On Saturday, Kay had her very first dentist appointment! Finding a dentist who accepts our insurance and has experience working with children who have special needs is no easy task. It’s so important to go to someone who has both the knowledge and the patience, because realistically, I know Kay isn’t going to sit still — she’ll likely yell and resist — and having someone who understands and is sympathetic to that makes all the difference.
Fortunately, one of the dentists recently hosted a community day offering free exams for individuals with special needs, recognizing that they might have a harder time at the dentist and, in turn, may not visit as often. I had met this dentist before during a Q&A at GiGi’s Playhouse a few months ago, where he spoke about the importance of dental health and shared some helpful advice. I was relieved and grateful to find out it was the same dentist we would be seeing for Kay’s appointment.
When we arrived, we were warmly welcomed, and the staff immediately offered toys to Kay so I could complete the paperwork without having to worry about keeping her entertained or chasing after her. Once we were called back, the dentist was able to examine Kay, even though she put up a bit of a fight — lol. We couldn’t get X-rays done because Kay was hesitant and didn’t want to sit still, but the dentist assured me that from what he could see, everything looked good and encouraged us to keep up the good work!
I’ll admit, I was nervous going into the appointment. Although Kay often points to her toothbrush and says “teeth” to indicate she wants to brush, she still resists, making it hard to know how well I’m actually doing. Plus, with her diabetes and the need for quick, sugary snacks or drinks during low blood sugar episodes — especially in the middle of the night — I’ve been worried about the impact on her teeth. The dentist reassured me, advising that for nighttime lows, it’s best to use juice that she can drink quickly, so it doesn’t sit on her teeth for too long.
After what I would call a successful dentist visit, Kay and I went out for lunch before heading to another T-ball game! The weather was beautiful. Although Kay wasn’t thrilled at the start of the game, her mood thankfully turned around, and we ended the day happily dancing the chicken dance out on the field!
Lately, I’ve noticed Kay showing a lot more emotions. I’m not sure if it’s related to her diabetes — since blood sugar fluctuations can affect moods — or if it’s just the natural shift from toddlerhood to childhood, where she’s craving more independence but isn’t always able to have it yet, which can be frustrating for her. Either way, I’m doing my best to support her, helping her build the confidence and skills she needs to grow into her independence. I know that as she continues to grow, so will her emotions and her desire for independence — and I want to make sure she’s equipped to embrace it fully!