First Real Dentist Visit

I took Makena and Kyle to their regular dentist check-up after school on Monday. Makena is an old pro and she did great. No cavities! The last time Kyle visited the dentist, they counted his teeth and brushed them with a regular toothbrush. He cried and cried and cried. 

This visit was his first real check-up with X-rays and teeth cleaning. I wasn't sure how he was going to do, but we talked about the hand stamp and balloon animal he would get if he did a good job. 

I loved watching him on that big Xray chair! He was so cute and so good. He did everything he was told to do, even when those uncomfortable plastic cards were being shoved in his mouth. He even had to take two additional ones since he must have moved the first time around. He got a well-deserved hand stamp after it was done. He's been getting hand stamps at preschool so he was pretty excited to get another one. 

Next was the teeth cleaning. He was nervous so I laid on the chair with him (thanks Makena for playing with my phone and taking a picture!). He again did great and let the hygienist clean his teeth. No tears! It definitely helped that he watched Makena do everything first. 

Both kiddos got a balloon animal and then we were all done. We went to pick up Karis from a friend's house and Kyle fell asleep on the way. He had a full day!

Proud Parents - A Great Dentist Visit And An Act Of Kindness

Makena went to her dentist check-up yesterday. She doesn't like the dentist which has made for unpleasant experiences. Leading up to the appointment, we tried to squelch any of her fears by telling her how great she was going to do and that the dentist would give her a great check-up (after all, we have been very diligent about flossing and brushing the girls' teeth every night). Karis wasn't quite on board with our endeavor at this point. She just kept trying to tell Makena how bad the fluoride paste tasted and that it made her cry.

Derek took Makena to the dentist while I stayed home ... and prayed! While at the dentist, Derek texted me and told me Makena was doing great. She even said, "I like the dentist!" We were so excited!

I told Karis that Makena was doing great at the dentist. Karis thought we should put up decorations and balloons and make a sign for her. I didn't really want to do that in the middle of making dinner but I was so touched that Karis thought of that. So I put up some streamers and Karis drew some rainbow pictures. Makena was very proud of how well she did at the dentist and loved the attention.

We were very impressed that Karis wanted to support and celebrate with Makena. A true act of kindness, something they have been learning at school this past month.

Karis' Dental Visit

Karis went to her 6-month check-up today. Last time I took her, I was told she had six cavities. She ended up only getting two crowns but since that last appointment, we've been very diligent about flossing and brushing her teeth (mainly Derek because he's in charge of bedtime).

I was a little nervous about this visit but the dentist told us that her teeth looked good and she is cavity-free! Phew!

Karis cried a lot during the cleaning. She hates the paste and fluoride. She tried so hard not to cry but she couldn't hold it in for long. She unwillingly cooperated and they were able to do everything they needed, but not without a lot of tears. 

At the end, she got a pink, bunny balloon and all was better. 

We went for a walk when we got home and she hopped around like a bunny.

First Trip to the Dentist

Last month Derek and Nana took the girls to their first check-up.  One of them liked the experience.  One of them did not.