As I type this, the two of you are napping. I feel like I could use a little rest too after the morning we had. You boys had your very first dentist appointment this morning and it exhausted us all! Until just this year, both Daddy and I despised dentists so I guess you apples didn't fall from that tree of anxiety. I tried hyping it up. I even tried preparing you for it a few days ago by pretending to "brush like a dentist". But by appointment time, Jax, you would barely get out of the car. You then walked through the front door sobbing and refusing to greet anyone at the reception desk. Colt, this whole scene confused you and I think it's what put your nerves on alert. Then y'all found some video games, books, and this simplistic thing that's in every doctor's office I've ever been in:
You played with it nicely and I had a glimmer of hope that maybe this would be ok...
Then we were escorted back to the exam room and she asked which one of you wanted to sit on the "squishy seat". Neither of you volunteered and you both hid in the corner that was farthest away from said squishy. The hygienist read your body language well and was extremely patient and positive with you boys. We decided right off the bat that you, Colt, would just be a lap checkup as she only wanted to count your teeth. Jax, you were scheduled for a cleaning and they catered to your every whim in an effort to ease your fears.
Oh, you want a jacket like mine? No problem!
You think you'd do better with sunglasses? They look fabulous on you!
You'd like a last minute switch from grape flavor to bubble gum? Excellent choice!
Standing in front of me instead of sitting in the chair is okie dokie, sweetheart!
10 minutes later (literally) and you were ready to go.
She touched the first tooth with her "tickle brush" and you were done! Luckily, I caught that one on camera!
She excused herself to go get you boys your prizes (Seriously?) while we waited for the dentist to come see us. Once the room was clear, I convinced you boys to give the chair a try. Jax, you look scared just sitting in it. Sorry, bud.
Colt, you're still unsure about what the heck is going on.?.?.
So...the dentist comes in and says we're going to do lap exams for the both of you. Picture time is over as I had to hold you in my lap one at a time as you screamed while she simply counted your teeth. Yep, that's it. Just counted. Colt, you're at 16 teeth and 1 huge overbite thanks to a finger sucking habit. Jax, you have all 20 teeth and some fractures to the front two thanks to a few falls when you were younger. Jax, she said you also have very tight quarters in there and that adult teeth won't have much room when they make their appearances. All of the above is basically the heads up that you'll both probably need orthodontics in the future. Been there, done that. You'll be fine - but maybe we should start prepping you for that office visit now??? ; )
HA! Love it. And, I confess, my children at age nearly 4 and 6 have never been to a dentist. They are pumped to go though--until they get there. I hate the dentist as well and assume so much of the need to go early might be a bit crazy American-like I mean, months after their first tooth. No wonder our dentist friend makes such good money. Would love to hear about things with you. My email is brynnhodder@yahoo.com. Thanks for checking in.
ReplyDelete