Kyle had his first dental checkup two weeks ago. I had worried about it for months leading up to the actual day, only because I hate going to the dentist so much myself. I was totally projecting my own fears on to my child. The first in a list of many, I’m sure.
I prepared Kyle for it by telling him that we were going to a special doctor who looks at teeth. Kyle often gives us trouble with toothbrushing, so I warn him that the dentist will be unhappy if his teeth are dirty. Sometimes that makes a difference.
I was so pleasantly surprised by this dentist office, which is nothing like the one I went to as a child. There were two rows of miniature purple patient chairs, toys and colorful posters everywhere, and the dentist took a few minutes in his office to get to know Kyle before we moved to the exam room.
I was also worried because I have heard more than one story of children having multiple cavities at their first checkup, for which they had to be put under general anesthesia to get them filled! I almost swoon with shkeevy displeasure at that thought. I am really quite a wuss when I think about dental work. A few weeks ago I had some old fillings replaced with the newfangled tooth-colored kind, and it was torture. The nice ladies offered me some headphones so I could listen to relaxing music while they worked on my mouth, but I declined. I preferred to know what was going on, staring wildly around me and listening to every word they said as I suffered in white- knuckled terror.
Last night Stewart and I were watching “Jon & Kate Plus Eight” and the parents had their teeth whitened. Any inkling I’ve ever had about having that procedure done evaporated as I watched those two splayed out in their dental chairs, space-aged apparati aimed at their faces. No way.
So I sat at Kyle’s feet, nervously laughing when the dentist made jokes and poked around in Kyle’s mouth. I consciously avoided hovering and giving Kyle instructions or trying to soothe him. After all the dentist and hygienist were in charge, and this is their specialty. Kyle was complying with their requests and not fidgeting at all, so I figured all was well. The only problem he had was with the bright light they shined in his face. He wouldn’t settle down until they aimed it lower, at his chest.
The verdict: no cavities, and great-looking teeth. I was very proud, and so was Kyle.
Wow, great job Mom. No cavities. That’s a job well done 🙂
Great job to both you and Kyle.
love you
Nana & Grandpa
Congrats!!!! Jackson would have HUGE issues with that light too. he looks soooo big in that chair.
smb
I should schedule an appointment for Luke, too, but I HATE our dentist and there is no way I will bring Luke there. I guess I should be more proactive and search for a pediatric one around here.
You’re so brave, mamma! We still haven’t done it. Love the big stuffed tooth – hilarious!
Explore Mayday Dental Staffing for top-notch dental professionals in your area.
Unleash your full potential in the dental field with Mayday Dental Staffing. We’re here to help you explore new horizons and achieve greatness.
For a legacy of trust and excellence, choose Mayday Dental Staffing. We’ve built a reputation as a reliable partner for dental professionals and practices.