First dentist appt

Today Rian had his first well-baby dentist appt for teeth cleaning and examination. A friend of mine suggested a good pediatric dental practice. They have TV screens on top, and Rian was super excited when the dentist's assistant said they have Cars. Rian was all set, lying down and enjoying his favorite movie. Did I mention: he is a super huge Lightning McQueen fan!

The dentist's assistant was very good. Every new instrument that she pulled from the panel first had an explanation for Rian, then a touch and feel for Rian's hands, and only after that, it went into Rian's mouth. Rian totally felt involved and loved every bit. Rian loves being explained everything and generally behaves well if you treat him like an adult, a secret mantra that Daddy figured out ages ago. Turns out this pediatric dentistry practice too knows what they're dealing with :-)

They first cleaned Rian's teeth by brushing. Then came some suction, and water. After that, some sharp instruments cleaned out his plaque. It turns out we need more attention to "inside" and "outside" his teeth, especially towards his last tooth. There was some more brushing, and then his first ever floss! Rian behaved particularly well. We rarely complain when Lightning McQueen is in front of us anyways :-)

When the dentist's assistant's hand blocked him a couple of times, she asked him: did I block you? After that our very friendly Mr. Rian kept telling that lovely lady: don't block me, don't block me :-) Ha ha ha ... The dentist then examined his teeth, and his injury. It seems his teeth are growing up really close together. We need to watch out when the permanent teeth come in, they are wider and need more space. Let's see what the next checkup brings up on x-rays.

On January 24, 2010, Rian chipped his front tooth. Mom (me) had a hysterical reaction as I got no time to react when Rian banged his mouth on the outside tiles of our master bath tub. Dad later took him to a pediatric dentist for examination. This was Rian's first dental appt but the experience was ghastly! 18 month old Rian's head was strapped, and some pointy things held it in place :-( His hands and legs were strapped. The poor thing yelled and yelled. My nanny hated the place too. Ever since that experience, we were all scared of dentist visit for Rian and delayed it. Rian is 38 months today, 2 months after his 3rd birthday, and we finally had a good visit, touch wood.