Our pediatrician recommends seeing the dentist between 18 months and age two.  I’ve been planning to take everyone for their first dental exam this summer, around their second birthday.  Plans changed last week.

Monday evening as George dressed Sydney in her pajamas, he gasped as he exclaimed, “What happened to Sydney’s tooth???”  My response, “I don’t know?  Is something wrong?”  Apparently the little monkey chipped a good portion of her front left tooth, but neither of us could recall when it happened.  Sydney isn’t the most graceful child, but neither of us knew of bump that would cause a chip of this size.  She was fussy that evening, but didn’t seem terribly bothered so I wasn’t panicked, but worried about it still.  The next day, I made an appointment with the pediatric dentist in our neighborhood to get it examined.  Nisey babysat the trio while I took Sydney to see the dentist.

Sydney rarely smiles, revealing her teeth. I snapped this on her 18 month birthday.

I tickled Sydney and got her to reveal her new and improved smile with the chip.

Sydney and I enjoyed a little individual time in the waiting room, but we weren’t there more than five minutes.  Dr. Roberts welcomed us and exuded a gentle demeanor well suited for little ones.   Despite Dr. Roberts’ friendly nature, Sydney does not appreciate anyone opening her mouth.  She protested with gusto squealing and thrashing angrily.  Nonetheless, Dr. Roberts got a good look at her teeth.  Thankfully, there was no nerve damage.  Sydney got a clean report plus a Cinderella toothbrush (coveted by Rylin) and pink dinosaur.  She will, however be a snaggle tooth until she loses that tooth and gets a permanent one in it’s place.    She’s  just as adorable as before the chip so I don’t foresee any problems for Sydney.

Noticing a bit of tooth shifting, Dr. Roberts inquired whether Sydney was thumb or pacifier sucker.  I admitted that Sydney still used her Wubbanub to help calm her sensory system.    I was prepared to use the justification our occupational therapist gave me, but it wasn’t necessary.  Without hesitation, Dr. Roberts warmly replied, “Let her have it!”  In fact, she said it’s preferable to allow a pacifier because parents can control their use.  Sydney may be Wubbanub dependent, but she’s only allowed to have it in bed, for sleeping or sensory breaks.  Her thumb goes with her everywhere, and I’m confident she’d pick up a serious thumb sucking habit if we took her Wubbanub now.

Sydney fell in love with her Wubbanub in the NICU, and continued to love it after she came home.

At 20 months, Sydney is still smitten with her Wubbanub. She now has a nice collection of hand me downs from her siblings who are no longer interested.

Needing to go to the dentist for an “emergency” situation wasn’t ideal, but I enjoyed spending time with only Sydney.  Individual time is rare and always treasured.  After our visit, Sydney and I enjoyed a bit of retail therapy at Target.  I scored several items from the One Spot for the quad’s Easter baskets and a few household essentials.

Sydney had fun trying this magenta feather boa on, and she wasn’t upset when we put it back on the rack. I would have loved to buy it for her, but this dress up accessory was $20! I think not.

We captured a “selfie” before heading back home.

Have you ever experienced a dental “emergency”?

Hugs!

Amber