Meredith's First Visit to the Dentist

Creig and Meredith both had appointments to see the dentist today.  It was an extra special visit for Meredith, because it was her first visit to see the Dentist.  She was so excited....until, she went back to watch her Daddy.  Creig had to have some x-rays done, and he has a super sensitive gag reflex.  Needless to say, he made all sorts of ridiculous noises and scared Meredith.

She and I ended up going back out into the waiting room, because she didn't want to watch Daddy anymore.  I have quickly learned a lesson.  Always have your child go first.  She could have gotten it over with instead of sitting terrified in the waiting room.  I told her how important it is to see the Dentist and take care of our teeth.  I told her we need our teeth to eat, and if we didn't take care of them they would become ugly and fall out.  She looked at me and said, "Let's just let them fall out, Mommy.  I don't want to see the Dentist!"   

When the hygienist came out to get Meredith, she was so scared.  I kept trying to reassure her, but everyone in the office could hear her by the time we got back to the exam room.  She was not having anyone touch her teeth, let alone look at them. 

The hygienist was fantastic.  She talked to Meredith and showed her everything.  She did a wonderful job getting her to relax.  When it came time to get in the chair, Meredith wasn't having it!  They didn't make her do anything she didn't want to.  Finally, Meredith said, "I want a prize."  The hygienist told her she had to let her polish her teeth to get a prize.  Meredith climbed up in the chair and sat while she polished her teeth.  She didn't want anything else done!  Dr. Gickling came in and gave her a high five and asked her if he could count her teeth.  She sat in my lap and let him count and check out her teeth.  He told us she looked great and had no cavities.  We didn't get any x-rays done, but who would want to get in the chair and have x-rays after watching their Dad gag and make scary noises!   She promises next time she will let them do everything.  We'll see!  If she's anything like her Mom, she was just saying that to get out of there!  HA!

I did get one picture of her in the waiting room.  We tried to pass the time by looking at magazines and she watched a few Berenstain Bears episodes on my phone!  Who knew going to the dentist could be so much fun!!!  HA!