First Dentist Visit

About a week and a half ago Linus started telling us that his teeth hurt (an advantage to having a very verbal toddler). Our doctor had said age two was a good time to go to the dentist so now seemed like the perfect time.  My mom came up to watch Eileen so Linus and I could have our own date at the dentist.

The dentist office is located across the street from Greenlake by the Starbucks. If it hadn't been in the 30s, we would have hit the playground afterward (something for the next time).  The office was really nice and had great, clean, new toys and not just a basket of old, worn, and grungy toys.  They even had a Wii. 

Linus watching "Kung Fu Panda" while playing with Star Wars Mr. Potato Head.

They took me on a tour of the place before leading us to the exam room.  A large, sunlit room with a toy area on the floor.  Linus played with trains while I talked to the hygienist.  It was great.  Linus refused to lie on the table.  He stated flatly, "I don't like this. I don't like this."  Instead, Linus sat on my lap with his head on the hygienist's lap while she cleaned his teeth. There were tears but no restraining. We did this for the dentist as well.  I can't say enough good things about the dentist.  He knew just what to say to Linus.  Afterward, Linus was handed a gold coin and he ran to retrieve his toy reward with it.

Tooth verdict:  His teeth look great.  Linus has all ten teeth on bottom and has his last two molars are coming in on top--hence the pain.  He has lots of room but needs to stop the binky before any permanent damage occurs.

I am so grateful Linus had such a positive experience.  He was happy to replace his "yucky toothbrush" with a dolphin one from the dentist.  I have had so many horrible experiences and loathe visits to the dentist.  Today I was left pondering, "Why can't all dentists be more like pediatric dentists?"  I bet more people would go to a dentist if they got to have their teeth "painted" and play with a giant Darth Vader Mr. Potato Head.

Eating lunch at "Restaurant" (aka McDonalds) after the dentist.