Ali Goes To The Dentist

This is an Ali first. I finally got Ali to the dentist. It started out a bit shaky.. the nice hygenist wanted to take Ali back and get started while I finished paperwork in the lobby. I recognized the "are you crazy?" look in Ali's eyes, however, the nice hygenist did not. I thought I'd be quiet a second and see how Ali responded. The hygenist persisted and Ali said "I don't think that's a good idea." So she waited with me until paperwork was complete and then we attempted to obtain a panoramic xray of Ali's teeth. Another not so good idea. I even demonstrated and still Ali refused to cooperate. So we moved on to the actual cleaning. After a very in-depth explanation of all the tools and equipment, Ali was still reluctant to let the nice hygenist get anywhere near her teeth. So again, I demonstrated. With water splashing onto my face and while trying desperately not to jump, gag or appear distressed in any way I exaggerated the joys of the "tickly toothbrush" and reassured her that the scraping would not be part of her exam. Only after we'd made a huge show of my sparkly clean teeth and bribed her shamelessly with prizes and stickers, did Ali agree to get into the exam chair. Very bravely, she opened her little mouth and was thrilled when the nice hygenist counted her little teeth. Ten on top. Ten on bottom. Then she permitted the lady to clean her teeth and apply "tooth vitamins" afterward. Feeling empowered and enjoying the fuss everyone was making over her, she then suggested we try the tooth picture again ("Lots of big 5 year olds cry at the dentist I bet, but not me."). I was very proud at the end of the appointment - got an xray, cleaned the teeth, no cavities. What more can you ask for? And I laughed a lot more than I normally do at the dentist...