Chase's First Trip to the Dentist

On Monday Chase had his first trip to the dentist. We had been preparing for months by saying things like, "When you go to the dentist you will open your mouth wide and he will touch your teeth," then we'd do just as we said, open our mouths wide and touch our teeth. We talked about how they would clean our teeth and make the bright and shiny. We talked about how Mommy and Daddy go to the dentist too and he's not scary, he very nice. Then we always ended our conversations with our usual bribe of, if you're good, we'll go to Chuck E. Cheese when you're done!

Now at the risk of sounding like a bragging mom, which we all know I am, I will say that Chase is an excellent child. In fact, he is beyond excellent. We constantly get comments on how smart he is, how well he talks, how well behaved he is, what good manners he has, etc. I have to say, all of these comments are right on track. I'm not sure how we got so lucky, but we did. Of course we have our moments, but for the most part, he's fantastic. We are very proud of Chase and make sure we tell him this often. We encourage good behavior and discourage negative. So far it has paid off splendidly.

Sunday night we talked about how after we went to sleep and then the sun came up it would finally be time to go to the dentist. I asked Chase if he was scared and he told me no. I had heard so many horror stories that I was weary, but felt confident that we had done what we could to ensure a good visit. I had researched the pediatric dentists around and quickly found that one was recommended time and time again. I also found he was the only one that allowed a parent back, so he was the obvious and only choice. On the way down we again talked about opening our mouths and how they would touch his teeth. He really seemed excited, a good sign.

I knew as soon as we walked in that this was the right choice. Chase never so much as whimpered and ran to the video games and toys that were awaiting him by the sitting area. Within minutes we were called back and Chase didn't even hesitate. He raced ahead, eager to see what was behind each corner. We came to the cleaning area and met Mrs. Charlotte, his hygienist, and I could tell Chase was very comfortable with her. We had our beloved "Hippy" with us and Mrs. Charlotte showed Chase and Hippy all of her cool toys. Chase loved them. He climbed on the bed (what are those called anyway), got to put on the "magic sunglasses, and he was ready to go. He did everything she asked him to do and she told me time and time again how brave and good he was. Did I mention I was proud???? She also said that his teeth looked great and that he let her get off what little tarter build-up he had. I will admit I was worried because he does 90% of his teeth brushing, but she said he's doing great and there was no need to make him let us do it!

After he was done with his cleaning he got to pick out a special toothbrush and we waited for Dr. Andersen. It only took a few minutes and we were called back to the exam room. I think the exam took all of 2 minutes, literally, but I'm not complaining. Jeff and I both have excellent teeth, never had to have braces, and have no major problems, so I've been praying Chase would inherit our teeth... he did! Dr. Anderson's exact words were, "He's got a perfect set of little teeth here!" Yeah!!!

Chase did spectacular and as promised we went to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate. We will start going every 6 months now and I asked Chase if he liked the dentist. He told me yes, it was fun. Am I a lucky mom or what???