It was early one morning about two months ago. I was picking out Kiera’s outfit for school and trying to make sure she was awake.
I stood in front of her shoe rack, studying the choices. “Baby, we really need to go and buy you some more shoes.” I tossed over my shoulder. She had tennis shoes and dress shoes, but not just a pair of causal shoes she could wear with leggings.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her struggle to a seated position on the bed. She pushed her rumpled hair out of her eyes and said, “No. What you need to do is make a visit for Daddy and I to go see the tooth doctor.”
She never looked my way. Just made that declaration, picked up the iPad, turned it on and begin to drink her milk. I, on the other hand, stood stock still for a moment, wondering how my shoe-loving child had just managed to make herself the “mom” for a minute. I don’t even like to shop!
Somehow, once I made it to work, I forgot to call and schedule an appointment at the dentist. A few days later, over dinner, Kiera brought the subject up again. “Did you call and make an appointment with the tooth doctor?”
I refrained from ducking my head as if I was a child while I responded in the negative.
Thankfully, I did manage to remember before she asked a third time. I scheduled our appointment and let her know that in a few weeks we would be going to the dentist.
“We can’t go today?” She asked as I happily let her know that I had us scheduled.
“Nooo….” I responded, drawing out the word. “We have to wait until they can fit us in.”
Finally, the big day arrived. I picked Kiera up from school and as she climbed in the car, I asked, “Are you ready to go see the dentist?”
“Actually, could we make the dentist the last thing we do today?” She requested as she buckled her seat belt.
I took a deep breath, ready to encourage her about the upcoming dental visit. Trying to figure out what might have happened to dampen her excitement over the visit, I hesitantly asked, “But, why, baby?”
Her eyes met mine in the rearview mirror as she answered honestly, “I want it to be the last thing because it is going to be the best thing.”
I breathed a sigh of relief as I turned the car towards the dentist office and assured her that we would be doing more fun stuff after the visit.
We checked in at the office and were quickly called back. Kiera didn’t hesitate at all as the dental hygienist showed her to her chair. Even though I knew she was in good hands, I still paused at the door to let her know I would be in the room next door. “Ok, Mommy.” She responded without turning around.
I let the other dental hygienist lead me to my chair in the adjacent room. A few minutes later, the dentist popped his head in to let me know that Kiera had the “brightest teeth” he had ever seen and she was doing a great job taking care of them.
I thanked him and closed my eyes as my dental hygienist went back to working on my teeth. “Can I see?” Kiera asked from the opposite side of my chair. I opened my eyes to see Kiera peering in my mouth as my teeth were being cleaned.
“Did she already do this?” She asked as she pointed to the water cup waiting for me.
“Not yet, but she can rinse now.” The dental hygienist backed up so I could rinse my mouth.
It’s an odd feeling to have someone watching you as you get your teeth cleaned. Kiera would wander off and play but quickly would find her way back to my side to peer into my mouth or watch me rinse.
I’m not going to complain though. I am glad that she gets excited and enjoys her visit to the dentist. I love that she is inquisitive and wants to learn by watching …even if it involves my teeth. And I am thankful that Dr. McLean and his staff want her to be comfortable at our visits and encourage her by explaining and being patient with her.
I am also delighted to mention that the staff made a note in our file to follow up with us in 6 months to schedule our next cleaning. Maybe this way I can stay out of trouble and remember to make the next appointment.
