If I would have only known.

Today I was slapped in the face with a little info I wish I would have known earlier.

This afternoon after school I took Kellyn to the dentist because she had an abcess. If you have never seen an abcess...trust me...gross!!! It is an infection in the tooth that can cause a puss filled pocket like a big pimple in your gums. It wasn't bothering her but she noticed the bump a few days ago and asked me what it was. I knew right away what it was and very promptly made an appointment for her to go to Dr.Emmons.

To make a long story shorter...Dr.Emmons had to refer us to an oral surgeon so that the tooth could be removed(its a back molar). Thankfully I knew of two fantastic surgeons that my mom works for, and she was seen by one of them this evening.

While in the office the surgeon said "this problem falls on the parents". WOW!!!!! I have never been told that something I did effected my childrens health... So quickly I asked "what was it???, what did I do that wasn't good enough to keep her teeth in good health??"

He quickly assured me that this DID not occur from the usual suspect...not brushing enough. This comes from her diet. He wondered if she was drinking juice late at night or pop. Both of which she would have so RARELY that we know that wasn't the problem(I mean rarely...once every three months???). We don't buy juice and the occasional 12 pack of pop that we would buy for the kiddos would be for a special occasion.

The next question floored me... "did they get bottles of milk in bed when they were toddlers?"

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! YES THEY DID. In fact...all of my kids have gone to bed with a bottle of milk from when they were weaned from breastmik until they moved to a big girl bed. It was just something that was part of our routine. Apparently because it was milk I thought it would be ok for their teeth but milk has lots of sugar that attaches itself to plaque and creates issues.

In fact...my mom told me that they have seen children in office who have swollen mouths because of the cavaties caused by milk. It has a fancy scientific name that I have forgotten but the imprint in my mind I have certainly not forgotten!

So...Kierstin is right now crying in her bed because her bottle of water is just not doing it! DARN IT!!! I wish I knew this sooner than I did....so that I wouldn't have started this with her.

At least I can "save" Kendell.

So...here's your friendly warning..this is going to cost us more than we want it to when we are trying to buy another vehicle!