First Dentist Visit

Reese had her first visit to the dentist this morning. I thought I was getting ahead of the game--my pediatrician hadn't recommended a dental visit yet and none of the other people I know with kids Reese's age had been to the dentist yet. So, you can imagine my shock when the dental office mentioned that they recommend that every child has their first dental appointment at age one--NOT two. Guilt trip accomplished, now can we move on? I felt like saying, "Well, she technically won't be two until the 24th--suck on that!" but of course I didn't. I took my wrist slap and moved on...to filling out ten pages of paper work. There were entire sections asking how I thought Reese would behave during the exam. My mind was flooded with scenarios--most involved screaming and crying, and a few involved a straight-jacket-like-papoose or sedation (for both of us, of course). So, I left half of the questions blank and wrote "unknown" next to the other half.

I tried to prepare Reese for our visit this week by talking a lot about who the dentist was and how they would use tools to look at her teeth. I didn't find any books at the library (like I initially intended), and we didn't do a pre-visit, or consult any you tube cartoons/footage...but, hey we were busy with other things.

After a long argument over insurance pre-verification, we were seen by the dentist. To my relief, Reese's exam took place in a small office, and did not include a traditional dental chair. The dentist spent the first five or ten minutes explaining the procedures to me and assuring me that all kids cry during the exam because they're scared and they don't know what's going on. She also mentioned that the crying is actually a good thing because with wide open screaming mouths, she can see and inspect the teeth more easily. She then grilled me on our brushing and flossing habits as well as Reese's diet. I got a bonus explanation about why it's not good to give your kid cookies all-day, every day. I know I'm a young mom, but really? I must look like I don't take nutrition seriously.

After all that, Reese got to look at the dental tools, told the dentist she has a "Thomas toothbrush" (she's never seen Thomas the Tank Engine cartoons, but knows his name and insisted on picking him out at the store), and layed down in Mommy's lap for the exam. Reese opened her mouth at all the right times, didn't shed a tear, and the dentist finished the exam with all her fingers in tact. The only hiccup to the whole appointment was that Reese wanted to lick all the fluoride treatment off of her teeth while it was being applied. Who can blame her, though, when they make that stuff taste like candy?

We left with a new toothbrush, a perfect review (not even any plaque build up!), and our second appointment scheduled for February.

It's always amazing how the things I prepare for the most difficulty with (e.g. doctor's visits, blood draws, dental visit, church attendance etc) are always smooth sailing...it's the routine events that bites us in the ass every time.