by Auntie Em

This month we’ve shared a few stories about what happens when they take their children to visit the dentist.  Now let’s hear from a tooth doctor:

The following giggle-worthy stories are from Dr. Arshia Shingler, a pediatric dentist in Gainesville, VA, www.gainesvillepediatricdentistry.com.:

Sugar Bug

It is common verbiage in our practice to call cavities “sugar bugs”. When trying to explain the process of decay removal to children under five, I will often talk about chasing the “sugar bug”. During a routine filling appointment I had a laugh-out-loud moment when a three-year-old patient asked me if the sugar bug had an angry face?  I took his lead and spent the next few minutes distracting him with my description of the ‘evil’ sugar bug I was chasing away.

Tooth fairy

The normal age range of losing a first tooth is between 4-7 years of age. Years ago, I had a four-year old patient lose his first tooth in our office during a routine cleaning appointment. During his exam, I began telling him about the tooth fairy coming to his house that night, thinking this would be very exciting news. Unfortunately, I got the complete opposite reaction. The patient began sobbing uncontrollably because he did not want the tooth fairy to take his first tooth away. Later we remedied the situation by telling him he could write the tooth fairy a letter asking to keep his tooth.

Bracelets

A few months ago a very independent 5-year old patient asked if she could come back to the treatment room by herself. Before I brought her back I asked the mom if she had any special concerns. I guess the patient thought I was talking to her, because she immediately responded: “When am I getting “bracelets” like my older sister?” I looked to the mom for an explanation and she informed me that her sister had recently gotten braces.

Do you have any funny stories to share about your kids and their teeth? Share with us in the comments! Our favorite story wins a free kids dental kit + a copy of Brush Brush Brush!

*Entries must be received by Friday, Feb 25th at 5PM PST, Los Angeles County residents only

Related posts:

1. Taking Your Kid to the Dentist? Set Your Expectations Low
2. Oral Health Care for Young Children: What Dentists Don’t Tell You