Bear made his first trip to see the dentist today. Well, techically it was his second trip. His first trip came last month after he chipped his front tooth. But that only lasted a couple minutes and she just looked in his mouth and felt his gums. There were no instruments, no bright lights, no special gear or strange tastes.
The instruments are the thing. I looked at everything laid out on the little swinging exam table with new eyes today. How does a 23 month old brain process all those crazy things the nice lady is saying she's going to put in his mouth?
I had no idea how this was going to go today. He's usually a pretty brave if highly wiggly little boy. Bear is always on the move. I was less concerned about him being afraid than I was about him grabbing stuff, squirming out of the chair and running down the hall with sharp, expensive loot in his hands.
Today, he was pretty cautious. He just wasn't quite sure about all of it. I was so proud of him though. He let our hygienist Kristi get a pretty good look inside, and count and brush his teeth. By the time the dentist arrived tho Bear was done. There was no way he was going to let that man look in his mouth. I had little legs around my waist and little arms around my neck that would not let go. We all decided not to push it. No reason to create negative associations the first time out.
Kristi said everything looks really good. Healthy gums, healthy enamel, all around healthy teeth. Makes me grateful and a little suprised. Dodd and I are always prepared for issues that might come from malnutrition or other health concerns but so far our little guy has none. Another indication to me that he was well cared for in his short life spent before us.
Here he is taking in in everything Kristi is saying.
Now he's contemplating making a move...
I love this picture. He's not too sure of what's going on but he's sticking it out anyway. You can see he has his hands positioned to make a fast move if necessary. And the shades!
You done good today kiddo!
