Why I'm glad I took my baby to the dentist with me

My 9-year-old son has just had 3 teeth out!  I know how that sounds and before anyone judges me on what my son has been eating and drinking, these teeth were taken out because they were showing no/slow signs of coming out on their own and his adult teeth were not able to come through!

This is not the first time this has happened on a routine check-up at the dentist.  Two years ago, my dentist's colleague took out Max's front baby tooth.  The adult tooth was coming in behind it, but the baby tooth wasn't moving!  When he pulled the tooth out it still had a root on it the size of the tooth!  No way his adult tooth was coming through with that in the way!

Both times my son has taken this procedure in his stride and like a champ!  He's come out today fascinated with how one side of his mouth is numb and wondering if the tooth fairy will bring V-Bucks rather than cash tonight!

He has since felt a bit more sorry for himself this evening as the feeling has come back, but he's still not making a big deal about it, but using puppy-dog eyes to watch TV before bed rather than a book.

The reason for this post is just to say I am so glad I have taken my son to the dentist with me ever since he was 6 months old.  

I am on Denplan and the dentist practice I go to, Strand Dental in Worthing, is a private clinic.  I highly recommend Denplan for those who can afford it, especially as I've seen recently that getting an NHS dentist in my town is like finding hen's teeth!

I also think I have the best dentist in town!  He is so good with nervous patients and explains what he's doing if you want to hear it, and even shows and explains your x-rays if you want!   He showed my son mine and explained the image.  I'm not going to lie, I felt slightly violated.

When I was pregnant Paul suggested that once the baby was born to bring him in when I came in for my check-ups, that way he'll get used to the smell and sounds of the dentist and it won't be a shock to the system the first time he needs treatment.

When my son was born I did just that, and even though he had no teeth, Paul would run his finger across Max's gums so that Max got used to the feel of having his gums/teeth looked at.

What a brilliant suggestion.  

I do maintain to this day this is the reason why my son, at the age of 9, bounces into Paul's room, sits down and has a full-on chat before they discuss Max's teeth.  He doesn't bat an eyelid about going to the dentist and doesn't understand what all the fuss is about when daddy doesn't want to come in.

I guess the moral of my story is to get your children to the dentist as early as possible before they even have teeth if you can, I do believe it will stand them in good stead of having a great relationship with their dentist.

The only challenge is if you are a bit afraid or really dislike going to the dentist, you have to try and mask that fear so your children don't pick up on it.

Smiling with half a numb face