First Dentist appointment

A few weeks after I took Lincoln to the dentist in August to get his tooth pulled, Jackson started asking if he could go to the dentist.  He knew his brother had been there TWICE, and he hadn't gotten to go yet.  The boys had been doing really good with letting Brian and me brush their teeth at night, so we knew they were finally ready for their first trip to the dentist.

I called mid-October to make an appointment, and luckily they had an appointment for Monday before Thanksgiving.  This was perfect as I was off work that whole week!  After the appointment was made, the dentist office sent over an orientation packet to help prepare the boys for their visit.

The packet included some gloves, masks, and the little mirrors the dentist uses.  We showed the boys all these things, put them on, and told them that the dentist and people at the dentist office would have all these things.  The packet also included a Dora book that talks about Dora's first trip to the dentist.  We read it so much in the first few days we had it that we had to start changing the story up on them - otherwise, they were telling us the story!

The boys were so excited for their visit!  Lincoln led the way up the stairs, and immediately went to the play area of the waiting room.  Jackson happily followed.  The boys played for a few minutes, fought over a few toys, then it was time to go back to see the dentist.

First, we had to show the hygenist how we brush our teeth.  She colored their teeth red, and the boys worked to brush all the color away.  Both the boys thought this was pretty cool.  They got to pick out their own toothbrushes even!  The hygenist then brushed their teeth to remove the rest of the color, and gave them a drink of water to rinse their mouth.  Both boys tried to spit....TRIED being the appropriate word.

Next, we went and sat in the big boy dentist chairs!  Each of the boys found a toy to play with while they were waiting.

  

First, Miss Julie came over to clean Lincoln's teeth.  She showed him her light, and asked if he wanted sunglasses - he kindly declined.  She showed him her mirror, and began cleaning his teeth.  I think once the hygenist started working in his mouth he remembered when he had his tooth pulled.  Suddenly, he was NOT liking being at the dentist.  Brian held him on his lap while they finished cleaning his teeth, but it was a struggle.  Thankfully, he got a good report - all 19 teeth are healthy!

                                                                                     Next, it was Jackson's turn.  Miss Karen came over to his chair, and showed him the light.  He picked out a pair of sunglasses to put on, and was as "cool" as he looked throughout the whole appointment.  He answered Miss Karen's questions, did as she asked, and he was the best little boy in the world.  Although he has fewer teeth than Lincoln (only 16), he got the same report - all healthy, and great looking teeth.

Each of the boys got a brown elephant balloon animal, they picked out stickers, pencils and finger puppets.  Over the past few weeks, each of the boys have looked forward to brushing their teeth, comment on how they have bright, shiny teeth, and they continue to love "playing dentist" each night with Brian and me.  Overall, a great first experience at the dentist for both of them, and we look forward to many happy, healthy smiles in the future.