Let me start by admitting I have a fear of going to the dentist. It’s not rational, as I have never had any issues with my teeth, not even a small cavity. But I really don’t like going there, I can never keep my mouth open during the check-up and I always come home with pain in my teeth, cheeks or jaw that I did not have before.
But being a responsible parent, means I have to take my children to the dentist for a check-up. So at some point I made an appointment for all of us. As responsible parents you show your children that a dentist is nothing to fear, right. So an appointment for all of us, meant we could show them by example.
When the date drew nearer, I could already feel the anxiety building in my body. There I was telling my boys that a dentist was nothing to fear if they brushed their teeth well, while I did not feel that way at all. I did a good job though, the boys were quite excited about doing something new.
The dentist visit went very well. The boys opened their mouths better than I ever could and were very interested in the explanation of all the instruments on the table. When they both had their turn, they said: ‘Now mommy!” and watched while I sat in the chair. As I had not been in years there was some cleaning to do, so they soon lost interest and started playing while I was being tortured. When it was finally over, I could feel my body relaxing. No cavities. So no need to put myself through this when the boys have to go again. Not sure they’ll want to go though. The dentist told them to give up their pacifier and that was not news they were taking in well…