Snow white teeth

First of all, we had our first BIG snowfall overnight and into this morning. It finally looks and feels like winter, and now that the sun is coming through the clouds and the patches of blue are visible, it's even better. After Kent's nap, we hope to build a snowman with a carrot nose. Kent is all about carrot noses. 

He's wiped out from a busy morning navigating snowy roads and going to his first dentist appointment! The office was recommended to us by our pediatrician, and I was very pleased with everyone there and their "follow the child" approach. Obviously, they don't want to be the bad guys, and they want the kids to love healthy teeth and gums, so they're ready to take two steps back if they sense the kid resisting. I had reserved some books from area libraries, but only one came through on time for the appointment. It was good enough as it gave Kent some idea of what happens there. We also looked at the office tour pictures online and browsed through the staff pictures. In the car, I reminded him of the dentist's name and how we would meet him and shake his hand saying: "it's nice to meet you!" 

So what do you know as soon as we entered the waiting room and peeled off our layers, Kent marches right up to a dad and his daughter and shoots out his hand for a hearty shake. Hahah!! When it was our turn, the dental hygienist was really kind and slow. She gave him a new toothbrush and brushed his teeth, but he resisted so I asked if they had a mirror he could hold to watch what she was doing. That solved everything. She and the dentist were pleased with the condition of his teeth and saw nothing wrong. I had mentioned his horrible lip accident on November 1st and they didn't see evidence of trauma, but told me what to look for for future reference. The last thing they did was put fluoride on his teeth and he didn't care for that texture and taste, but that was quick. Afterwards, he got two stickers and a little plastic elephant that fits over your index finger (a big hit!!!). 

I think mostly the appointment was for them to casually and indirectly talk about the importance of brushing daily and paying attention to diet (no juice, limited sweets, no grazing, etc). The next appointment this July will be an actual cleaning with the electric brush in the real chair, so hopefully today gave him some positive associations. I'm relieved he was so cooperative, and was chatty and friendly with the staff. Whew!