CC's first dental cleaning from Dr. NikOK, OK, so we were a little late, but CC's first visit to the dentist was a huge success.
We've always been good about making sure CC brushes her teeth after breakfast and before bedtime, but we weren't super clear on when her first dental visit should be. Turns out, it should have been a while ago. (At 1 year old, actually. Eek.)
And when I read this article on the Los Angeles Times website, "Dentists? They're strangers to 1 in 4 California kids," I got worried -- and then became totally embarrassed. After all, who wants to be a statistic? Much less, a bad one.
So I set up an appointment with Dr. Nik (aka Dr. David Nikfarjam), who is part of the Beverly Hills Pediatric Dental Group. Not only is he a gentle soul, but he also engaged CC with lots of questions and explained to her every part of the process before he started.
And she loved his bubble-gum-scented gloves, not to mention her personal movie screen, which was playing "Cars," a CC fave.
After a thorough check-up and cleaning, Dr. Nik explained that CC should brush twice a day, each time for two minutes. He even gave her a little timer to help out with that. He also added that flossing is a nightly must, even for 3-year-old teeth. Colorful, disposable flossers became CC's new favorite thing, and now she's a flossing pro.
It was a great visit, and CC showed no fear -- something I was concerned about. She even picked up a toy on the way out for being so brave.
So maybe as parents we didn't get a toy, but honestly, I was just happy Dr. Nik didn't visibly cringe when we told him it was CC's first visit.
And, yes, we'll be seeing him again in six months.
For a list of Frequently Asked Questions about children's dentistry, click here.
Your child's mileage does vary if he/she is going to have a good first experience with the dentists. Hilton Head where I grew up, the dentist has no problems when they first had me as their patient when I was a kid. Also a few months ago, I had a massive problem with my wisdom tooth that needs to be extracted, I went back to the same clinic that does dentistry (Hilton Head), and they remembered me and their experience about me which was totally flattering.
ReplyDeleteWow, that really is flattering. I'm so glad CC had a great first dental appointment. She's even looking forward to going back. :)
ReplyDeleteWilder girls go to Dr. Nik as well. So far, so good.
ReplyDeleteHe's so great! Glad the Wilder girls like him too.
ReplyDeleteKids really love the stuff their getting after dental visits. Well, consider it as a reward for bravery. It's nice that, at the age of three, she already knows how to responsibly clean her teeth. Wish all the kids are like her. But still it's up to the parents how they guide their children about proper hygiene.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing that her first visit to the dentist went well. CC reminds me of my little sister. The only difference is, it was a total mess when we went to the dentist. But in the end, it turned out great. She got a free toothbrush and a cuddly stuffed toy!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a relief that CC's first dental experience was a success. She wasn't even scared. Letting her watch her favorite show, Cars during the check-up helped a lot. =)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Kristen! And she had another appointment just yesterday and was great!
ReplyDeleteCC's such a brave kid! She didn't fear the dentist at all. Well, she deserves a toy for that. So how was the second visit? Since CC is so eager with cleaning her teeth, I bet she doesn't have any cavities. What did she get as a reward this time?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Lashon! She really likes the dentist now. :) It definitely helps when you get a toy. The last time she went, she got a little water toy.
ReplyDeleteA very brave little girl you got there! It's a good thing that CC had a dental check up at this early point in her life to preserve the beautiful smile that she has. By exposing her to the dentist early on in life, she will become more accustomed to it as she grows older.
ReplyDeleteHertha Gearin
CC looks like she doesn’t have a problem going to the dentist! Also, I think it’s great that she’s taken a liking to flossing. Choosing colorful floss is a good option. It can definitely motivate her to regularly floss her teeth. What’s more, regular dental checkups and flossing are good practices that she may carry with her as she grows. Given her present attitude, it seems like you won’t have a problem emphasizing the importance of dental care to her in the future.
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ReplyDeleteKeep me up great work.Thanks for sharing!
Dentist in Los Angeles
I'm so happy to see this kids that will not afraid to visit in Dentist.
ReplyDeleteLos Angeles, CA children dentists