It's that time again... almost one whole year since Southern had been to the dentist.
There's a bit of a story to this visit. It started back in December when one of Southern's great grandmothers asked us what she could get Southern for Christmas. This was about 2 weeks before Christmas, and we had already given all of our good ideas to other people. And, if any of you have seen our house lately, you know we don't need any more toys!
So I brainstormed and came up with a great idea (or so I thought). I found a really cool Yo Gabba Gabba toothbrush online that plays a song from the show while you brush. I suggested she get him that along with a dentist appointment. That way he has something fun to open at Christmas and it's a way for him to have an annual check-up at the dentist's office. It was around $70 for his first and only visit last year, and we just don't have that kind of extra money right now. Plus, he
likes going to the dentist! But even after I explained all this, she said no. She wanted to get him a toy.
Soooo... him going to the dentist was just up in the air this year until I saw a post on Facebook last week about a free check-up!! A local dentist was offering free dental exams to uninsured children under 12 during the month of February. A prayer answered! I called right away and got appointments for both Southern and Remington.
 |
| in the waiting room |
Southern was excited. He had been to the dentist's before and had a great time. I explained to him that this wasn't our usual dentist, but he would probably do the same type of things during the visit. They had
Rio playing in the waiting room, so Southern was happy. Remington was happy looking around and gnawing on the chair's armrests.
 |
| ready to see the dentist :) |
This waiting room didn't have a kid's toy section so it made the wait seem a little longer (it was about 15 mins which wasn't bad but was longer than at our normal place). Between the movie and a magazine that Southern picked out, we were fine. They called us back and put Southern in the chair. Remington and I sat beside him to wait for the dentist.
 |
| with his balloon and a Sports Illustrated from the waiting room |
The kids were each given ballons - the highlight of the visit!
 |
| Remington loved his balloon too - his first one! |
We waited here a little longer, and then we got to see the dentist! He looked in Southern's mouth and asked if he brushed his teeth. Southern told him, "no, Mama". He felt around a bit and used a mirror to look in the back. Then he said it was Remington's turn. I sat down with Remington on my lap. The dentist changed gloves, looked in his mouth as well, and said we were done! He said everything looked good. And that was it. We were given a goodie bag for each kid with a toothbrush, toothpaste, sticker, and coloring book. And as we were walking out, the lady made small talk. One of the things she said was to make sure to get Remington off of his bottle soon. Umm... I told her he'd never had a bottle. She blinked at me and then said "oh, good". By that time we had gotten back to the waiting room so she said bye.
 |
| such a good patient! |
All in all, I'm so glad that we went. It was worth it. But I also am reminded of that old saying,
you get what you pay for. At our regular dentist, she asked us many questions and filled out a form on Southern (was he drinking juice, did he use a sippy cup, etc.). She spent more time looking in his mouth and took x-rays. She also brushed his teeth for him and talked to me about tooth care in children. But, it was free... ;)