Daniel's First Trip to the Dentist

Allison's first trip to the dentist was at 2 1/2. That didn't go so well, in fact it was downright horrible. Then I switched dentists and Allison's second trip was MUCH better. She had one more not so great visit after that when she wouldn't let them clean her teeth but ever since then she has been the perfect patient. Of course, we have to bring our own toothpaste because the dentist's is too crunchy (I'd have to agree with that assessment). Well at 2 1/2 I didn't want to even attempt to bring Daniel to the dentist. Knowing how he is, I knew it wasn't going to be easy. He refuses to brush with toothpaste at home - he can't stand the stuff - doesn't matter what kind he hates it all. But now that he Daniel is three, I figured I at least needed to attempt a trip to the dentist. So I scheduled back to back appoints for him and Allison. Allison went first because I figured it Daniel watched her, he would be more comfortable with it. Allison was once again the model patient and her teeth are in great shape - still no cavities (knock on wood!) The hygienist also mentioned she may have a couple some-what loose teeth on the bottom. Since almost all of her friends have lost teeth, this was exciting news to her. I'm guessing it's still going to be another 6-12 months before she loses a tooth, but we'll see.

So Allison finished up and was given some fun parting gifts - a new snow white toothbrush, a bouncy ball, a spongebob sticker, and some fun flossers. We got excited and showed Daniel all the fun stuff you get when you let the hygienist cleans your teeth. Now it was his turn. He somewhat reluctantly got into the BIG chair. First step was an attempt to get some pictures. The first picture was easy - look at the camera and smile. The second picture - not so easy - open your mouth and let me stick this little camera in to take a picture of your bottom teeth. You see, here's the problem. Daniel has a gag issue. A MAJOR gag issue. If you even attempt to stick anything in his mouth (other than food of course) he gags. It doesn't have to be inserted very far into his mouth. Pretty much tell him to open and start to put something in and he gags. After a few attempts, we managed to get a picture of the bottom of his teeth. Then we attempted the top....mouth...remained...shut... Apparently he doesn't like to gag. Go figure. We tried everything - begging, pleading, bribing. He wasn't buying any of that. So we gave up on the whole picture thing and the hygienist just attempted to have him open his mouth so she could count his teeth and just get an overall look at them. Mouth...remained...shut...Now mind you, he wasn't crying or screaming or any of that, he just refused to open his mouth. My stubborn little boy. Again, we tried begging, pleading, bribing. Nothing worked. The last attempt was to let Daniel hold the little mirror and put it in his mouth himself. This actually seemed to work for a second and then...mouth...remained...shut...and then we gave up. And that's how it ended. No counting of the teeth, no cleaning, no parting gifts. After an hour an a half at the dentist, I was ready to go home, as were the kids. Here's to hoping in six months things will be different....