First Trip to the Dentist

I took Jersey #4 to the dentist for her first check-up and cleaning, this week. We have a fantastic pediatric dentist. This is a good thing, because we have terrible teeth genetics. The children accompany their older siblings into the dental office every 6 months, but we don't schedule their own first cleaning until they turn 2.

There are some key requirements I have that helped me choose our pediatric dentist...

• Smart, knowledgeable dentist who knows his field of expertise
• His reputation for working well with cardiologists, because he knows heart patients need good dental care to prevent heart infection
  
• Child-friendly dental office that tries to put the kids at ease and encourage good teeth care for a lifetime
• Involving parents in their child's care...I am allowed/encouraged to accompany my children back to the cleaning bay (and also for procedures)
  
• Dental staff who present their knowledge of teeth care, not their opinions of parenting choices (there is no magic age for ALL children to stop breastfeeding at night, stop using a pacifier/sucking a thumb, or using a regular cup vs sippy cup), and our dentist treats each child like the individuals they are
• Use of sedative medications/gas to relax the kids for advanced procedures, yielding cooperation (instead of holding them down and forcing treatment)

I like that the entire dentist office is child-friendly. The waiting room has colorful toys, chairs, and children's books. The doors have glass windows so we can see down the halls easily. The hygienists are always smiling and friendly. The interior is well-lit, and decorated with colorful pictures. There are 4 dental bays separated by low counters/cabinets and parent seating. I can sit in a chair in one bay, and watch 2 children in side-by-side bays. This is really nice once the kids are old enough to not want me to hold their hands, because I can schedule 2-3 cleanings at the same time and get through the process quicker.

It is important to me to have a pediatric dentist who makes going to the dentist a positive experience. Some of our children have already required advanced dental care, in spite of our best nutrition and teeth brushing habits. There are so many adults who neglect their dental care due to traumatic dental experiences as kids. We want our children to take care of their teeth and build healthy habits for a lifetime. When our 2-year olds first visit the dentist, they are given a tour of the cleaning bay and all of the tools and equipment. They get to spray the air and the water, and feel how the polisher feels on their hand. They climb into the big chair when they are comfortable. The hygienist meets them where they are, and progresses with as much as they will tolerate. She backs off at the first sign of resistance, so that fear is not built. I remember Jersey #3 climbed into the chair, but would not sit on his bottom. So, the hygienist cleaned his teeth with him sitting on his knees, facing her. Jersey #4 never made it into the big chair. Her curiosity was high, but her level of trust was much lower than her siblings.

Here is a picture of Jersey #4 peeking into the next bay to watch Jersey #1 get her teeth cleaned. Since Jersey #1 has such light blue eyes, that are sensitive to light, she requests the sunglasses during her cleanings.

When it was her turn for a cleaning, Jersey #4 observed the tool demonstration from a safe distance...

She had already received her goody bag filled with a new toothbrush, toothpaste, a timer (to brush for 2 minutes), and a toothbrush cover. She refused to climb into the big chair. She did agree to let the hygienist open her new toothbrush, and brush her teeth with that (at arm's length away).

Jersey #5 was eager to climb into the big chair. In this picture, Jersey #4 is trying to push him out, because it is HER TURN! (even though she did not want to sit there herself).