Of cavities and haircuts.

Just when we mothers thought we have encountered all sorts, every new child will always present us with new challenges to solve, new behaviours to deal with or new illnesses to treat. And the best thing is that when that happens, I can put on my sociologist and researcher hat and start on my intensive "information gathering" on the net or books of course, "interviewing" other mummies. That, I think, is truly a privilege that we mummies have. :)

Thus, when I discovered a little dot on Akif's front tooth a couple of months back to the time he finally saw the dentist on Tuesday, I had actually found out some interesting facts for myself.

1. That there are only 11 paediatric dentists in Singapore.

2. That explains why it was impossible for me to get any appointment dates this year. Dr Rashid is booked throughout and all I could I get was to be on the waiting list ( only if somebody cancels) for a date that is a month after I call.

3. The charge for a paediatric dentist starts from $90 for consultation. <>

4. Oh, and in order to fill in a toddler's tooth, the options are either General Anaesthetic of Laughing Gas ... ( The same one that we mummies use when we are giving birth? .. can't imagine using that on my poor Akif .. I remembered vomiting after I inhaled that gas . Aiks )

5. That there are conflicting arguments as to whether breastfeeding is a cause for decay. While breastmilk has something that could help prevent decay, when it is mixed with sugary stuff .. it could even have a more potent effect .. Let's say Akif just ate one chocolate cookie and then he nursed and fell asleep, that would have a more disastrous effect on him.

So anyway, I needed to make sure that I get professional advice and I decided not to go to a neighbourhood dentist.

This was especially importanat as I had just experienced a traumatic experience with Akif at the Malay barber just a couple of weeks back. He cried and struggled and wriggled and screamed, but that guy took his own sweet time and took TWENTY horrible minutes. Earlier this year, Akif still cried despite being shown Barney and given a balloon at the Parkway Parade saloon. But at least, the auntie did her job in 5 minutes and so that $20 was worth it in the sense that I endured less crying time.

Since that day, I have resolved to only go to "specialists" when it comes to Akif.

I narrowed to three Kids Friendly Dentists- not paediatric ones, but just those that are more ready to treat kids. The more popular one is at GPA United Square, and then there is Smile Inc at Forum. I decided on Smileworks at Paragon for the very selfish reason that it has been quite some time since I have been there and I have been yearning to go to Orchard Road again. ( especially when i alighted at Orchard MRT and didn't recognize Orchard Road anymore ).

The final outcome. Yes, Akif did cry and scream when we got in. That enabled the dentist to have a look at the tooth. Total cost $30 consultation and $30 for the mousse. While the dentist was nice, the place was too posh and quiet for a screaming boy I thought. The row of cubicles and the bright lights also too Science Fiction for my liking..

I would still have to do my homework before deciding on the next option when he gets his teeth filled maybe four months from now, or however long it takes before he is ready to co-operate. And that homework part, is a role that I relish :)