Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Cooper's First Trip to the Dentist

If you haven’t picked up on this already, “firsts” and “new experiences” and “changes” are all panic situations for Cooper. Even something as mundane as a new pair of shoes can instill such fear and anger into that little heart you would think someone stole his bike, ripped his lovey and ate his cupcake.

You can imagine my anxiety about our first dentist visit. My pediatrician has been on me for a year to take him in and I finally caved this morning. I figured that since he was almost 1 year by the time his first tooth broke through that I had a little pass.

Let me tell you, my stalling wasn’t without merit. It’s 8pm and I finally have the courage to document it.

We got there and things seemed pleasant enough. They were playing Monster’s Inc. in the waiting room which was also filled with video games and fish aquariums. First impressions were good.


They called us back and asked me to come with him since it was his first visit. On subsequent visits parents stay outside. I don’t think I will mind that next time.

We started off talking to the hygienist about Cooper’s brushing habits which included a discussion on his “dragon breath” and how we have to brush the dragons out every night. Not sure where we picked this up but it works for now!

Then, she started cleaning and Cooper started shaking, crying and flailing. He employed every tactic he knows of to get out of that chair. He tried to physically escape. He tried being polite yelling “No thank you! No thank you!” to the hygienist. He tried getting angry yelling “Stop it!” and “You’re hurting me!”. He tried holding his breath and successfully got a rise out of all of us when his lips turned blue. He almost threw-up when they put the thing in his mouth to hold it open. Ugh.


When it was all said and done, the dentist tried to give Cooper a new stuffed animal and toothbrush as a treat for getting his teeth clean. In the most defiant move that a three year old could muster, he took that stuffed animal and threw it right back at her. Point Cooper.

As you can see, he is very good at his craft. I’m not sure who is more traumatized, him or me!



The good news is that his teeth are in great shape with no cavities. At three years old he is still working on getting one of his molars in. Maybe I can attribute this all to teething?! Anyway, we will all live to fight off the dragons another day. Until next year, pediatric dentist!

Post-visit dentist approved treat. 

54 comments:

  1. Bahahaha! I'm dying! I feel like that's exactly how Charley will be when I finally take her! Oy!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would be extremely nervous if it was my first visit; so traumatic for a young child. Cooper put up a good fight. I like how the pediatric dental offices make the environment as pleasant as possible for the youngsters.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Poor Cooper! I think it’s better if you allowed him to witness your dental checkup before his turn. In that way, he’ll have a mindset that the dentist won’t do anything to hurt him. Well, our consolation is that he doesn't have cavities. Hope you’ll be able to help him in maintaining a healthy teeth. :)

    Kent Davis

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! If only he would sit still through my dental visit, lol!

      Delete
  4. Boy that sure was traumatic for Cooper. In today's environment with the trained staff, specializes and environment with props to make kids feel comfortable a much higher percent of first visits go well. Did not want to say that to rain on your parade. Think back to when you went for your first dental visit - what a horrifying experience it was then. I am still scared whenever someone mentions dentist. Hopefully Cooper will get use to the situation. Good news was no cavaties and it sounds like all his teeth came in properly.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It’s nice to know that you started taking him to the dentist at age of three. It is normal for kids to be afraid of the dentist on their first visit, but there are ways to help them be calm. Reading to them children’s books about dental care is a way to prepare kids. You can tell him to come and watch you when you have your dental appointment too. :)

    Thanh Arnett

    ReplyDelete
  7. As you said, Cooper hates first experiences, so his acting up could have been because he didn’t know what to expect on that particular visit. Things can be much better on his next visit, especially since his teeth are in perfect condition. He seems to love the donut so you can tell him he'll get one if he behaves. Just make sure to brush his teeth afterwards.

    Billie Adams

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! Yes, the donut did contradict the dental visit! Good plan. ;)

      Delete
  8. When I first signed onto the page, my lips were watering seeing that delicious looking hamburger on that beautiful plate. Boy makes you want to start up the BBQ.
    Poor Cooper, he looked like he was distressed and upset. Different look though when he was eating the doughnut. I know today dental offices do a great job of making that first visit as pleasant as possible; unfortunately they could not work their magic with Cooper. Good news is that he does brush his teeth and had no cavities. Maybe in the near future his outlook will change. Good luck Mum; otherwise it will be stressful.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kids are very nervous to show their teeth to dentist. The environment was so pleasant to keep young kids friendly. That's a good news that teeth's are in great shape with no cavities.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Try the services of dentist Hermosa Beach. I can recommend you these newsmiles dentists because I have gone through the same problem and these dentists treated me so well without taking any extra fee. I liked their services.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. That's a great way to get kids get a comfortable environment before dental treatment. Dental Checkup dentist in Winnipeg are very necessary from kids to adult for a clean and hygienic mouth.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Children's now a days need to be more cautious against the dental concerns. Their tooth structure needs more attention than adults.
    Houston Dentist

    ReplyDelete
  14. There is nothing better than eliminating fear of dentist from children's mind because regular dental check ups is really essential for their tooth structure.
    Dentist in Ottawa

    ReplyDelete
  15. It's good to know that Cooper doesn't have cavities. I think credits should be given to you, for taking good care of him. It is undeniably great to bring your children to dental visits regularly, in order for them to avoid having oral problems. In any way, thanks for sharing that, Casey! Kudos and all the best to you!

    Eunice Greer @ Downtown Dentals

    ReplyDelete
  16. To enhance the kids smile, North Vancouver Dentist has brought the best dental procedures for kids as well as for the adults.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Its very please to see that children are getting comfortable with the dental procedure, because dental is very essential especially at their age.
    Brampton Dentist

    ReplyDelete
  18. A single visit to Lakewood Dental Centre in Winnipeg is all it takes to comlete a dental filling. It’s a short process that involves only a few steps. The dentist will first check if your teeth require any structural changes or whether an old filling is to be removed.
    Cosmetic Dentistry in Winnipeg

    ReplyDelete
  19. Don't give up, make seeing the dentist as a normal part of your routine, like going to the grocery store. I never saw a dentist until I was 16 years old. Needless to say, I have a mouthful of cavities and problems. You certainly have your hands full with Cooper, you have my prayers! He'll grow out of all this someday.

    Maricela Gauthier @ Dentist Newport Beach

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am always on the look out for a gentle dentist, and when I find one I tend to stick with them for decades. When my dentist retired, I was forced to start again. This time I put the call out on social media and a group of locals put me in touch with the best dentist I ever have worked with in all my 60 years of seeing dentists.

    Bennie Chandler @ Pine Creek Dental

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for great information you write it very clean. I am very lucky to get this tips from you

    Thanks,
    Orthodontic Supplies, Archwire for Braces

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thanks for sharing this information! We are a Chinese leading orthodontic material manufacturer located in the capital of Zhejiang Province, P.R. China. Our products are self ligating brackets, Orthodontic Supplies and Orthodontic Mini Screw. To know more visit us SINO ORTHO LIMITED or call @ +86-137 5823 5369

    ReplyDelete
  23. Brushing and flossing are important, but you also need to visit your dentist regularly to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Kids are not a comfortable with every one and the talking about dentist. no way. I read a articles and reviews about dentist and i found a very good dentzz review online.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Child's teeth are extremely sensitive and it needs some extra care. Regular dental checkups for them is essential so that they don't suffer any dental issues in future.

    Dental Care for Kids

    ReplyDelete
  25. The post is written in very a good manner and it contains many useful information for me.

    Dentist in Brampton,Ontario

    ReplyDelete
  26. When Should I Take My Child to the Dentist? are you find kids dentist near me just for kids dentistry! every kids dentist good for kids kids dentist,we need to find best the kids dentist.
    dentist for kids

    ReplyDelete
  27. You there, this is really good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information. Quality content is what always gets the visitors coming. Dentist in Dubai

    ReplyDelete
  28. Perfect!!! What I can say in this article is very important to be written as it may help everybody to get awareness. Good job done.

    Dentist in Chandigarh

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thank you for taking the time to publish this information very useful!

    Dentist in Brampton, ON

    ReplyDelete
  30. Get dental bonding treatment from Ludhiana dental clinic one of the best dental clinic in Ludhiana.

    ReplyDelete
  31. That is really nice to hear. thank you for the update and good luck.
    dental treatment

    ReplyDelete
  32. I'm glad I found this web site, I couldn't find any knowledge on this matter prior to.Also operate a site and if you are ever interested in doing some visitor writing for me if possible feel free to let me know, im always look for people to check out my web site.
    no waiting period dental insurance

    ReplyDelete
  33. We work as a dentist and orthodontist and can thus spare you ways and offer a modern treatment concept in a practice. Zahnarzt Berlin Wilmersdorf

    ReplyDelete
  34. Dental specialists suggest that you complete a teeth cleaning professionally twice every year. An occasional cleaning includes the evacuation of dental plaque and tartar with a specific end goal to avoid cavities, gingivitis and gum ailment. Anaheim Dentist

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi Dear,

    i Like Your Blog Very Much..I see Daily Your Blog ,is A Very Useful For me.

    Full Service Dental Lab

    Prudentallab is one of the best dental milling, "Full Service Dental Lab" services in California, USA. We deliver laboratory products at low prices.

    Visit Now - http://www.prudentallab.com/

    ReplyDelete
  36. This is a terrific article, and I would like more information if you have any. I am fascinated with this topic and your post has been one of the best I have read.

    same day dentures near me

    ReplyDelete
  37. I really impressed after read this because of some quality work and informative thoughts . I just wanna say thanks for the writer and wish you all the best for coming!. Burton NHS Dentist

    ReplyDelete
  38. It's a good news.. Cooper don't have cavities... Nice written blog..
    Emergency Dentist Near Me

    ReplyDelete
  39. Those with severe dental issues should make it a point to schedule dental appointments frequently to avoid complex issues. Tooth decay leading to chipped teeth, the decay of the tooth enamel, hardened plaque are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to dental problems. Corrective tools like dentures, dental crown, Invisalign can be relied upon to restore your dental health.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Effective Dental Services.
    I would really like to take a dental treatment from you.
    Implant Dentistry Randolph

    ReplyDelete
  41. I got a tooth taken out but I didn't notice because I was half asleep and when they gave me my tooth I was really confused.

    ReplyDelete
  42. howdy, your websites are really good. I appreciate your work. dental implants manila

    ReplyDelete
  43. Nice Content Written
    Just wow author, I was looking for the same topic, which you just provided me in your content
    Keep writing and nice article again
    Kudos!

    tankless reviews!
    tankless products!
    tankless heater!
    tankless products!tankless reviews!
    tankless products!
    tankless heater!
    tankless products!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Presently a day, instruction has changed its way in correlation of old era's method for training. New every now and again refreshed sites and sites help you to receive an alternate approach to learn in an unexpected way. Skin Specialist In Jagatpura

    ReplyDelete
  45. This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post! https://maindentalmi.com/

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thanks for sharing this awesome post with us..
    You can visit Ludhiana Dental Centre if you are seeking for the Best Dentist in Ludhiana. Their professional, dentists are probably the best you can find in the city.

    ReplyDelete
  47. This is very interesting blog post! First trip to the dentist can be very scary but I personally believe that there is not any reason to get scared because there will be some checkups only that are not painful at all. Well, I always visit the Torrance dentist and also take my kids to him. He is very friendly with kids so they are never scared of him.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Wow, What a Excellent post. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.Thanks steiner ranch austin dentist

    ReplyDelete
  49. This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. This is very nice one and gives indepth information. Thanks for this nice article. wiza turystyczna do Kanady

    ReplyDelete
  50. Thanks for Great Article, for sharing content and such nice information for me. I hope you will share some more content about. Please keep sharing!
    emergency dentist phoenix

    ReplyDelete