First visit to the dentist.

This visit was slightly overdue given the recommendation that a child should visit the dentist 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth. (Yes, I do try to go b the book, as much as I can :)). Anyways, the dentist said the visit was timed perfectly (haa!).

I had prepared M for the visit well - she knew that a lady doctor for teeth, the dentist, would be seeing her, asking her basic questions on brushing and finally checking her teeth and gums. The little anxiety that she did have about her mouth being invaded disappeared at the waiting room - stocked with iPads, bright board books, building blocks, an elf kitchen with pretend utensils and dishes and food, wooden puzzles (M's favorite these days!), a bead maze, a cheerfully painted table and chair set, M had stumbled upon an unexpected treasure!

Unfortunately for M, and fortunately for us, we didn't have to wait all that long - the assistant called us and as she briefed M got more soft toys (what a bonanza) to play with. She got to pick her toothbrush (Dora - Bingo!) and the dentist was a beautiful (daddy will agree), charming, cheerful, and pleasant young lady - who sang to Manya and played with her toy teddy and the cleaning and the mouth invasion (it did include some bt of prodding but M didn't flinch a bit) was a breeze! She told us her teeth were great and we were doing a great job with the brushing (can you see my collar high up :p).

M cheerfully bade a bye and thank you and then she hit a jackpot - she was asked to pick a toy to take home - a bright yellow ball made its way home with such a shiny set of pearls. 

You know some days where everything just falls into place - M was rewarded with an out of turn trip to the park - it was sunny and very springtime like - and we also spotted the first blossoms!

Caring for the milky whites!

Another scheduled activity into Madame M's busy life - brushing teeth twice a day. Even though she has barely three teeth, the doctor at her 15th month appointment recommended we start with a finger brush and kiddie tooth paste. According to her, at about 18 months we should start letting M use a toddler toothbrush so that by 2 she is a pro at brushing. Yes, ma'am, we said :D.

And, I don't have to re-emphasize the ideal patients that we are (or rather I enforce we are as a family) - so I promptly bought her the required set and some yummy apple-banana organic toothpaste (the fuss that our generation of parents make, makes my parents eyes roll almost everyday! :P).

Her highness's take on this new activity? She is thrilled. She likes the rub on her gums and teeth so much (I am assuming all that pressure must be massaging and soothing her sore teething gums). Also the toothpaste flavor gets a thumbs up from her and just when you are thinking that atleast one post where I am not really complaining - I am sorry to disappoint you. She is so excited about this brushing routine that she refuses to part with the finger brush. Only two days have passed and all four times, we have had a tussle for about 5 minutes and I have had to shout atleast a hundred times, "Manya, we are done with brushing - your many (:P) teeth have been adequately cleaned!" Pssstttt.

The first pearly white!

Now, now, we have waited an eternity for M's first tooth to sprout. She has been showing teething symptoms right from 4 months of age, and when at the 14th month mark she was still all gummy, I was beginning to get a little worried, even though the doc had assured us all was well (infact she had remarked, have you ever seen a person without teeth!), and my mom had said I got my first tooth very late too (late teething, apparently, is genetic).

So, her highness's right maxillary central incisor (my physician friends, please give me a pat on the back for this jargon - lesser mortals know it as the top front tooth) is finally out - it is not completely out, but most of it has cut through the gums. I think the left one is coming up next. I believe the lower middle teeth come out first for most babies, but then our tiger has decided to follow an alternate timeline - well, as long as all do come out - who cares, huh?

And now for some emotional crap - I thought I'd be overjoyed to see her first teeth - I was happy but instantly I began to miss her gummy grins - why are babyhoods so fleeting? Another aww moment was when she refused to rub her gums on my jaw line after the tooth cut through. She'd always do that when that biting sensation was strong - and I'd complain but only lovingly. I loved the feel of her gums - I don't know why she has stopped it - she's still chewing everything off but whenever I offer her my jaw line - she nods her head in denial and points to her new tooth. Does she think it will hurt me now? I don't know so I assume she does it out of concern and not for lack of need (:D). I wish she'd still do it. Or the tooth could have just waited for another couple of months! (Why are mums so hard to please - this way or that?)

But, am also looking at the brighter side of this development. We'll now have a brush set, toothpaste in a couple of months, and toothy smiles will make for a whole new set of great pictures too - lots of exciting times ahead, huh?!?!

Tiger, Tiger, Teething Fright!

Well, well, I might have a sleep-deluded brain, but I remember Blake, alright. The deal is that our little tiger has been having a tough week with a lot of what looks like teething symptoms. 

I am saying "what looks like" because there's no sign yet of the pearls and this is already her second painful bout in the last two months - not to mention the occasional aches that last a day or two.

I spoke to her pediatrician, and she confirmed that all symptoms look like she is cutting teeth: inability to suck for long, comfort feeding (especially in the night - I have given up on the dream called sleep), holding the gums and crying, gnawing at every available object, and generally being very listless and irritable. She said that the last time around too, but also added that it was too early and maybe M is just extra sensitive.

Anyway, here's what we have been doing to help her out:

• Hyland homeopathic tablets: Manya laps them up like it was a treat or something to have these - she could make a whole meal out of them, I think. They seem to be pretty effective as far as the pain relief aspect is concerned. but it doesn't help that biting sensation.

• Teething toys: Though, everything including, mommy's shoulder bone and jaw line is a teething toy these days, we did get her the branded ones, which she doesn't care for much. She'd rather chew on the sides of her crib and the play gym!

• Applying pressure: This works the best for us. I wash my hands, dip them in cold water, and then apply pressure on her gums. She loves it, and actually gives out a sigh of relief and a broad smile too!

• Orajel: Yes, I know the FDA warns - but only against over dosage, especially before sleep time. We tried this a couple of times, and it doesn't work for Manya - she hates the flavor and wipes it off the very instant i apply it - plus she gets even more agitated with that sensation it causes.

• Cold liquids: I actually refrigerate some milk and juice, and give her a few spoonfuls every once in a while. She responds well to the cold sensation and is actually quite instantly relieved of minor discomfort.

• Cold apple slice: I clean out a big chunk of a refrigerated apple and give it to her to bite on. Doesn't help much but keeps her distracted for sometime atleast.

Any other suggestions?