The Dentist

It was time that we finally found a dentist. It's difficult when you move to a totally new place (let alone new country with whole new insurance issues) to find doctors/dentists/hairdressers/mechanics/etc...you get the point. James and I are very particular about our oral health and have always gone to the dentist on a regular basis. Because of this we realized it was really time for us to find a local dentist. We asked around and finally found a friend who recommended a dentist that actually accepts our insurance. Well, today was the day. James had an appointment during his lunch hour and the boys and I each had appointments in the afternoon. James called me to tell me that our dentist was really nice and did the cleaning herself. (I'm not used to that.) The three of us headed out with much optimism. Jameson had been to the dentist before and was a trooper; he did so well that time so I really wasn't worried. Then there was Stellan..... He had never been before but it's a struggle just to get him to brush his teeth. He hates toothpaste so we've resorted to using just water. The other night he clamped his mouth shut and then placed both hands firmly over his mouth. It took two of us (coupled with some bribery) just to get him to open his mouth. I was worried. How was he going to do with the dentist.

Once we got to the office I had a ton of paperwork to fill out. After completing all of the repetitive names/numbers/addresses it was Jameson's turn. He headed in a bit nervous looking. They were willig to take him in alone but I knew he needed me. Stellan continued to play in the waiting area and I helped Jameson settle in. He did great! He let the doctor do a check up and willingly let her do a cleaning and fluoride treatment. I went back and forth between Stellan and Jameson. Near the end of Jameson's treatment I decided to bring Stellan into the room so he could see what to expect. He took one look at Jameson and said, "Mommy, let's go home now". Such fear in his voice, poor little guy. We tried to show him that it didn't hurt and Jameson wasn't minding it but Stellan wouldn't buy it. Well, it was his turn.

We took Stellan to the room next door but he did not want to get into the chair. I offered to sit with him so he reluctantly got onto my lap. The dentist tried showing him on his fingers what she would do; count and touch them. She got him to relax a bit and open his mouth, a teeny tiny bit. She counted his teeth and then tried to get him to open his mouth to check his jaw. He complied, but barely. He wouldn't even stick out his tongue when asked. Hey, I'm happy he didn't clamp down on one of her fingers or scream and spit. Overall, considering what we had to work with, he did quite well. He got a sticker for a good effort. :)

Bad news is that Jameson needs to see an orthodontist. She doesn't believe it will be an issue until he is 6 (or at least until he gets his 6 year molars). I'll be putting it off until we move back to Canada. Besides, I can't imagine taking a 4 year old to an orthodontist. Sheesh.