The Dentist

You guys, buckle up; it's a good one..

I have to brag on my boy today. For those of you who don't know, he had to learn a lot of things that usually come easier to others. One of those things was going to the dentist. The first time he went to the dentist he was very little, maybe 3 years old and I had to hold him down as he kicked and screamed during the exam. The next time he went to the dentist, he was about 6 years old and he hooted and howled.

I pulled a hamstring. We both left crying.

Our dentist suggested we try a colleague local to the area. We did. This dentist sat with us for 5 minutes and refused to treat him unless I agreed to sedate him each time he came (and insurance didn't cover it).

So back we went to our dentist. Our dentist was more than patient and willing to help us overcome. She gave us tools and gadgets that would need to be in his mouth to take to OT in order to practice with. And he did it! My, what a little practice, patience, and a lot of compassion will get you!!

The mask, the gadgets, he was able to do all of it!

Fast forward to today, he's quite the little celebrity now. Everyone knows his name; it's like an episode of Cheers. They all remember him when he was little and they ALL stop to say Hi when they see him! Today, they surprised us with sealants for his molars. We didn't know. I wasn't able to prepare him. I immediately tensed up. Him, though? He said, "Ok."

The sweet tech talked him through the whole process, every step of the way. She let him know what was coming next, answered every one of his questions, and if something didn't feel right to him, she immediately remedied the situation. She was amazing! At one point, she reminded him that he was going to have the mouthpiece in his mouth the entire time. He told her, "Don't worry. I remember."

Today he rocked the dentist, tomorrow the world!

He actually expressed concern to his doctor that one day when he's older, he will have to leave and find a new dentist. "No, you won't," she said. "You can come here as long as you want."💙

Moral of this story?

Never, ever let anyone tell you you can't.

Because you most certainly will.

🧩