soothing. She’s telling parents everywhere: It’s not that big a deal.

“This is a message for every parent who has been shamed for their kids having cavities,” Dr. Amrita Sandhu says in her video. “Here’s a video of me, a dentist, doing fillings on my own child.”

She continues, “I, of course, know how to brush and floss and do all the protective things that we need to do to prevent cavities, but guess what? They still happen. I’m sorry you were shamed and made to feel like a bad parent. We’re all trying our best to keep our little ones happy and healthy, and as we all know, it is such a busy life to live.”

She goes on to apologize to all the many parents out there who have been guilted or shamed when their kids ended up with some fillings.

“Education and awareness is important of course, but being made out to feel like a horrible parent is definitely not. I’m sorry if this has happened to you,” she says.

In the caption, she wrote, “It breaks my heart when parents come to me with this shame, let’s work together versus bringing people down.” Amen to that!

In the comments, parents applauded the message.

“Now this is the video we needed,” one wrote.

“Dental hygienist here!! My daughter has cavities, we are not perfect!” another viewer chimed in.

One mom wrote, “I don’t understand why, I brush his teeth for 2 mins (timed) AM&PM, then he brushes for fun after. He’s NEVER had juice or sweets or anything — he adores raw veggies & is so healthy,”

A viewer responded to that comment, “Genetics also can play a huge role! I’m very cavity prone and that’s okay!”

It is OK! Some people are more prone to cavities than others, and that’s not something deserving of shame. Pass it on.