Dental Exams x 3

I hate the dentist. Always have.  It probably didn't help that I loved candy as a little one.  We all know how horrible eating candy frequently can be for your teeth.  Apparently going in for multiple fillings didn't prevent me from continuing to indulge.  I'm sure my hate for the dentist has nothing to do with said fillings...

So, I really wanted my children to have a better experience at the dentist than I did.  I know it's recommended for children to start seeing the dentist as soon as their first little baby tooth pops through.  But seriously, who calls their dentist after that first baby tooth so their little one can be examined?  Our dentist has always recommended starting exams at age 3 so that is the rule we have gone by.  At 3 I feel they can follow directions, sit still (maybe), and understand a little bit of what is going on.

Alena had a horrible first experience at the dentist.  Actually it wasn't that bad but I didn't like how she was treated.  I quickly left the office and asked some neighbors for a good pediatric dentist.  The next day I called the office of Dr. Evans and Wilson and Alena was seen shortly after that.  We love this office and couldn't be happier with the switch.

I had wanted to prepare the twins for their first dental exam, but I didn't know when I had scheduled it. Then all of a sudden I worried that we had missed it amongst the move because I had nothing written in my calendar.  I panicked for a little bit because scheduling 3 appointments together, early in the morning, is not easy. I worried it would be months before they could get in.  Luckily I called the office and wouldn't you know it, we hadn't missed the appointment.  It was 3 days away.  Not a lot of time to explain to 2 three year olds what was going to take place.

Thankfully they had big sister to watch as she had her teeth examined first.  After everyone drew on their paper bibs, picked out sunglasses, stickers and huge pretend rings, (yes, even Caleb), they had their teeth cleaned and a quick dental exam.  As you can tell from the pics, one twin was more into it than the other.  (A 5:20 wake up that morning didn't help things). Caleb was a champ and allowed his teeth to get polished without any hassle.

My six year old is soon going to have another visit, (or two, or three, or four), from the tooth fairy. Her two front teeth are "blowing in the wind" according to her dental hygienist.  I'm so thankful we made it through school pics and family pics because those things are bound to fall out any day.  Let's hope her adult teeth grow back soon because I only think a toothless smile is cute in babies and old men, (just kidding).  Hoping for another successful, and cavity free trip, in 6 months.