Pearly Whites

I have a definite fear of the dentist.  I am sure that my fear relates to the mouth full of metal I earned pre-middle school or maybe it is due to the straight up drilling I endured.  Truth be told, I don't think the laughing gas was ever turned on.  (Mom, what kind of dentist did you take me to?)

Anyways, bound and determined not to expose my daughters to my fear of all things dentist, we went to a pediatric dentist on Wednesday.  It was like taking a trip to the zoo and tooth-fairyland all at once.  There were reptiles and amphibians (in cages, of course) and the toys were everywhere.  Abby had a blast roaming around.

Ella, on the other hand, was a bit reluctant.  She happily sat on my lap while the assistant explained everything to her in the most cheerful of ways.  She was so sugary sweet I did not think she could maintain her enthusiasm the entire visit;  she did, but I almost did not.

Would you be surprised to know that we utilized both assistants?  One did the work while the other cheered Ella on.  She would make an excellent cheerleader. 

Teeth cleaning with "strawberry ice cream."  I like strawberry ice cream too!

Every opening of the mouth received oohs and ahhs and "I am so VERY proud of you (clap, clap).  One more time and you can get a PRINCESS STICKER.  Don't you want to be a good girl and get a Princess sticker?"  

Apparently she did because we left with 12 stickers, 2 tooth brushes, 2 tooth pastes, a princess wand, and a pocketful of toys that have already been "lost".   The only thing I ever remember getting from my dentist was a toothbrush and the dreaded question, "Do you have a boyfriend, yet?"

Ella making her last sticker selection. 

Even Abby got a princess toothbrush. 

Some of Ella's stickers. 

The dentist happily reported that she was cavity free!  I felt like dancing a jig right then and there.  All the brushing teeth battles paid off.  And now she has a new found interest in getting rid of "Sugar Bugs"  so flossing is on the daily agenda.  However, the dentist was a bit concerned about Ella's bite.  Apparently her upper jaw is small and has impacted her bite.  Hopefully it will remedy itself, but for now I should just count the small blessing that we survived the dentist without any cavities.  

*** Not 24 hours after visiting the dentist Ella took a mouth dive into the coffee table and tore her frenulum (skin that connects upper lip to mouth).  Luckily, she will be okay.  Unluckily she has a fat lip and hanging piece of lip tissue.  Luckily, she still has all of her teeth.   Phew!