Kids and the dentist...

[luwebby]

What age do you start taking your kids to see the dentist? My oldest daughter is 4.5 and we tried to take her about 6 months ago, but unsuccessfully. She was terrified. How can I make this transition easier for her (and for me)? TIA

[Julie Andrews]

How about doing a visit to the dentist where she watches you have your teeth examined?
That way she won't have to do anything that first visit. You can talk about it afterwards and go through step by step what the dentist does and then arrange for her very own appointment.
Maybe you can do a special treat after... maybe like a special craft or a special outing?

[kdoucette]

Apparentl dentists recommend a visit when they are quite young <2 years to get a jump on any problems.

Haven't taken Alex yet.

[frugiedh]

Oh! Another dental question! I can help with that. I'm a dental hygienist. In our office we recommend that a child comes in between 2.5 to 3 yrs. The most important thing at that age is a good examination for any cavities or problems that might be evident.
GREAT idea from Julie to have the child accompany you to your appointment and watch you or another child.
In our office we NEVER EVER force a child to do any treatment that they are not co-operative for. We take alot of time to introduce them to the office and the tools, etc and let them decide if they want to "have a turn" or "get their teeth counted" and we always treat them with alot of patience and encouragement. If they don't want to have a turn, we give them a new toothbrush, take their picture and display it and they still get a toy from our toy drawer so it is a positive experience and they will want to come back. 99% of children will let you have a look at the second appt. if you don't force them the first time.

I also do not agree with offices NOT letting parents into the room with their child. We have an open door policy and I, personally as a parent would not go to a dentist who did not have this. Stay with them. You need to know what is going on during their appointment.
I warn parents about providing too much of their own information and experiences! Your past experiences should be nothing like your childs will be because dentistry has come so far and prevention is more the focus.

AND if all else fails- BRIBERY has a place in parenting!

Last word- Best things you can do for your child's teeth - NO bottles in bed or all day long (and this includes juice cups), floss between the back molars- (ya it's a pain but get them used to it early!!) and watch sticky snacks like raisins, etc.
And that is your dental lecture of the day!