We took Caden to the dentist for the first time today. The receptionist and I have been playing phone tag all summer trying to coordinate a time to get Caden in, but it seems like they only have cancellations when I'm out of town.
Anyway, we've been practicing with Caden to open his mouth on command and explaining what the hygienist and dentist were going to do. Caden got in the exam room and I sat him in the chair. The hygienist was very kind and patient with him and carefully explained what she was going to do and why she had to wear a mask and gloves. Then we took some photos of his first trip to the dentist. He did great through all of this and then the hygienist laid the chair back and Caden got nervous, but stayed still and quiet. Then she turned on the polisher and he lost it. I expected the hygienist to be frustrated, but she reassured Doug and me that many first timers don't get through an entire cleaning. She suggested we stop and just have Dr. Davidson do a visual exam to check for bite problems and cavities. So Dr. Davidson came in and did just that which Caden cooperated quite well with. He was rewarded with a new bright yellow toothbrush and some sparkly children's toothpaste. Caden was also quite proud of himself! We survived Caden's first trip to the dentist even though he spent a mere 7 and half minutes in the exam room. We don't have to go back for 6 months and Caden got a good report on his teeth, no cavities!! YEAH!
Anyway, we've been practicing with Caden to open his mouth on command and explaining what the hygienist and dentist were going to do. Caden got in the exam room and I sat him in the chair. The hygienist was very kind and patient with him and carefully explained what she was going to do and why she had to wear a mask and gloves. Then we took some photos of his first trip to the dentist. He did great through all of this and then the hygienist laid the chair back and Caden got nervous, but stayed still and quiet. Then she turned on the polisher and he lost it. I expected the hygienist to be frustrated, but she reassured Doug and me that many first timers don't get through an entire cleaning. She suggested we stop and just have Dr. Davidson do a visual exam to check for bite problems and cavities. So Dr. Davidson came in and did just that which Caden cooperated quite well with. He was rewarded with a new bright yellow toothbrush and some sparkly children's toothpaste. Caden was also quite proud of himself! We survived Caden's first trip to the dentist even though he spent a mere 7 and half minutes in the exam room. We don't have to go back for 6 months and Caden got a good report on his teeth, no cavities!! YEAH!
Caden happily opening up wide, just like we practiced!
Getting nervous at the sight and sound of the polisher, just before freaking out!
Proud new owner of a toothbrush and toothpaste!