But, the dentist? The dentist was AWESOME. I am so ashamed to admit that this was Bella's first dental visit. Mainly because I didn't want to get vested in a dentist in California since we moved shortly after it was the "right" time for her. No, my guilt is because I have been meaning to find a good pediatric dentist for the past YEAR. Yeah, I'm working on that whole "to-do" thing. Anyway, it is rare that I walk out of a medical establishment thoroughly impressed with the service. No, I usually find something to complain about, like we were rushed, or they didn't listen, or they were rude to their patients over the phone, or the office was outdated or the wait was too long. Yeah, I can be pretty picky when it comes to the medical attention that I demand for my family. But this dentist was AWESOME. For instance, the lobby was kickass. In fact, I'm contemplating sneaking the girls in there tomorrow just to play for an hour or two, think they'd mind? Then the staff, oh the patient and funny and gentle staff. Each employee was nicer than the next and I found it so refreshing.
Their patience and strength was put to the test as Mia proved to be quite the fighter when they made her lay down and open wide. It was the good ol' surgical glove balloon trick that made her smile at least long enough for them to clean and attempt a floss on her grill. They mentioned that Mia has a "slight" overbite and may need orthodontics in the future. Slight? Are you kidding me? Yes, I am well aware that at some point in the future our little Mia will be a braceface. He was able to determine this even though she has baby teeth because apparently the adult teeth grow in the same pattern. Sorry bout' that one Mia. We'll be sure to match your rubber bands with your outfits!
Bella, on the other hand, was a dentist's dream patient. No nonsense.
She had a great report card, except for a teeny, weeny spot that they're not exactly sure what it is but they'll be sure to check on in 6 months. It was enough for the hygeniest to inform me to stay away from candies, sweets, juices and fruit snacks. I didn't even hear the last part before I righteously interrupted and quipped "oh, my kids NEVER have juice." Which is true, we're a water and milk kinda household. But as I listened to myself drone on about the anti-juice it occurred to me what he said. Stopping mid-sentence I muttered "did you say fruit snacks" as in the Welch's REAL fruit snacks made with real juice, from real fruit, that hang from real trees and yeah, okay, you got me, maybe on occasion the delightfully licensed Wonder Pets fruit snacks, and very seldomly the limited edition Princess and the Frog fruit snacks. Those? Really?
Cuz I hand out fruit snacks daily. Oops. I know you're cringing right now Sarah! I'm a stickler about some things, but never in regards to fruit snacks. I'm not exactly sure why. I guess I always figured they're healthier for my kid than candy but taste better than carrots. WRONG. Fruit snacks=candy. So I pulled the really annoying mom trick and kindly asked the hygeniest to repeat it again loud enough so that Bella could hear. He was probably thinking look lady, you can discipline your own child while I was most definitely thinking you have no idea the power of a credible source when it comes to a 4 year old.
The best part? The prizes! They got to pick prizes from a bucket including new toothbrushes, new toothpaste, new toothbrush covers, and new floss. WHICH BY THE WAY I HAVE TO FLOSS BELLA'S TEETH EVERY NIGHT NOW. Fabulous--add another ten minutes to the already painfully long "night-night" routine. They also walked away with a cute little first time certificate with their picture plastered all over it. Oh and I almost forgot--the toothpaste that I was using for the girls wasn't strong enough for Bella but was too strong for Mia. So as I assisted Bella brushing her teeth tonight and saw that she swallowed some of the toothpaste, totally overreacting, I said "noooo Bella, don't swallow the flouride" which scared her and made her want to cough it up which made her dry heave which ultimately made her puke all over my sink. L.O.V.E.L.Y.
On a random sidenote, remember when we were kids and we'd watch a movie like Karate Kid and as soon as the credits rolled we were already standing on one leg ready to crane kick our brother in the face? Well, I got such a chuckle at lunch today when the girls were sitting at the table playing "dentist" that I had to grab the camera.
Yes, it's true, Mia attempted to clean and floss her teeth using a magnifying glass, eraser and orange washable marker. Now that's something worth smiling about.
I laughed out loud when Mia shoved all those things in her mouth at once-- hilarious! I also LOVE Bella's constant chatter. Adorable dentist pics, too. Have you seen those containers of freeze dried fruit and veggies in the produce section? They're the "Just" brand-- "Just Bananas" or "Just Peaches," etc. Harry and Jack like them a lot, and they're just fruit (or veggies)-- nothing else added-- they're a great fruit snack substitute. (But some of them, like the cranberries, are really bitter).
ReplyDeleteWe have since purged all the fruit snacks and are on the hunt for some healthy substitutes so thanks so much for the recommendation. Got any others?
ReplyDeleteToo cute, G. It surprises me not one bit that your mini-me's crack me up. Courtney and I had a total moment yesterday reminiscing on Aww Yeahh Orange Pineapple Kool-Aid. Hilarity ensued. Off-topic, I know...
ReplyDeleteBack on point, I called my mom to ask about fruit snack alternatives. My nephew doesn't eat them because of the dyes, so I was hoping for a stroke of brilliance. Turns out our picky little dude only eats fresh fruit. Go figure.
She did offer one good point though: chewable vitamins. They've made it routine to swish with water after vitamin time, so the stuff can't just chill between his teeth. Man! I'd have NEVER thought of that!
Good luck with the fruit-snack-alternative hunt.
Ahh Yeah Orange Pineapple! Damn I miss that stuff. Taking it off the shelves was their biggest mistake. I'm lucky since the girls LOVE real fruit. And yes, the chewable vitamins are a big hit here although Mia has a hard time understanding what "morning and night" means. Today in the grocery store we waved goodbye to the fruit snacks--it was pretty funny.
ReplyDeletegina, I totally remember the AWWWWW YEAH too (I can hear you saying it, like, clear as day...that and your crush on John Malkovich, which I admit, I'm not sure is healthy or normal... hahahaha. But Sam (my child who can't eat any typical snacks because he's allergic to wheat) CAN eat fruit snacks... and I let him. Now I'm having second thoughts, though I feel like it's the one dang thing that makes him happy.
ReplyDeleteThank God Starbucks has gluten free cookies now so I can justify going there every single day.
And I don't know if it matters, but they do make organic fruit snacks which I'm thinking would probably be somewhat better? (They're just ridiculously expensive.)