Brusha Brusha Brusha!

Dylan had his first dental appointment. I had been preparing him for some time and telling him it would be fun and he would get a new toothbrush, toothpaste and cool toy. So he was actually pretty excited to go. Overall, he was a real trooper! He loved the little play area in the waiting room and one patient even had a tiny pug puppy in her lap. When the hygienist asked us to come back, Dylan excitedly followed and eagerly jumped in the chair for x-rays. He had no problems with the film in his mouth and holding still for the camera. Once we were led to the dental chair he seemed to lose his bravery. He did not want to lay back in the chair for a cleaning even with the cool flat screen TV mounted to the ceiling. He was even more nervous when the hygienist showed him the polishing tool. He was like, "No way! That's not going in my mouth!" I then suggested that she just show him how it works on my teeth and Dylan thought it was neat and finally agreed to try it. He did OK for a while, until the toothpaste started dribbling out and he just wanted to rinse his mouth. I don't think chocolate is the best flavor, but he wasn't enthused about any others. The hygienist thought he did great and said that most kids won't even open their mouths on the first visit.

She then decided to give him his dental goody bag while we waited for the dentist. Normally, I think it would be good to have him entertained while we waited, but he just thought this meant he was done and it was time to go. Of course, he also had to take everything out and wanted to start using the toothbrush and floss. He then proceeded to take the two stickers out and start putting them on the dental equipment. Luckily I could get them off the first time, but once he stuck them on the chair, the bottom half was stuck on! The hygienist assured me that it was OK and they have a special cleaner to get it off. Oh, well! Next time, I will remember to make sure they hold the goody bag until it is time to go.

After about 10 minutes of trying to contain him in this area, the dentist finally arrived! Again, Dylan wouldn't lay in the chair on his own. I offered to hold him and he just laid down on me facing the dentist. It was a little strange, but whatever works! The exam went well and there were no problems found. After the exam, the dentist pulled out a large container of toys and told Dylan to pick one. He had a hard time deciding and really didn't like the idea of only getting one, but he finally settled on a small purple toy car.

We were also instructed to start fluoride toothpaste and train him to spit now. I thought it was going to be a challenge, but Dylan really likes brushing his teeth like Mommy and Daddy. However, he will need to work more on the art of spitting. At times, he just lets it dribble out all over his clothes! Hopefully, he will be a pro by his next appointment.