Mint, Please!

For months, we had prepped you about going to the dentist in February----Mommy and Daddy would tell you that after Christmas, next month, in a few weeks, after Valentine's Day you had a dental appointment....as we coaxed you to brush your teeth thoroughly each night and each morning! Then the week and the day of going to the dentist for the first time finally arrived: Monday, February 18th, 2013-----today was your first dental visit with Dr. Self here in Dyersburg, TN.

The week before your first dental visit, we discovered permanent teeth emerging---first molars or six year molars!! Your dental hygienist and dentist were both surprised even though some children get their teeth sooner than others. We were told to expect loose teeth soon!

The night before your first dental visit, you hugged my neck after story time in the dark in your bedroom and asked questions about why we had to go to the dentist. I answered your questions and reassured you that it would not hurt and I promised that I would be there to hold your hand as needed.

First Dental Visit

Tasting the Mint After Teeth Cleaning

Perfect Patient

Then this morning, you showed no anxiety as we walked into the dentist's office. You immediately found the toys and coloring books and made yourself at home. When they called your name, you cleaned up and quietly followed behind the dental hygienist who introduced herself as Tammy. (We took a bathroom break just in case---so as not to disturb the cleaning process.) From that point, Ms. Tammy took over talking in a slow, informative voice so that you understood each step of the process!

As a mom and former elementary school teacher, I was pleased with the visual and auditory elements that your dental hygienist used to inform you of each step. I was also delighted that you, my little patient, had a choice in cleaning paste------you selected mint! Ms. Tammy was a bit surprised since your other choice was strawberry! I wasn't at all surprised though so you left with shiny, minty teeth!  The only other request you made was that I hold your hand. I pulled my chair from the corner of the room and positioned it to the left of you. You held my hand lightly as you did everything Ms. Tammy asked you to do perfectly. But when the dentist, Dr. Self, walked in to check your smile and teeth, you were already a pro------forgetting to even request Mommy's hand. 

Dr. Self & Sophia

You left the dentist office with a smile-----a new toothbrush and two prizes for being a perfect patient: No tears! No cavities! Indeed you were the perfect little dental patient that rocked your smile as you made her dental hygienist, dentist, and Mommy & Daddy very proud today! And we expected no less from you!

The tooth fairy is ready.........