Dentist Appointments

They had the kids use this purple
color thing.  The darker the color
the more plague they have on
their teeth.  This looked bad
to me but the hygienist said
just the very dark purple was not
so good. 

We found a super good dentist right here in our small little area of Zehlendorf.  They are mostly a children's dentistry but they said Marty and I could go there too.  Over the course of several weeks we each had a couple of appointments.  One each to see the dentist.  Then another appointment for a different day to each get our teeth cleaned and then Benjamin had to go back to get sealants and Marty and I had to go back to get some of our gum recession dealt with.  They prescribed each of us some gel, a mouthwash and some other topical treatment.  Marty and I were to use these treatments and then return a few weeks later to see if they worked.  Needless to say, we spent a lot of time at the dentist in the past 6 weeks.

They were all so super kind though, it made it almost not painful at all.  The kids loved it.  It was funny because they really were quite frank with the kids and asked why they didn't brush their teeth EVERY morning and only made sure to do it every night.  They wanted to know WHY they didn't always floss?  The dental hygienist that Benjamin had was so sweet with him.  She spoke perfect English with a British accent and she wanted to know why he didn't brush his teeth in the morning as well as at night?  "Do you not have time? Do you think your teeth are not important?  Do you think it doesn't help keep your teeth healthy?"  Normally a German would say this in a scolding way but she was seriously so curious.  And an American would have treated him like a child who isn't in charge of his own teeth. 

Benjamin was a bit smitten with her and looked wided eyed and said "I don't really know, I'm just always in a hurry in the morning"
When Marty and I went in for our teeth cleaning it took ONE HOUR AND 20 MINUTES. EACH.  I have never had anyone take that much time cleaning my teeth.  I really despise going to the dentist.  I have a phobia of dentist.  I have sensitive teeth and gum and it is typically painful for me.  On top of that one side of my mouth does not numb at all (Root canal with no numbing and finally the dentist had to shoot novacane right into the nerve.  Yeah - OUCH!) but even though it took forever and several appointments my teeth have never felt cleaner.  We all go back in 6 months.
The kids were covered 100%.  Not one penny out of pocket.  We have yet to get our bill but if it is anything like the rest of the healthcare here it will be nothing compared to how much dental care costs in the States.