pearly whites + provision

Tuesday was a big day...a trip to the pediatric dentist for all three of our people.  We have been visiting a family dentist, who also happens to be my parents' neighbor, since Graham's first check-up at two.  She is so sweet and I'm grateful for the ways that she and her staff set the stage for a positive outlook on going to the dentist for Graham and Hannah Reece.  They both started out by straddling daddy and I during our cleanings, even getting to spray our teeth with water or suction the water out of our mouths...which had everyone in the office in hysterics.  :)

Last week Graham and Millie had their well-checks at the pediatrician and I pointed out that Camille's top teeth seemed a little crowded to me.  The doctor checked and counted and counted and checked...and guess what?  She has an extra tooth on top! So off to the pediatric dentist we went.  Nana came along too, and I'm so grateful for her help!

First stop:  the sink for a good brushing.  Then a pink rinse to show the spots we've missed.  A little talk and lesson on proper brushing (need all the help we can get in this department!)

Look up here!  A tv playing a movie, just for children! 

Uh-uh.  Not having that daddy, not even with a movie on the ceiling.  I'm outta here!

Graham  handling it all like a champ, and Reecie did too!  They actually looked relaxed!  I even heard Hannah Reece say, "this tickles!"  I was amazed at their bravery.  

It was so convenient to have Dan run over, the office is directly across the street from the church. They had an "open" exam room with three chairs, so we filled the place up!   After x-rays, Millie does indeed have an extra baby tooth.  Right in the middle, on top.  Thankfullly, so far there is no sign of an extra adult tooth.  Eventually, the dentist will have to remove that extra tooth, but not just yet.

When Hannah Reece was 2 1/2, she had a fall that left her with a chipped front tooth.  The root was not damaged, so she was able to keep the tooth.  Over time, the tooth has turned light gray, and she has developed a small abscess that is quite painful.  The dentist told us that the grown up teeth are descending, putting pressure on the nerve that has already been aggravated, causing the abscess and inflammation.  She has begun a course of antibiotics, and will have the tooth removed in about a week and a half.

No cavities and all in all, the visit was pleasant and positive.  At the end of our visit, we were talking to the dentist and Dan mentioned how convenient her office was for him to hop over to be with us.  This led into a conversation about his position at the church and she almost immediately asked Dan and I if she could speak to us privately in another room.  My mom took the kids and she told Dan how grateful she was to meet him, that she and her husband (a periodontist) are looking for ways to "give back" to those who need dental treatment but are unable to pay because of circumstances beyond their control.  She said if we ever came into contact with folks in this situation to contact her business manager, and gave us a card.  I was almost in tears at that point, and Dan looked at me with a knowing glance and a smile.  Little did this dentist know that on Sunday, only two days earlier, such a need had presented itself.

Camille's nursery teacher at church is a single mother.  I often share new developments with Camille and we were talking about her well check-up and impending visit to the dentist.  She went on to share that they had once been patients at this particular dentists office, but they no longer had dental coverage.  Her daughter hadn't been to the dentist in quite a while and had some issues that needed to be treated.  I could see the look of concern on her face, mixed with sadness.  Her daughter's father had cancelled her insurance benefits without any notice.  I felt so burdened for her and after church, mentioned the need to Dan and we brainstormed some ways that maybe we could help out, although we are certainly not in a financial position to pay for someone else's dental care.  Dan said, let's pray and ask the LORD how he might provide for this need.

Back to our little meeting with the dentist.  I was all teary and shared this story with the dentist, she got all teary too, and said to have her call the office right away.  Our friend's daughter could receive treatment completely free of charge.  I am so grateful and amazed at God's immediate provision.  It was an incredible gift to share the news with Millie's teacher, and to witness her encouraged heart and strengthened faith through this experience.

This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 (NLT)