Bela had her first dental visit last Saturday. She has been given by her cardiologist a clearance to have a dental checkup when she turned two, when it was confirmed that the VSD of Bela is already closed. (We have to consult her cardiologist before Bela undergoes a dental examination because some dental processes and medicines can affect the heart condition of VSD patients.)
We have been planning to take her to the dentist for the longest time now but we always have something to do during the weekends. And so it was only last Saturday that we we’re able to take Bela to the clinic for her first dental check up.
We went to Dr. Des Kids’ Dental Clinic at SM San Lazaro. It was Dr. Shane Martinez who attended to Bela. He cleaned Bela’s teeth first, then he brushed it and then he applied fluoride. The process was really short but Bela was really crying the entire time. Maybe she doesn’t like the idea that somebody was doing something with her mouth. Howell has to carry Bela and lie down also at the dental chair so Dr. Martinez can start the process. The dental assistant has to help me and Howell in holding Bela because Bela was really resisting. Dr. Martinez even commented that Bela really had a strong grip and can easily take off Dr. Martinez’s hands from holding her mouth. Bela didn’t stop crying and she even vomited already because she really won’t stop crying.
After the procedure Dr. Martinez gave us tips on how we can take care of Bela’s teeth. And since Bela’s teeth are all perfectly Ok, we just need to come back for the fluoride application after 6 months.
We were not able to take pictures while Dr. Martinez was doing the procedure as we have to help in holding Bela. Below are some of the pictures that Howell was able to take after the procedure.
.: with Dr. Martinez :.
.: Showing her Pearly Whites :.
Howell told me that he wanted to get mad at me at first for putting Bela in that situation. He really took pity on Bela specially after Bela vomited from her non-stop crying. But then she realized it’s for Bela’s benefit also. And so to reward her precious daughter and to make it up to Bela for giving her a hard time, Howell treated Bela to Storyland and they rode the Storyland train.
He also bought this for Bela as another reward.
.: Busy Playing with her new toy - Marble Race II :.
Right after we arrived home, the daddy immediately assembled Bela’s new toy and Bela played with it non stop. And it really looks like she already forgot about her first traumatic experience with the dentist. Hopefully for her next visit, she won’t be that receptive and will cooperate with Dr. Martinez.
Bela hates brushing her teeth now after her first visit to the dentist. We really have to force her to brush her teeth and most often than not, Howell will just decide not to force Bela and just let her sleep without brushing her teeth. Howell doesn’t like the idea of constricting Bela so we can brush her teeth by force. So he will just say to let it pass and give Bela some time to forget about her first dental visit.
