Extra visit to the dentist

Ben was eating cold cereal one morning, and a piece of a tooth came off. A few more pieces came off over a few days. Eventually, Ben told me he really needed to go to the dentist, so I made an appointment for him and Marissa (who had a tooth that needed to come out because the new one was coming up and she wasn't able to get the old one out). They both did great. Ben went first. It took a really long time and I sort of wondered what was going on. Eventually he came out and the dentist called us back to show what happened. Because of the way the new tooth was coming in, it had pushed on the root of the old tooth. When the dentist pulled the tooth, the root broke off so some was left behind. The dentist had to drill and hammer and work to get it out but it was worth is so Ben doesn't have problems later. It sure hurt but he'll be fine.

She was so excited and cooperated!

Harmonie has been the opposite of Domonique in her personality. Domonique was very shy and reserved and Harmonie is much more out going and friendly. Domonique has come out of that shy shell quite a bit but I was a little worried about her first time at the dentist. She surprised me and did a fantastic job. Today was Harmonie's first time and I wasn't worried about her at all. When it was her turn, she climbed into the chair and sat there ready for anything.

She seemed so little in that great big chair. But she was just happy as could be. They hygienist took her time to show Harmonie all the tools and what they did so that she would know what was going on.

She did a great job and really enjoyed it. I always enjoy taking my kids to the dentist because they all enjoy it, never fuss about it, and we get complimented on good behavior so it is fun for everyone. AND NO CAVITIES! Good job everyone!

The Dentist at work

The kids were so excited to go to the dentist again. 

They got their appointment reminder postcards about two weeks before the appointment.

So they talked about for two weeks. 

They even counted down.

I'm so glad they enjoy going because it really could be awful!

They all did great and the office was complimentary.

Fortunately, the dentist was able to pull Ben's front tooth,

which just wasn't becoming loose.

Ben handled it very well, even though he didn't want to have it done.

So, we'll see how long it takes for the adult tooth to come in - 

or we might have to wait until braces can pull it down.
The dentist is the only place that we are early to - 

because everyone wants to go and they get ready quickly.

Not a first for everyone.

Today the kids went to the dentist for their check-ups and cleaning. I decided I could go ahead and take pictures, even though it wasn't their first time. I wanted to capture a trip to the dentist so we could all remember what it was like. I'm really glad I listened to that prompting. 6 months ago Domonique wouldn't even sit in the chair, so I figured this time we'd try it again. We'd see if she would at least sit in the chair and open her mouth so they could look at her teeth. Never did I expect her to do so well. She was simply amazing! Don't get me wrong... All the kids do great. They all love the hygienists and I'm always happy with all my kids, but I was totally floored when I saw little Domonique sitting in the big chair. She handled everything like a champ and it was awesome. She did start to cry once the male dentist came in to do the final exam, but she collected herself and it was fine. My little girl is growing up!

What a crew! The teeth are all clean and they are all happy with new toothbrushes, paste, and floss!

It's been 2 1/2 years

Since my kids have seen the dentist. And that's just an approximation because I'm pretty sure we took them before we left Alaska, but I'm not exactly sure when. Well, I finally took them today and it went super great! I preped Kemiah telling her how easy it would be and that she would just need to open her mouth when they asked her to. I wasn't worried about the other kids but she doesn't like going to the doctor and she's never been to the dentist so I wondered what it would be like. Fortunately, she was last so she watched the other guys all climb into the chair, get the bib, lay down, and all the other fun stuff. I pointed out that it didn't hurt and it was actually fun. When it was her turn I think she got a little nervous, but then she climbed up into the chair and that was it. She was so brave and did so great! It was really a great visit and went really smoothly. All 5 kids were seen and only 1 cavity in the whole bunch. We do need to work on our brushing - I guess I need to be more of a participant in that activity so the next visit will go better!

I am really mad at myself because I actually took my camera out of my bag when we left to go to the dentist so I don't have any cute pictures of my little kids in those big chairs. Arg! I do have this really cute picture of Domonique playing with her toothbrush when we got home so this will have to do.