The dentist is bad enough

the orthodontist is worse!
Today I had to take my son to the orthodontist for his first proper visit now he is 10 years old.
My son was born with a cleft palette amongst other things and so will have problems with overcrowded teeth.
Today he had to have impressions done, 2 X-Rays and then had to have a lesson on teeth cleaning.
I don't know why, but both my children are complete nightmares when it comes to cleaning their teeth. Neither will think to clean their teeth unless they are told to and in my son's case he'll clean them as quickly as he possibly can..which actually means it's better than a kick in the teeth but not much. I've tried everything from star charts, to disclosing tablets, to fancy toothbrushes to doing it for them..nothing works!

I am proud to say that I look after my teeth, I only have 2 fillings and one of those I got just a couple of months ago after breaking a tooth on a brandy snap basket (I blame my mother inlaw..she fed me them :D). My daughter has about 5 fillings already!

I absolutely hate taking my children to the dentist where I have to sit in utter shame and embarrassment whilst they get their teeth checked and get yet another lecture on how to clean properly...it's not like they don't know, they just don't 'do'

And of course for some odd reason, take my son to the hospital, especially the orthodontist who he seems to have taken a great dislike to, he turns into the most non-compliant and uncooperative child EVER! Which makes me want to say 'He's not usually like this' or 'He's not like this at home or school' but I refrain

December before we have to go back, thank goodness and I may chicken out and get my husband to do the dental walk of shame instead!