First Dental Visits

Last Friday we took all 3 boys for their first dental cleaning!  I found a pediatric dental office through a recommendation from our twins club and was more than thrilled with how everything went.  I didn't think the boys would be nervous or scared about visiting the dentist and getting their teeth cleaned since they got over their fear of the doctor's office sometime around 2 or 2 and a half.  In fact, when I tell them that they'll have to go to the doctor if they eat beads or other colorful, small objects that they have a hard time resisting putting in their mouths (even though they know better), they always reply that they'd be happy to head to the doctor...but that's another story.  So the only assumption I felt safe making was to tell them there would probably be a new toothbrush in store for them if they did well at the dentist.  Boy was that an understatement.  From the moment we walked in the place there was continuous distraction and delight.  They started out in a neat little playroom, complete with touch screen games for slightly older kids (ours loved pretending they knew how to play anyway).  Spencer was called back first and went in with Daddy, who unfortunately didn't think to take a ton of pictures (or even one) like I did when it was time for Owen and Oliver and I went in with them.  So you'll notice the missing pictures for Spencer, but we'll be going back again in 6 months!  Both the hygienist and dentist were amazing with kids and let the boys examine the toothbrush, paste, and other tools before doing the cleaning and exam.  The office was cute with safari paintings on the walls and even had a TV playing a kid movie on the ceiling that made them really happy once the chair was leaned all the way back.  After the cleaning, they received a tattoo and bag with a cool, new animal shaped toothbrush, floss, and a sand timer to help remind them how long they should be brushing at home.  Owen and Oliver were old enough for their first x-rays and did an awesome job of listening and sitting still for the pictures.  It was interesting to see how all their adult teeth are sitting right above the baby teeth.  All the boys had healthy teeth and no cavities!  On the way out, they received a bracelet and a "1st Dental Cleaning" certificate with their picture on it.  And as if that wasn't enough excitement, they were given tokens to cash in at these little prize machines in the reception area.  They picked out little knick-knacks like a bouncy ball, stretchy spiders, and a tiny, blue toy salamander that Oliver has been obsessed with (even sleeping with it) since then.  The only tears shed that morning were briefly as we tried to assemble them to head home and they didn't want to leave!