Jackson Visits the Dentist

At a month shy of 3 1/2 years old (what?!) the milestone moments for Jackson have certainly slowed down.  But after this morning, we can add another to the list:

Jackson's first trip to the dentist!

You don't normally see the words awesome and dentist side-by-side, but this visit was awesome!

Jack's pediatrician and my dentist both recommended age 3 as the appropriate time to start routine cleanings/check-ups for kids.  It dawned on me while at my own regular cleaning last week, so I went ahead and scheduled Jack's first appointment.  Even though there are practices in the area that specialize in pediatric dentistry, I just love the team at Peterson, Kirsche and Van Horn and had absolutely no reservations in starting Jack at our regular family practice.

I'm so glad I did.

After making his appointment, I took Angela's (my hygienist since forever who is an absolute sweetheart) advice and picked up a couple of books about going to the dentist that Jack and I could read in preparation for his visit.  The Berenstein Bears Visit the Dentist and Show Me Your Smile! featuring Dora the Explorer, to be exact.  It was a brilliant idea.  As with most things, at any age really, it's the unknown that is scariest.  The books eliminated the unknown.  Jack was totally prepared (and therefore not scared) for every single thing he saw during his visit.  We even took the books along so he could look at them in the office and show Dr. Van Horn.

I rarely have to wait for an appointment at PKV and this was no exception - bonus points when you have a 3-year-old in tow!  After heading back to the exam room and checking out the equipment and the fancy chair, Angela gave Jack a pair of sunglasses to wear so the bright light didn't bother him.  She had him at sunglasses.

It's obvious that Angela has 4 kids of her own at home because she couldn't have been more kind and loving.  She explained everything she was doing in terms that Jackson understood.  She let him sample the polish flavors and pick his favorite (he chose cookie dough), tested the polisher on his finger first so he could feel that it tickled, sprayed water on the floor to show him how she was going to rinse his teeth, and let him hold the air suction (she called it "Mr. Thirsty") so Jack could clean out his own mouth.  I think he was smitten with her because Jackson did absolutely everything she asked.  He got a full polish and floss without an ounce of hesitation. 

I was pretty proud of my little man!

After his cleaning Dr. Van Horn popped in to take a look and he was equally kind and gentle.  He was full of high-fives, very impressed with the books Jackson brought and wasted no time giving his teeth a quick count and once-over.  All good and no cavities!

Perhaps the best part (as far as Jack was concerned) was the not one, but TWO new toothbrushes he got to bring home.  He told Angela that they brush their teeth at school so she decided he should have a special new toothbrush at school and at home.  It's a Star Wars toothbrush (which couldn't be timed any better since Jack & his Dad just watched Star Wars together for the first time this month) that lights up so you know how long to brush. 

It was such a great visit I think I'll send a thank you note to their office.  Too often we don't hesitate to send our complaints, but don't think to share our positive experiences too.  Maybe sending a note will brighten their day as they brightened ours.

Thanks Angela, Dr. Van Horn and the whole team at PKV DDS.  I know Jackson agrees when I say this was one awesome visit to the dentist!