Braden's Trip to the Dentist

Last month I took the kids in to the dentist for their six month check-up. I was so proud of them because they actually opened their mouths for the dentist to look in. Granted, I had to sit in the dentist's chair so they could sit in my lap, but we are making progress! They found a cavity in one of Braden's molars, so they set up another appointment for us to come in and get it taken care of.

Last Monday, Braden had his first cavity filled. I knew that they were going to have to use the nitrous oxide (or "happy gas" as they call it at the pediatric dentist's office). I was a little nervous about that but I knew that he wouldn't last through the procedure without it. When they first put the "nose" on with the strawberry scented air, he got kind of silly and wouldn't sit still. He kept saying, "I look like a pilot, don't I?" over and over again. When the dentist came in, he settled down, and the gas really started to take effect. He lost some of his inhibition, and became really chatty. He said, "I feel tingly all over. This is great! I wish I had cavities every day!" I am really happy that it was a positive experience for him, but somewhat disappointed that I can no longer threaten him with cavities if he doesn't brush his teeth.



I just had to share this picture with you, because he looked so cute for the rest of the day after the appointment. He is trying to smile in this picture. The novacaine made half of his face numb for the rest of the day. Even when he tried to spit his toothpaste into the sink that night it dribbled down his shirt.