Top 10: What is a fun memory you have of seeing the dentist?
Students share amusing tales of when they got their teeth checked – from getting superhero capes to fun toothpaste flavours.
Students share their funniest and most memorable dental experiences, proving that even a trip to the dentist can be an adventure. Photo: Shutterstock This week’s question: If you could invent the perfect toothbrush, what special attachments would you add? (This question is sponsored by the Oral Health Promotion Division)
To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 11.59pm on November 27. Tell us your name, age and school.
Hanson Lam Lok-him, 15, Christian Alliance S.C. Chan Memorial College: When I was nine, I saw the dentist at his clinic in Choy Yee Bridge. First, he asked me to sit on the long chair and lie down. However, I lay in the wrong position, and the nurse and dentist chuckled. Later, the dentist gave me mouthwash. I thought I had to swallow it instead of spitting it out. The last and funniest thing is that my tooth fell out when the dentist was cleaning my teeth. At that moment, everyone was shocked, and then we laughed.
Fergus Cheung Cho-yui, 17, Pui Kiu College: When I was 10, I went to the dentist because I had a cavity, and I was pretty nervous about it. As soon as I sat in the chair, the dentist noticed my anxiety and decided to lighten the mood. He told me I would be the “Cavity Crusher” for the day and even gave me a superhero cape to wear. While he worked on my tooth, he cracked jokes and made funny sound effects with the tools. I was laughing so hard that I forgot all about being scared.
Jasmine Chan Wan-sum, 13, St Paul’s Convent School (Secondary Section): A fun memory I have of seeing the dentist was when he needed to make a mould of my teeth to examine whether or not they were suitable for braces. He had to put this mould with a huge gloop of purple squishy substance inside it into my mouth, which actually felt like Play-Doh. However, when he started moulding the upper area of my mouth, the squishy substance kept sticking to the ceiling of my mouth, and I nearly couldn’t breathe!
Tang Man-nok, 16, Semple Memorial Secondary School: Once, I went to see the dentist. The dentist said I brushed my teeth thoroughly and wanted to give me a certificate. But after a minute, he found tooth decay, so he couldn’t.
Good oral health goes beyond straight, white teeth
Carina Chiu Sam-yee, 14, St Mary’s Canossian College: I remember the excitement and nervousness of my first dental visit. The colourful waiting room with cartoon posters and the treasure chest of toys made it fun. The friendly dentist made silly jokes and even pretended to be a pirate. After my check-up, I proudly chose a rubber dinosaur as my reward. That visit turned a potential fear into a fun adventure.
Henrietta Wong Hoi-ching, 15, Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary School: The first time I saw the dentist was one of my most fun memories. Not knowing what a dentist was, I curiously followed my mum to the hospital for a teeth check-up. When I entered the room, I was surprised by all the tools the dentist had laid out on the table. I had no idea what they were for, but I saw the dental chair and lay down on it like it was a comfortable chair at home. The dentist then gave me a pair of sunglasses, which made me wonder, “Why are you giving me sunglasses when we’re indoors?”
Hazel Chung Ying-hei, 13, Christ College: The most fun memory I have of seeing the dentist is when the doctor was examining my teeth. They were very loose, and one popped out while he was cleaning them. The dentist laughed, and I was a bit embarrassed.
Christy Hui Man-ching, 16, Pope Paul VI College: One fun memory I have of the dentist was when I was 10. I was nervous, but the fish tank calmed me. The dentist was friendly and let me choose bubblegum toothpaste. After my check-up, I got a sticker and a toy. It turned out to be not so scary, and I left feeling proud of my shiny teeth.
Kenny Lau, 13, King Ling College: One of my funniest dental memories was when I mistakenly thought a dental drill was used to drill nerves. About four years ago, my dentist mentioned utilising a drill. I was confused, thinking it was for my nerves. I asked, “Is this for my gums?” The dentist laughed and explained it was for cavities.
Andy Li Zelin, 14, Po Leung Kuk Tang Yuk Tien College: It happened when I had my first cavity filled. I was apprehensive but also excited. But the treasure chest in the room set me at ease. I chose a shiny, plastic dinosaur as a reward for going through such an “ordeal”. The dentist turned on some funny cartoons while I waited, which made me forget my worries. The whole experience turned my fear into fun. I left with my dinosaur and a new appreciation for dental visits, knowing even the dentist’s clinic can sometimes be a place of adventure.
The Oral Health Promotion Division aims at promoting oral health to the public and facilitating the proper use of oral healthcare services.