Going to the Dentist

We finally got our oldest daughter to the dentist at age 4 and 2 months. While my daughter's health is of utmost importance to me, I admit I have been procrastinating on this one major rite of passage. We brush regularly, and try to drink water instead of sugary drinks, but our insurance didn't cover any pediatric dentists and our family dentist wouldn't see a 3 year old. So I used all these excuses to cover for what I was really worried about...a child who would totally freak out and cry, bite the dentist, you name it...

The day before "D" day, we checked out all the "____________ Goes to the Dentist" books you could find. You fill in the blank...Dora, Green Puppy (from Blue's Clues), Vera, etc. In 'Vera Goes to the Dentist' the child, Vera, actually does bite the dentist, and runs out of the dentists office while the dentist and her mother chase her around the block. Oops! I should have pre-screened the books!

It turned out that all my worrying was for naught (as it usually is). While she did request that I hold her hand throughout the entire check-up, that was a small price to pay for her calm cooperation.

They cleaned and polished her teeth, and I even snuck a photo while the dental hygienist went out to get the dentist. The dentist said her teeth looked good. When I said it was her first visit to the dentist, he said, "Then they look really good." So now I can leave my mother-guilt behind. I did not permanently harm my daughter's teeth by waiting so long to take her to the dentist.

Just an informal poll...What age were you, or your kids at your first dentist appointment? I personally have no recollection of going to the dentist for the first time. I'm sure my daughter will forget it too!