For the past few weeks, I've been able to get Martin to brush his teeth better (which means he brushed for longer than two seconds, and let me give his teeth a once over without clamping his mouth shut and laughing at me through clenched lips) just by reminding him that he was going to see the dentist.  Last night, I realized that this approach may have been a bit of a mistake.  As he was going to bed, he seemed worried and said that he didn't want to go to the dentist.  We talked about what would happen - they'd put a napkin on his chest, clean his teeth, take pictures of his teeth, then he'd get a new toothbrush.  This morning he said he'd go, but he wanted his new toothbrush right away.

Once we got to the dentist's office, Martin had tons of questions for the hygenist.  "What's that?" and "What's that for?" was asked about every, single item in the exam room.  The hygenist asked Martin if he brushes his teeth every day, and he said, "Yes, or my teeth will rot and fall out."  Maybe another "brush-your-teeth" tactic I shouldn't have used.  Here's Martin experiencing the lifting chair while looking paralyzed with fear:


Martin was a champ, and I'm glad to report that he has no cavities.  And, Martin seemed to overcome his fear of the dentist.  As I was paying our bill, Martin told me that I could go home - he was staying.