Dentist dismay

I was just reminded that my three kids have their 6 month dentist appointments and cleanings on Monday (by a perky receptionist reminder call) and of course the kids started freaking out. I'm always a little nervous too, the last few check ups have been clean bills of dental health, but I remember once when one of mine had two cavities and I felt like such a bad mommy. I took it personally, well because it was my personal job at the time to brush her teeth and maintain her diet, so it was my fault, my logic went. I still get in there and brush after my youngest have tried. 

How do you feel? Do you feel mommy guilt when/if your kids get cavities? How old is old enough to brush and floss their own teeth (and do it well enough not to cost you filling fees?)

Michelle Galvez, Community Editor