A Journey Of Their Own

Dear Addie,

In September 2010, you got your first tooth. At the time, I was still thinking about what the tooth fairy years would be like, especially since your big sister had yet to lose a tooth. However, it quickly became clear that your experience was going to be quite different. The moment that tooth broke through, you started channeling your inner woodchuck, gnawing on our wooden furniture as if it was your job. Something your siblings never took part in - thank goodness.

Very early on, we noticed that you had some sensory issues. You hated the baby finger toothbrush, the sound of water running through the pipes, and even hair washing. We tried our best to manage this and resorted to using a washcloth on your teeth without giving it much thought. As time went on, you seemed to enjoy eating dirt, sand, and rocks like it was Thanksgiving dinner—activities that your siblings, once again, didn't participate in. It felt like a constant game of rinsing and wiping your mouth after each earthy meal.

Eventually, your oral fixation shifted to metal objects, eggshells, and even kitty litter. One time when you were sitting in the living room watching Princess and a frog, I went to check on you and discovered you had 86 cents in your mouth! We were constantly on high alert. Nothing was off limits paperclips, screws, push pins. It took baby and toddler proofing a house to a whole new level. That's when we discovered that you were experiencing PICA, an eating disorder characterized by the compulsive consumption of items that aren't food and have no nutritional value or purpose. Over time, we learned that your PICA was not only sensory-related but also linked to mineral deficiencies. Add in a little personal space issues, suddenly struggling with now the wash cloth and I promise you no dentist was going to be looking in that mouth anytime soon. We discovered you loved crunchy apples so for the first 4-5 years or so of your life that was our toothbrush - brought to you by nature, the apple.

We soon fluttered our way into the toothfairy years and were also well into our autism journey at this point. The thought of leaving money under your pillow seemed ever bit of irresponsible with your PICA not to mention you would just swollowed most of your teeth or I'd find them randomly. I distinctly remember finding one on the floor of our back porch. I rememeber Clara saying I needed to put it under your pillow and I'm pretty I told her we already had and the tooth fairy must've dropped it on her way out. I know I shouldn't of lied but then again we were already discussing a fictional character so I feel like I get a parental pass for that one.

We would eventually find ourselves in the special needs pediatric dentisrty realm. It's important to note here, not all pedaitric dentist handle special needs and not all special needs pediatric dentist handle it well. After a few tramatic experiences - we took another dental hiatus continuing with our apples, successfully working back into the wash cloth and eventually you could tolierate the finger toothbrush. An OT started working with us on using a real toothbrush and I'm proud to say you are a pro at letting me use one on you today, but I will say if left for you to do yourself, minimal effort is given.

Now a few years ago before moving this last time we found a very friendly dentist. They took ever measure possible to ensure your comfort and were even able to get a somewhat good look at your teeth. Enough to rule out any broken ones or major cavities at least from a a very elementary view. Still no cleaning was done. OK, Truth, when we moved honestly the dentist wasn't top on my list as anyone on this journey can tell you theres always something that comes up and when you have children that lack conversational language not being able to communicate exactly whats hurting or going on those appointments and visits take priority.

I know this is long, but I promise I'm about to make a point - stick with me.

They say it takes a village... Insert village.

Fast forward to present day and I was discussing some goals with your therapists at school, to which I indicated I'd love to be able to take you to the denstist but you struggled with the whole experience of it from opening and people touching the inside your mouth and personal space. As luck would have it (HEAVY sarcasm there) you suddenly had a tooth coming in the roof of your mouth. A dentist visit was in our future like pronto and that was this past week.

We walked in like we had a few years ago and were taken back into a private room. You sat in the chair and presented your arm to the dental hydenist like she was going to take your blood pressure. After a little giggle I told you that we didn't need to do that today and that we were going to brush your teeth. I warned the hygenist that we've never really had a great brushing experience before so I couldn't make any promises. She said no worries and then proceeded to talk to you calmly, telling you step by step what she was going to do and then as my mouth hit the floor she proceeded to do a full dental cleaning including flossing. Full disclosure I almost cried.

With the cleaning out of the way, the dentist came in next. You once again presented your arm like maybe she was the one who was going to take your blood pressure. She then proceeded to look and count each tooth and get a look at the extra tooth up top. My chin probably has quite the bruise because once again my mouth hit the floor. She was able to see that you still had a baby molar that had not fallen out (or been swollowed lets be honest) and the adult tooth was what was coming in because there wasn't room. With a minor dental surgery but good plan in place to get the baby tooth out, we were on our way to school with having completed an absolute amazing dental visit.

Addie, your teeth have been their very own journey, but with your hard work, some time and an AMAZING village of people supporting you along the way - something that was once so complicated and seemingly unattainable was dare I say uneventful and easy this week.

We are so unbelievable proud of you baby girl. Keep working hard.

Love,

Mom