This post is brought to you by a STSL sponsor!
Ohhhh, my sweet little Lucas. When he’s surrounded with people and places he’s familiar with, this kid is quite the character. He’s outgoing, he’s so darn funny, he’s smart, and he knows what he wants. He’s 3-1/2 and there’s no denying that, but it’s so fun.
But put him in a situation where he’s around people he doesn’t know or if he’s in an unfamiliar place, and he becomes a completely different kid. Shy, timid, hiding behind mommy…and if he’s tired enough, meltdowns are not out of the norm.
I have no doubt that this is normal for many toddlers, but for these reasons, I was very anxious about bringing him for his first trip to the dentist. It was something we meant to do back over the summer, shortly after he turned three, but then life with a newborn happened, then potty training, then a new school, and…you get the idea. Life got busy!
I’d heard a number of great things from friends and acquaintances of mine about a local pediatric dentist, Where Smiles Grow (at Capital District Pediatric Dentistry), so we decided to give them a try (for the locals, we visited the Latham office!).
Our whole ride there (and the days leading up to our appointment) I tried my best to hype up the visit. I explained that he’d get to wear cool sunglasses and maybe even get a prize if he did well. He’d always get excited about those, but when we talked about the dentist looking at his teeth, he was NOT excited and kept telling me we didn’t have to go.
Greeeeattttt, I thought. This is going to go smooth.
As soon as we walked in, he acted exactly as I’d expected; shy, hiding behind me, asking to go home. Poor kid. But then the sweetest receptionist reached out and caught his attention, pointing out their big game room they have. Well, she certainly knows the key to my kid’s heart!
We had a few minutes to play in the game room before the hygienist came out to greet us and bring us back into the room. Again, talk about some amazing staff. And I swear, with 110% certainty, I am NOT just telling you that because this is technically a sponsored post. Even if it was not, I would be singing their praises. They. Were. Incredible.
Much to my surprise, Lucas willingly hopped right up into the chair, where they had Finding Dory playing on the TV above him. He was in his glory!
The hygienist and I spoke a bit while she asked some questions about his medical background, oral health, etc, while Lucas continued to be a ham for the camera. I, still, was amazed at how cool and collected he was. Then again, nobody had gotten close to him yet!
Once we were done with the health history, Christy started chatting with Lucas and getting him excited about his teeth cleaning. He got to pick out a pair of sunglasses, they counted teeth, and then he got to pick out what kind of toothpaste he wanted (cookie dough…he IS his mama’s boy!).
The only thing that Lucas wasn’t a huge fan of was the suction. He still let the hygienist do her thing (again, I was floored), but he made a few faces signaling he wasn’t really diggin’ it.
Since he didn’t really like the suction and water, the hygienist decided it would probably be best to skip the fluoride treatment, since he’d need those in his mouth for longer. She said that was totally normal and that he had done great, so I was fine with that.
Once he was done with his cleaning, we got to hang out for a few minutes before the dentist, Dr. Jen, came in. There are five dentists at the practice, but I’d already heard great things about her prior to going, so I was excited.
At this point, I think he thought he was done, so he was a little taken aback by having to get back in the chair.
But Dr. Jen was absolutely AWESOME with him, and the two of them got along just great.
He let her count his teeth again and check for “sugar bugs.”
And I was thrilled to find out that there were no “sugar bugs” hiding out in those little teeth of his. Whew!
Dr. Jen chatted with me quickly afterward, just saying that everything looked great and that we had been doing a great job with him at home. It was really, so nice to hear that as a mom (who, at least half of the time, has to fight with him to actually brush his teeth twice a day!).
Once he was all done, he got a “goody bag” complete with a new toothbrush, some floss, stickers, coins for the “prize” machines, as well as a raffle ticket to put in their gift card raffle drawing.
We put our ticket in the Target pail, of course. 
Because he did “so well,” Dr. Jen even gave him an extra coin so he could get two prizes out of the machines. Talk about a happy kid!
Once he had has prizes, I sat down and quickly checked out with the office staff while Lucas played with his new mini toys.
I’m still just SO thrilled with how the entire appointment went at Where Smiles Grow, from start to finish. It was so easy, and they really go out of their way to make the kids feel comfortable.
So for any of you who are local, I would ABSOLUTELY recommend checking out Where Smiles Grow (at Capital District Pediatric Dentistry)! They have offices in Latham and Delmar, and they have services for all ages; they even offer free complementary visits for kids up to 18 months!
Now, for any of you who are local or not, I have a great giveaway to offer today, courtesy of Where Smiles Grow!
They’re generously offering a FREE Philips Sonicare Electric Toothbrush to a lucky STSL reader (your choice of the children’s toothbrush, or an adult version!).
To Enter: Simply leave a comment on this post either telling which toothbrush you’d want to win OR a favorite story about a visit to the dentist!
I’ll choose a random winner on Monday, March 20th. Good Luck!
Disclaimer: This post and giveaway are sponsored by Where Smiles Grow. Plus, a big shout out to Akullian Creative for the awesome photos from our visit and for this post!
I’d love the adult version! We just recently had our son and I already plan of trying out a pediatric dentist!
Adult version. My dentist keeps recommending one.
Yay, I’m glad you had such a good experience! I’d love the adult one.
I would love the adult version!
Lucas is such a handsome little guy!
I would love the adult version. My kids like the dentist because of early positive experimences like this one!
I would love the Adult version. My dentist recommended this kind of toothbrush. :)
I’d choose the adult version.
My daughter loves the dentist because they have a prize box…doesn’t take much!
I’d love the adult version. I”ll never forget my otherwise-mellow daughter absolutely LOSING HER MIND when she had to have her first oral x-ray taken. She was five, and I thought I would be able to reason with her, but it was quite the battle to get her to acquiesce. Now she and her siblings all take X-rays with no problems…..but I’ll never forget the first time!
I’d love the adult one!
I would love the kid version! My boys love the dentist & we’re hoping for no “cavity bugs” at our next cleaning 😉
Glad he had a good experience! Would love the kiddo one so we could just replace heads instead of entire toothbrushes after colds, strep etc
I would love the adult version. It’s funny because I love going to the dentist now, but as a child I would cry the whole time. I also have had the same hygienist my entire life, so I am afraid of the day I move far enough away from my hometown that I have to find a new one.
I’d love the adult one! My daughter will have her first dentist appointment this summer, I hope does as well as Lucas!
I’d love to try the adult version
I would love the kid version. My daughter is 2 1/2 and I plan on taking her for her first dentist trip this summer. I am nervous because she is not too adventurous when it comes to being out of her comfort zone but your experience has me having high hopes. It’s a strong to get her to brush her teeth once a day! She’s wiggly and at least the kid electric toothbrush would do a better job at getting teeth clean then me wrestling with her :)
I would love the adult one!
We have our 3.5 year old scheduled for her first visit in May and I am nervous for every reason you listed! I’m hoping she does as well as Lucas did!
I’d love to have the adult one.
How adorable is Lucas! My son LOVES brushing his teeth so I’ll pick the kids version. He’s 2 1/2 so we will probably be heading to the dentist soon ourselves!
My Sonicare toothbrush just died on me last night, so I’d love to win the adult toothbrush!
This sounds exactly like our first trip to the dentist. Holy cow, our kiddos are alike. My little girl is a ticket and a half when around people she knows but SO shy and anxious about new things. She did GREAT at the dentist, too. Just got a little teary when the dentist looked at her teeth. I think she thought she was done, too! :) We would LOVE to get a children’s sonicate – we have them for my husband and I but I think it would really help out with keeping hers clean since it can be SUCH a struggle to brush properly!
Adult version. Need to be that good example for the little ones!! We have a toddler who will be headig to dentist for the first time soon.
I need a new tooth brush real bad – I also need to go to the dentist real bad. I think this post is a sign I need to get there!
I’d love to win the adult version! Glad Lucas’ visit went well. I used to love going to the dentist as a kid because we got to pick out a new toy from a treasure chest they kept at the office.
I would love the adult sonicare! Mine literally just broke the other day and I am so NOT excited about having to buy a new one!
I’ve heard lots of good things about the Sonicare electric toothbrush and would love to try the adult version. Thanks for a great giveaway.
I would love one for my son! I use one now and it is great. Glad Lucas had such a great experience at the dentist!
It’s so wonderful to see Lucas growing up into such a sweet, adorable boy! He really did great at the dentist! And thank you for such a kind giveaway opportunity!!
I would pick the adult one
I would love the adult toothbrush!
I would love the adult toothbrush! My babies are well past the pediatric dentist stage.
I would like the adult version! Glad his first appointment went so well :)
This is so sweet, Courtney. I’m really glad he (and you!) had a good experience. I’m not at all surprised that you’re doing a great job as a mama with his teeth brushing–your kids are so loved!
Go Lucas! I would choose the adult one :)
I would love the adult toothbrushes!
I’ve heard so many good things about electric toothbrushes and have always wanted one but never pulled the trigger. My little one is still too small for the kid version but I would LOVE the adult version for myself!
I’m so glad Lucas did such a great job. It always helps to have friendly staff that really care about the kids. :)
I’d love to win the adult version for my teenage son who needs to get better at brushing his teeth, LOL.
I would love the adult toothbrush.
WOW what a Sport he was !!!! Would Love an Adult one !!!
I would choose the adult version!
Ugh…I’m working myself up for a first time trip to the dentist for my 2.5 year old, also named Lucas. I’d love to have the child version of the toothbrush to help encourage him to brush his teeth/get excited for his first visit.
Even though I would love this, it would be great for my daughter!
I’d love to win the adult tooth brush!
I would love the kids one!
I would probably want to try the adult version! (Although I do have quite a “child-like” appearance being only 4’9″ haha). I try my best to maintain my dental hygiene as much as possible, but definitely am behind the times when it comes to the best electric toothbrushes available on the market. P.S. Lucas is so stinkin cute with his sunglasses ;)
This was such a sweet post! I am so glad that he did so well and enjoyed the experience :)
I would love the adult one!
I would love the adult version!
my almost 2 year old loves electronic toothbrushes, and so do i. Total toss up on who would get it.
Yay for a good dentist trip!
I’d love to get the adult version for my husband. <3
I would love the kid version for my 5 years old!
Sounds like such a great experience! I hope it goes that well when I take my twins for the first time :) And that adult toothbrush looks great, I’d love to try it!
I’d love a kid one for my 2.5 year old daughter! I think it would make brushing teeth much more fun.
My electric toothbrush actually just broke! I would love to get a new adult version. I used a normal toothbrush today and it felt so wrong.
Lucas is such a hunk for the camera! Could not get enough of his cheeky smile. :)
I have had an electric toothbrush on my need-to-buy list for quite some time! I would pick the adult version.
As a dental hygienist and a mom I love this post! A good experience is so important for kids when going to the dentist for the first time. Unfortunately a lot of bad experiences for kids are because they’ve heard their parents talking about their own fear of the dentist or due to a bad office not having the patience for children. So glad it went smoothly! He’s so cute !
What a successful first trip to the dentist!! I’d take an adult versions – my little guy has a few more years until he can use one :)
I’d love the adult version of the electric toothbrush, since no kids yet, although soon, as I’m due with twins in June! :-)
I would love the adult version! I have one and I keep telling my husband he needs to get one! They are just the best! My son just turned 3 and I am just starting the whole process of finding a dentist for him…I hope it goes as smoothly as your experience! :)
I would love the adult toothbrush. My husband recently got an electric toothbrush at the urging of his dentist (I’m shocked he actually followed through with the purchase!) and it’s so nice! It has a timer so that you brush for 2 minutes, and he says he feels super clean.
I’d love the adult version.
I would love to win the adult version!
I’d love the adult one. I haven’t used an electric toothbrush in years, so I’d love to start again.
I would love the adult one! I seem to get cavities more than I’d like,, maybe it could help with that :)
How cute was this post! I’ve actually been in the market for an electric toothbrush. I had one on my Christmas list, but I don’t think Santa got the memo. :/ I’d definitely spring for the adult version!
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I’d take the kid’s version…maybe it would keep my 3 yr old from stealing mine!!
I certainly do not have a favorite dentist moment, but I do have to admit that once I started flossing and really taking better care of my teeth I have been so much healthier all around.
I would love the adult toothbrush.
Glad your appointment went well! Hopefully next time goes just as smoothly.
I’d love to win the adult toothbrush! I have been contemplating this one for a while!
Great giveaway! I’d love the kids sonicare for my daughter with braces.
Adult Somicare
Adult Sonicare
I’d love the adult version of the Sonicare!
I would love the adult version!
That picture of Lucas and the dentist is priceless!! I bet he will excited to go next time. Would love to win the adult model. Thanks!
I’d love the children’s version! My fiancé and I both have the adult version and we love it!
I would love to win the Adult Toothbrush!!!
I wish I liked the dentist as much as Lucas does!!! I would love to win the adult version. Thanks so much for the giveaway!!!
Sue
I’d love an adult one–and I’m so proud of Lucas!!!
This post came at the perfect time. My son is actually going to the dentist this afternoon! I’d love the kids’ version. I have the adult one and my son is always asking if he can try it out on his teeth. “Um…no. I love you to pieces and I’ll take your wet kisses any day and let you wipe your snotty nose on my shirt when you hug me….but I draw the line at sharing my toothbrush with you.” Lol
I would love the adult version. I don’t remember this, but when I was 3, I threw up all over the dentist. I can’t believe I did that!
That is so cute! I wish I had that fun of a dentist office to go to when I was a kid :) A couple of years ago, I had 7 cavities filled at the same time (it had been a few years since I had visited the dentist–bad, bad idea)…I had so much going on at work at the time, so I hadn’t taken the day off. I wasn’t prepared for how numb my mouth would be AT ALL. I knew my teeth might be a little sensitive, so I had brought soup to eat for lunch. I took it out of the microwave and proceeded to sit down at my desk. First I tried eating the soup with a spoon. I couldn’t feel my lips closing around the spoon and even though I thought I had reached my mouth, I quickly learned, as it spilled down my shirt, that I wasn’t even close! So naturally, I decided to try and just “drink” my soup from the bowl. Another bad idea…I ended up pouring the entire bowl of (really hot!) soup down my top, pants, etc. It was a disaster. Let’s just say that I now go to the dentist every six months! Haha.
I’d love the kid one! I think getting used to an electric toothbrush would make my son more comfortable at the dentist’s office.
Glad it was such a positive experience!
My husband and I both have electric toothbrushes and my Chloe Pearl would love one of her own!
My daughter would love the kids’ version! And I would love that it would probably do a better job than her trying to do it “all by myself” :) She’ll be 3 next month and we’re gearing her up for her first visit!
Awesome giveaway!! would love the adult version. Go, Lucas!! Dentist was so scary for me as a child. He did great!!
Yay, cute giveaway. I would get the kids one, as my toddler is obsessed with mine!
i need an electric toothbrush in order to save my gums! I am a “hard brusher” which leads to receding gums….you would *think* it would be simple for me to just not brush so hard, but….some habits are hard to break!.I keep wanting to purchase myself an electric toothbrush, but haven’t yet. I would love the adult electric toothbrush!
Last time I went for a cleaning, I “lived wild” and chose a new flouride flavor—strawberry! And I like it! :)
I’ve always liked going to the dentist! My childhood dentist grew up with my mom so it was always fun to visit. I would love the adult toothbrush!
I’d love to win the adult version! I actually look forward to dentist visits. It mean I get to sit there and let them do all the hard work while I listen to Pandora. Easy maintenance!
The Adult one would be wonderful.
Kiddo! My little guy would love this! :)
I would like the children’s toothbrush for my daughter.
Your hair is so cute!! Would you mention what color/ techniques your mom used? Love!
Oh I’d love one of the kids toothbrushes! I’ve been looking into getting one. Taking my 7 year old to the dentist has been easy, but I am dreading bringing my 3 year old feisty girl! Lol
I would love the adult version. I have been wanting to get one for the longest time.
Thank you for this post.. i might just have to switch my son to this office
Ha! My “not so favorite” story about a trip to the dentist was when my daughter was a little older than Lucas, & the dentist asked her if she flossed regularly, & she said, “What’s that?” Oops. :P
My husband and I just got our own electric brushes, it’d be great to get one for my daughter!
Would love an adult version! I hate the dentist but my best one was Dr. Wonder and he gave me laughing gas….it was a perfect name for him!
I would choose the Children’s brush. My son with Autism loves anything that vibrates so I think this brush could be helpful.
The adult version! I’ve been going to the same dentist since I was a little older than Lucas is now! I was a total NIGHTMARE and he was always so patient with me. Yay for awesome dentists!!
I would greatly appreciate the adult version of Phillips Sonicare Electric Toothbrush. This type of toothbrush has been on my wish list for years. Thank you Courtney for always thinking of enhancing the lives of your readers through giving us the opportunity to improve our ORAL HEALTH with this electric toothbrush, Using this toothbrush will enable me to continue having a SWEET TOOTH SWEET LIFE!
Would love the kid toothbrush for our son who’s turning one next week!!
Id love to get the adult brush. Heard they are supposed to be better than manual but price is hard to swallow.
Hi Courtney! I would love the adult version. It would be perfect for getting my teeth into tip top shape for my wedding in 6 months :)
I’d love the electric toothbrush! They make great gifts…this is coming from a dental hygienist – HA!
I’m glad to hear Lucas’ first dental experience went so well. It can be hit or miss with kids. Seems like a great office and very generous to have a giveaway!
Ooooo!!! I’d love the adult version 😊
I’m one of those weird people who actually enjoys the dentist! I love that feeling right after a cleaning!
I would love to try the adult version! My little ones go to winning smiles in buffalo and it is also a great place!
I would love to win the adult electric toothbrush! I’ve been through the ringer with my teeth :( cavities, root canals, implants, etc. :( I’d think a Sonicare would really help!!
i’d love the adult one!
I’d love to win the adult version!
Adult version sonicare toothbrush. I honestly haven’t had great experiences with dentists, so I am always super hesitant to go.
Love my sonicare. I could use a new one!
Adult toothbrush….I did just get my son his first toothbrush. I hope he likes brushing his teeth =)
I’d love to have the adult toothbrush. I have a much older model and would like to upgrade!
I’d love the adult version. Right. Ow, my three year old loves the dentist because he loves getting a new toothbrush.
adult one – my 13 month old won’t even open her mouth for me to see her teeth. I fear the day we have to take her to the dentist!!
I am glad he did so well! Connor has been twice now and he hated both times even though our dentist (like yours seems to be) is amazing. They let them watch movies and give them a coin for a prize. It is not a fun thing to do at any age but necessary! Good job Lucas and Courtney too. :)
WOW! Great Job Lucas!!!
That place looks FUN!!
The adult version of the toothbrush would be awesome!
I would love the adult version!
My daughter is almost 2, and I’m pregnant with our second…and I really need to take her to the dentist! At the very least, I can give her a nice toothbrush if I win!
Adult toothbrush :)
I would love the kid version! I have a three year old granddaughter.
The dentist is a rough adventure for us with our kiddos! We would love to win the kids toothbrush.
I’d love to win the toothbrush for my son!
I would love the adult sonicare!
way to go lucas!!!id love the kids version for my four year old daughter haddie. she doesn’t love the dentist, but we make it through every six months.