- When to start brushing your child’s teeth
- Tips to get your child to cooperate with brushing their teeth
- At what age you can let your child brush their own teeth
- When to start flossing
- What causes cavities and how to prevent them
- At what age to take your child to the dentist for their first visit
- What to expect at the first appointment
- Why it’s important to fill kids’ cavities despite the fact the teeth will fall out anyway
- How to help your child through getting a filling
- What age do teeth start falling out
- When should parents try to get rid of the pacifier
- Orthodontic care – when to start thinking about it
- Dr. Yum’s thoughts on x-rays and fluoride
Show links:
- Disney’s Magic Timer App (iPhone and Android) – This was a lifesaver and really got my kids to brush for a full two minutes! Even at 6 and 4 they still use it occasionally and even ask to brush their teeth!
Listen below or subscribe in iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play!
Dr. Yum talks motherhood:
What would you tell an expecting mom about the experience of being a mother?
Motherhood is one of the best experiences in life and truly a blessing. It is challenging at times and can test your limits, but nothing is more rewarding than being a mother. I realize how much my own parents love me and my sister and can appreciate more how much they sacrificed for us. There isn’t such a thing as a perfect mom, so I have come to realize not to sweat the small stuff!
What is the hardest part about being a mom? Biggest frustrations?
The hardest part of being a mom is balancing work and family time. It is frustrating at times to try to be everything to everyone at all times. You often forego things for yourself like going to doctors visits or getting a manicure or working out. But it is so important to carve out time for yourself so that you don’t burn out! If I’m not healthy, then it’s just that much harder to be there for my family.
What is your favorite part about being a mom? What makes all the hard stuff worth it?
My favorite part of being a mom is watching my kids grow and become little people. I love watching them hit their milestones and love their personalities. I enjoy spending time with them whether it’s just reading or going to the park.
Any tips, tools, and tricks do you use that you’d love to tell other moms about?
If you are a married mom or dating mom, I’d make sure to have date night with your significant other as much as possible. It’s easy to disconnect when you are always with the kids. I always carry extra toys or crayons in my purse if we need distraction when we are out an about!
Connect with Dr. Yum!
Dr. Grace Yum, Yummy Dental - Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Yum is one of the less than 5% of dentists who are specialists in pediatric dentistry. She has been in the dental field for over 20 years and has been practicing since 2003. She started working as a dental assistant while attending Northwestern University in the mid-to-late 90’s. She then moved onto dental school at University of Maryland. Dr. Yum earned her certificate in pediatrics at Children's Memorial Hospital which is now Lurie's Hospital of Chicago. She was selected 1 of 2 residents out of 900 applicants. She is the founder of Yummy Dental & Orthodontics for Kids for 2 locations in the Chicagoland area.
Dr. Yum has appeared on the TODAY Show on NBC nationally and on NBC Chicago as a repeat guest. She has also been featured nationally in Parents Magazine, Parenting Magazine, on Yahoo! and locally in Chicago Parent Magazine, which described her as one of the best and most fun pediatric dentists in Chicago.
Hey there! I'm Carrie Rubin, the Boss Lady & CMO (Chief Mom Officer) here at The Modern Mom Society. I'm a wife and mom of 2 living in Chicago. I love hearing people's stories... click here to hear mine!