The Girls' First Visit to the Dentist

I was a bit worried about taking the girls to the dentist for the first time.  Especially Kaylie.  Elora and I had talked about it before hand, and while she admitted to being a bit nervous, she was also excited.  I couldn't really talk it over with Kaylie, she's only two.  I didn't really expect her to let them do much, but I'd forgotten that Kaylie loves to do whatever her sister does and they both blew my expectations out of the water.

When we got to the office, they checked out the aquarium (they have an eel!) and sat down to wait.  I can't say that they waited patiently, And I did have to move Elora over so that I could sit between, them, but over all they were good.  When the hygienist came to call us back, I pleased to note that it was Tara, the same one who had cleaned my teeth the week before.

When we got into the exam room, Kaylie saw Elora up in the chair and climbed right up after her.  At first, I didn't think there would be room for them both, but she wedged her bottom in next to her sister', and looked  perfectly happy to be there.  Even better, Tara was totally cool with them sitting together.

They were so cute sitting in the chair together that people kept coming over to look at them and exclaim over how sweet they were.  By the time we left, I bet that every doctor and hygienist on the place had come to take a peek.  And of course, I was about to burst with motherly pride.  :)

Tara was great with the girls.  She started out by showing everything to them, and explaining what she would be doing before she did it. She continued to do that along each step of the way, and I know they liked it.  She was so thorough that Elora later complained that she didn't get to ask any questions, which I thought was adorable.

 Elora let Tara count her teeth, do a thorough cleaning and flossing, apply a fluoride varnish, and let the doctor do a complete exam.  HOLY COW.  Did I mention that I nearly exploded, I was so proud?

Kaylie did just as well.  When it was Elora's turn, she kept leaning over to see what they were doing, and then laying back to point into her own mouth.  She was clearly impatient for her turn!  And when it was her turn, she hardly paid any attention to Tara as she showed things to her.  She would just glace at whatever Tara was holding, and then open her mouth so Tara could get started.  She made it all the way though the counting and cleaning and flossing, and halfway through the exam, before the missed nap caught up to her and she lost patience.  I was so impressed!  YAY!

They'd both liked brushing their teeth before, but now they're almost obsessive about it.  And honestly, I couldn't be happier!  I don't have great teeth, and neither does Brandon.  Probably because we're both horrible about flossing.  I know, I know.  I need to do it.  And I do.  Sometimes.  But I have a mouth full of fillings (an an appointment for a crown) to prove that I don't do it often enough.  I want better for my girls.  Not that I'm criticizing my own mother.  She got me to the dentist for regular cleanings, taught me to brush and floss, and impressed upon me the importance of keeping my teeth clean and healthy.  It isn't her fault that I didn't listen, it's mine.  If the girls end up with a ton of fillings, I want know that I did all that I could to encourage them to develop healthy oral hygiene ( like my mom did) and I want them to feel comfortable going to the dentist. So far, I'd say we're doing great!

Now, if you live anywhere other than Norfolk or Chesapeake, Virginia, you can stop reading.  If you do live here, but you already have a dentist that you're completely happy with, you can stop reading.  But for anyone in my area who happens to be in the market for a dentist, this next bit is for you!!

 I would HIGHLY recommend Konikoff Dentristry.  I've been to the Volvo office twice for myself, and once with the girls, and I can't offer even a single complaint about the care we've received.   Everyone we've encountered has been friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.   When Dr. Konikoff told me that I would need a crown, a bite guard, and several fillings, he took the time to really show me why.  I couldn't argue with the x-rays, and I definitely couldn't argue with the detailed photographs that were clearly of my mouth.  And when I called on Thursday, April 25 to beg for an appointment for those fillings before my insurance rolled over on May first, their office staff bent over backwards to get me in---the very next day.  And when I peppered Dr Fields with questions about that crown, he and his assistant happily provided me with clear answers about differences between the different materials and costs.  And I've already said how great Tara was with the kids.  Seriously, they are amazing, and if you happen to be looking for a dentist, this is the place to go!