first dentist visit for ethan

ethan had his first visit to the pediatric dentist today. a little late probably, but who knew it could take 4 months to get an appointment with a dentist!?

all in all, the visit went well. the office was very nice and kid friendly with lots of bright colors and fun toys to play with. we had a wonderful assistant and she made ethan a kitty kat and snake balloon to take home.

the exam wasn't too bad. he did really well for all parts of it except the laying down part during which he SCREAMED and worked up quite a sweat. but as soon as he was able to sit up again he was good. no xrays at this time since they didn't see anything they needed to look at and didn't want to freak him out anymore than he already was. i am happy to report that he had no cavaties (and got his picture up on the no cavity wall!!), just a little bit of build-up on two of his bottom front teeth that was easily (though not by ethan's standards!!) cleaned off. other than that, just checked his teeth with no real concerns. he did mention that we should wean off of the pacifier in the next 6 months or so...yeah, it is in the plan, i just haven't gotten up the nerve yet! though he apparently has slept at grandmother and grandfather's house fine without a pacifier in the past, so i know he can do it. just another one of those things i think i am more scared about than he is.

our next visit is scheduled for 6 months from now. they will start doing polishing/cleaning then. the first visit is the only one where the parents go back with the child, after that they go by themselves since it usually helps them behave differently, you know without the mom there.