We've been delaying the Dentist for some time and now that she's four, I feel horrible that she hasn't been yet. As luck would have it, there was a cancellation and we got the appointment today.
I actually wonder if the delay was actually a benefit because she's heard so much about going to the Dentist that she no longer cried and screamed at the thought. Of course, I figured we'd still have a nice meltdown at the office.
So to prepare, I let her play at McDonalds an hour before. While we were at the store earlier, I saw our neighborhood newspaper which had a picture of her dentist on the front. I mentioned it to her in this very positive way: "Hey, here's your dentist."
And as luck would have it, the guy behind, speaks loudly in horror about going to the dentist: "She has to go to the dentist. Poor kid. Everyone hates the dentist."
Luckily, Liz didn't hear most of what he said - as he proceeded to go on and on and on and on about how horrible his childhood dentist was and the torture he endured. Don't get me wrong. I wasn't a huge fan of my childhood dentist who was known for taking smoke breaks in between treatment.
But I really wanted Liz's attitude to be positive so that her experience might go well.
Despite the loudmouth at the grocery, things couldn't have been better! She had an excellent dental hygienist. She let them clean her teeth, take XRays and even do a fluoride treatment. They even took her on a tour of the office.
There are some concerns with kids with achondroplasia about teeth crowding, etc ... Right now, Xrays show that Liz's permanent teeth are precisely where they should be.
She also is cavity free - which we hope to maintain. She got her picture taken for the "cavity free" bulletin board.
Here are some pictures from the cell phone - so they're not perfect. You'll notice some tentative looks from her, but overall, she was quite amazing.
Check out those shades they gave her so the light wouldn't bother her eyes. Impressive.
13 comments:
She did great! As a sign of what my parents had to deal with, it took me many years to realize the lead vest was actually for x-ray protection and not a restraining device...
Great job, Liz! I'm so glad you posted this...Seamus' first appointment is looming on the horizon, and I am terrified!! So glad to see that Liz did so awesome. I'm going to show Seamus the pics.
Good job Lizzy!
Dylan has never had an issue with the dentist, we go to Kool Smiles and it is totally geared for kids. He has been going twice a year since he first got teeth! Matthew will have his 1st appt soon, hopefully he will be just as good as Dylan and Lizzy.
Go Liz! I need to make a dentist appointment for Pres. I think there is a benefit for waiting a bit longer otherwise they can get scared. I am so happy to hear Liz is cavity free! She looks so grown up! She is going to be such a heartbreaker! Between her smile and personality!
Good job, Liz! I definitely don't get xrays and fluoride at every four year old's appointment. I must agree with your sentiments on the grocery store guy -- what was he thinking?
great job Liz! Sam's first visit was a pure nightmare!!!!!!
Great job, Liz! I'm so glad that her first appointment went so well and no meltdowns. She is so adorable and I love the shades that they gave her.
Yay for Lizzie! I am actually taking Hannah and Alex for their first dental appointment next week. I'm so glad I read your post because I was feeling a bit like a failure of a mom for taking my four year old for her first appointment....I blame it on moving so much. I am glad that Liz did so well:)
I just let Hannah look at the pictures and her response was "I can't wait to go to the dentist!"
So glad to hear that the dentist appointment was good. Seems to me like some of the newer dentist offices are better equiped to help kids have a positive experience. Hope she continues to be cavity free!
Don't feel bad, Taylor was almost five before she went to the dentist. We read a Dora goes to the Dentist book, and I was totally dreading the visit, but she did great too! Way to go Liz, what a big girl!
Ahh, so cute! Way to go Liz! Gotta love the jerk in the store - obviously he wasn't a parent:0) I'm not looking forward to that adventure with Caden. So far he likes brushing his teeth ... so we will wait a year or so and then see how a trip to the dentist goes (yuck!)
What a super job Liz, for your first visit to get your teeth checked out! I loved the purple dental chair and the sunglasses--our office has Buzz Lightyear glasses for the boys and Princess ones for the girls. We even have some for the Moms and Dads. We're so happy to hear you didn't have any cavities and could join the no cavity club. We have one at our office,too. I'm so glad you loved your hygienist. Don't forget to floss every day. When I brush my tongue,I think of you b/c I heard you brush yours! Keep up the good work! Love Aunt Darlene and Uncle Ben
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