May. 28, 2008 - Teeth
The boys had their very fist dental checkup today. Asrat was terrified (maybe expecting something like the above picture?) even though I had promised him there would be only tooth cleaning, no drilling or filling. But he's seen my mouthful of metal and was sure the dentist wanted to fill his mouth too. The poor child was so scared but he pulled himself together and chokingly begged the dentist not to drill, and she said "Of course I won't!".
Getting to the office was an ordeal in itself. Josiah had our city map so I foolishly decided to trust mapquest. Mapquest took me to the wrong street in the wrong town. I had to stop and ask someone directions, and fortunately for me she had her little GPS thingy out already. But I still missed the road I needed and stopped three more times before I finally found the office. So we weren't all in great moods to begin with. Actually, I was near tears the last time I stopped to ask directions, and had decided if I didn't find the office that time, I was just going to go home. We were 30 minutes late!
Asrat braved the x-ray machine but Gebre just couldn't bring himself to even step into the room. The hygenist was sympathetic and we all trooped into the exam room. That's where poor Asrat got to be the first to show us all how easy the exam was. As I said, he pulled through OK, and really, really, really enjoyed using the vacuum straw. But Gebre wasn't convinced and had to be "helped" into the chair and "helped" to stay there. He fussed and wiggled while the dentist checked his teeth. He momentarily stopped wiggling when she started brushing. "Mmmmmm!!" he said in response to the strawberry flavored toothbrush. Then he went back to crying and the dentist and her helpers laughed. They laughed more when he was finished, and he jumped off the chair with a huge smile and announced "I didn't cry at all!".
The dentist was a middle aged woman, perfunctory and no-nonsense. At first I was a little offended when she started speaking authoritatively to my boys. But I soon realized that was exactly what they needed. A syrupy sweet sympathetic tone would have encouraged their fussing. This dentist knew exactly what to do, and didn't have the maternal sympathy flaw that I do. Between her commands and my encouragement to the boys, I think it was just right. And the good news is, they have "perfect" teeth, new toothbrushes, and no more dental appointments until December.
Comments
May. 29, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by _Cinderella)
Yay for healthy teeth!
May. 29, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Martha
Yay for the perfect teeth! My first two struggle with bad teeth, which I think is from my poor nutrition while pregnant.
I take them to a pediatric dentist that is very firm and sometimes I have to remember that is what he has to do, he is not being mean! We just went to the dentist on Tuesday!
I hate dentists myself, and avoid them unless I absolutely have to go for a cleaning and rejoice when I have had to reschedule!
May. 29, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Lizzie
Oh wow...I imagine getting 3 little boys to the dentist would be almost as painful for mommy as the above picture!
May. 30, 2008 - hey margaret
Posted by Bethany
just wanted to let you know I tagged you!
http://bethany.preciousinfants.com
May. 30, 2008 - #2 comment
Posted by dianefoxmd
This is my second try. I am a fuddy-duddy and can't figure out this blog thing. I finally decided to register, hoping that will send comments your way!
Gebre and Asrat, I am SO proud of you, how you went to the dentist yesterday, sat in that big chair, and let them clean your teeth. I hope Mama and Baba will show you pictures of where teeth come from. Did you know that the dentist has other flavors of toothpaste, too? I think they even have chocolate! Maybe you can try another flavor next time you go. Take good care of your teeth, and they will take good care of you!
Maggie, I am SO proud of you, too. What a mammoth effort. I think you are right, that your tenderness and the dentist's firmness made things easier for the boys. I think we should probably track down a TomTom or a Garmin for you, though. Even if you get lost, they give you revised directions from where you're lost- cool. Love, Mom
