I know, I know… she’s over two years old! Maybe this shouldn’t have been her FIRST visit to the dentist, but regardless, it was. Mark and I totally anticipated a locked-lipped toddler, screaming and crying; however, Charlotte was AMAZING.

Truth: I wasn’t there, but Nana and Mark (who were both there) said Charlie was incredible! Probably a bit shell-shocked, but incredible!

She laid on the exam chair, watched some TV (with Mark) and let the dentists and hygienist clean her teeth. Afterward, she even got a few special little toys, tattoos and stickers for being such a good girl.

And, the takeaway (compliments to my mother in law for this amazing run down):

• All 20 teeth are in
• Molars have lots of ‘mountains and valleys,’ which are good for chewing. They also collect food more than flat teeth so need to be brushed more carefully.
• Lots of spaces between teeth so food is unlikely to be trapped. Flossing is for training only. (OY! Can’t imagine this will be a welcomed addition to our nighttime routine)
• Amount of toothpaste on brush: a grain or two, so no prob if she swallows (C switched to THIS toothpaste, which has fluoride)
• Brush 2x day (we had only been brushing her teeth at night, but have since added a brush in the AM. I was thinking it was time… she officially wakes up with stinky breath.)
• Tissue above upper teeth should be clear of teeth before braces so teeth align well. Currently, the tissue above her teeth is attached… I’m not sure I totally get this one. Have to get a refresher from Mark (the appointment was actually last week).

We actually selected a pediatric dentist who’s a friend of ours and a parent to a child who attends C’s school. Makes checking in easy and it was great for the dentist to be a familiar face for Charlotte.