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Vacation and Health Professionals

I’m sure you’ve noticed I haven’t been over on all of y’all’s blogs. Maybe you haven’t. Maybe you’ve been relieved to not have your comments hijacked by the chatterbox. Well, whatever it is, I have a good excuse. We have family staying with us, mainly due to Gavin’s birthday (and a little because they like us…a little).

It’s been really nice to not go into work and to spend time with them and my kids. And because I’m such a great mom, I scheduled Gavin’s first real dentist appointment on the morning of his birthday. He did really well…a lot better than I was expecting since he gets really anxious around anyone in scrubs. I originally did a dental consultation with my own dentist where I got my dental implants and was looking into TMJ and TMD treatment, but after he left and the practice went to a different guy who doesn’t have children, I figured I’d bring the kids to a pediatric dentist. Wow…what a difference! I want my teeth cleaned there from now on! The whole office was decorated in a “Under the Sea” fish-type-theme, the forms I filled out had the fish all over them, the exam chairs were in various shades of blue, there were fish tanks, and all the kids there (varying in age from 3 to 7 at the time) were relaxed, laid-back in their chairs with sunglasses on while getting their teeth cleaned, staring at their own personal balloon floating above their heads. Periodically you’d hear the dentist counting a child’s teeth out loud, or loudly praising a child for “No Cavities!!!” or “Good Job on Your FIRST Visit!!!”

The hygienist we had was so sweet and patient. Gavin wasn’t too sure about the moving chair, but tolerated it if I let him hold my hand. She showed him the Tickle Brush and tickled his finger with the tooth-cleaning brush several times until he was comfortable enough to let her tickle his teeth with it. He thought that Mr. Sprinkler and Mr. Thirsty (the water pick and the sucker-thing) were hysterical and thought it was great that she could give him a drink of water! Once his teeth were cleaned, he even allowed her to floss his teeth….I was totally stunned! And so proud of him! Afterwards the dentist came, counted his teeth, pronounced him cavity-free to anyone in the office, and since this was our first visit with them, went over some basic stuff (how to get him to quit swallowing the toothpaste, when to call them if he sustains a mouth injury, reinforcing healthy food choices and brushing habits, etc.), and took a picture with Gavin for his personalized “My First Dental Visit” book.

Like I said, I want my teeth cleaned there.

As we were leaving, I saw their “Binky Busters” board, where it showcased photos of kids who kicked their (extended) binky habit. Most of the kids looked to be about 3…but some looked older. One little girl looked to be around 5. Made me feel a little better about Gavin having his until he was 32 months old (I have excuses! Want to hear them? Maybe just one? He didn’t cut his 2-year old molars until he was 2-1/2, when he got all four at once, and the binky gave him a lot of comfort and relief…I just couldn’t take that from him. Once they were in, he surrendered the binky pretty easily). And also glad that I got Gavin to kick his binky habit when I did, before any dental expert got a look-see in his mouth and chastised me for being a negligent mother who will allow her orally-fixated child go to college with his pacifier.

But like I said, Gavin did GREAT! He was compliant, minimally anxious, and was funny and charming when all was done. I was so grateful for such a great experience that I thanked and nearly hugged everyone on the way out.

Now tomorrow is his 4-year old check-up. Yes, I am a mean, mean mom…and a stupid one, too…testing my 4-year old’s patience with health professionals. But wait. There’s more: scheduled 2-1/2 hours after Gavin’s check-up is his 4-year old portraits…this child who can be very sweet and funny loses his trained monkey act and becomes the biggest stinker at photography studios. And I’ll probably end up taking him by myself. Right before lunch. Because I am a glutton for punishment.

About the Author

Colleen

This is a blog where I will share my adventures and mundane tasks as a work-out-of-home-mom. I now have 2 kids and my wonderful husband, so the juggling has gotten a little bit more tricky (man-on-man defense). We also have 2 dogs and 3 cats (we used to have 4) so as you can imagine, our household is pretty busy. Since I never feel like I'm being listened to, I figured I'll just start talking at the general Internet community and see what happens.

10 Comments

Madame Queen

For what it’s worth, I *DID* notice your absence and I missed you!

I’m prepping Punkin to give up her binky at age 3. Every time I bring it up she looks so sad. It breaks my heart.

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Marti

I was wondering where you wandered of too! Um yeah you are crazy. There is no way I’d go anywhere without feeding the Bean first.

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Burgh Baby

For an entire day, twitter didn’t seem to be having any technical difficulties. That’s when I realized you had been AWOL. 😉

We took the paci away around Alexis’ first birthday. Can you believe the darn kid has started asking for one lately? She swears there’s one in the closet and that I just won’t find it. Because it’s not there, my dear. I promise. How weird is it that she remembers they used to be there when she was tiny?

Oh yeah, the dentist. I probably need to start looking for one of them fancy kid dentists with pretty pictures and stuff. Mine claims to be child-friendly, but I think I need one like yours.

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Tranny Head

You ARE a brave woman doing the portrait studio after a doctor visit and before food. I got to schedule the Sumo’s first birthday photos soon.

Oh – and yes, I, too, want to go to that dentist.

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Karen

We have a pediatric dentist that sound much like yours. He’s a gem, and is especially great with Micah.

I’m kinda glad that your family is gone. That means you’ll have more time for us. Yeh, I’m selfish like that.

But glad that you had a wonderful visit.

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Flea

My children’s first dental visit was pediatric and great, too! After that we found a regular dentist, but they were ready for it because of their first experience. And don’t let anyone give you grief about that Binky. My pediatric nurse always fussed at me, but the Binky wasn’t for my kids. It was for me, not wanting to hear them cry. Where’s my mother of the year award?

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caramama

That’s a great idea to go to a pediatric dentist. I hadn’t realized there were specialists. Duh!

I hope the doctor and photo shoot went well! Enjoy your visiting!

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ascapecodturns

Love our pediatric dentist! Ours has tvs on the ceiling. Whatever it takes, I say!
Oh and one of my girls didn’t drop the binky until the “binky fairy” came when she was 5!

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Bella

My friend emailed me a link to a site that has a publication on losing the binky (it is free, makes money by advertisements). I have not tried it yet because my son is only 6 months old. She absolutly raved about the method. I think I will try try it out when he is around 1. It is http://www.bye-bye-binky.com for anyone who is interrested. If you do, let me know your thoughts….Bella

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