First Dentist Appointment

Tuesday, the boys had their first dentist appointment with Dr. Houk.  The boys' pediatrician referred her to us since she specialized in working with kids who have special needs.  Luckily, they took our insurance.  Knowing that she routinely works with kids who have special needs really help me put my mind at ease.    Not long after we arrived, we were taken back to a big room with several chairs in it.  We were the only ones in there thankfully.  It was their first dentist appointment, so we weren't sure what to expect, especially with Hayden. 

The appointment began with getting their teeth brushed which was okay with Nicholas since he has been brushing his teeth (with a small amount of help from Mom and Dad) for a while.  This was his first time with toothpaste though.  He seemed to think it was weird, but he was okay with it.  Hayden, of course, cried the entire time.  I'm sure he thought it was food being forced into his mouth.  He got a few teeth brushed and then we decided he had had enough.  Brushing his teeth is a rarity at our house. Crying, gagging, coughing...then the inevitable vomiting.  Not worth it at this point.  Both boys received flouride treatments.  Nick got an A for brushing his teeth.  He has all but 4 of his teeth.  She said that it was a good idea to give Hayden a few milliliters of water via syringe (the only way we can get it down him) after he vomits to clean out his mouth.  He has alot of teeth that are trying to come through, but just haven't made it.  There are a few teeth that have been trying to come in since December 2008!  Two big reasons for this are that the Phenobarbital he is on for his epilepsy can cause gums to grow higher than they normally would making one's teeth look shorter--crazy!  The other is that he isn't eating anything orally or chewing on anything to help them break through.  Nothing can be done, we just have to wait it out, poor guy!  When the boys were done, they were able to pick a prize.  As soon as I spotted a small plastic dinosaur the perfect size for Hayden's hands, Daddy grabbed it for him.  Nicholas, of course, picked a bracelet and a ring.  Daddy encouraged him to pick something else.  I told Nick that if that is what he wants, that is what he will have.   By that time he had forgotten about his jewelry and had picked out a pencil.  It was such a relief to go to the doctor and not only get in and out quickly, but to get a good report.  I keep praying that this will become a trend.