Going to the Dentist for the First Time

M.,
I took my 2 1/2 year old to the dentist for the first time in Jan. She is really active too, but she did fine. The dentist had her lay in my lap with her head on like a foam bath table on his lap... It was a pediatric dentist. My older daughter goes to Dr.Dubs (Children's Dental Center) and my younger daughter goes to Dr. Wilgis (sp?) at Pediatric Dental Specialists.
S.

I have five children. None of them went to a pediatric dentist. They did just fine. At this age they won't be doing much with the child. I wouldn't worry about how much time it's going to take. When some of the teeth come the dentist sealed my children's teeth where they tend to get cavities, and they did a fluoride treatment. None of it was bad. My kids LOVE to go to the dentist. Even the two that have had some work done for small cavities still like the dentist. I think part of the reason they have never been afraid is because I never give them reason to feel that they should be, and I try to get them excited that their teeth will be so shiny clean after a cleaning.

I wish I had some helpful hints that I could follow too. My little guy is almost 3 and freaked out. Wouldnt stay in the seat. Only wanted to run around. I sat in the seat and held him and he couldnt wait to bust free. I just think they are still to young. Talk about stressful. Then they still charge you the same fee for looking 2 seconds in their mouth and not doing anything else. I would wait till you know he is better in those situations and can sit on command and follow directions better.

Our two-year-old exam was extremely brief. I think it's mostly just to look for obvious problems and to get them aquinted with the idea. (And of course to tell us that she shouldn't be sucking her thumb - boy do people have differing opinions on that one!) We didn't bother with a pediatric dentist, just went to our regular one, but they did have a toy to give her after.

First of all, go to your local library and check out books about this subject (the one by P.K. Halinan is written well and explains the process completely with a great sense of compassion). There are also chilren's videos that you can check out that cover the subject with humor and great understanding. Also, if it is at all possible, have your son and another adult accompany you and/or your spouse to a check up so he can see first hand what happens. My dedntist's assistant even let my son squirt some water into my mouth and told him in kid friendly language what each tool is and how it is used. If you live in the Colorado Springs, CO area there is a fabulous pediatric dentist that I would highly recommend by the name of Clinton Callahan. He has taken care of my son since he was three and is gentle, compassionate and kind, but also firm when he needs to be. If you don't live in that area,I still recommend a good pediatric dentist, ask for referrals from other moms.

It is great you are taking him now! Early exposure will help a ton. Both of mine started going at 18 mos!
The great thing about a pediatric dentist is they specialize in kids of all varied personalities.

Talk to your son about expectation way beforehand. Why he has to sit still, etc. I was paranoid the first time my son went thinking there is NO WAY he will sit for xrays, I walked out of the room and the nurse was there with him and he did fabulous!!!!!

Show him how to look inside your mouth, put a flashlight up to his mouth and show him a mirror so he knows what the dentist is looking at, have him practice saying Ahh and stuff like that. Let him brush your teeth for you and check your mouth out. Take along his favorite stuffed animal, favorite book or something. As long as you are super relaxed about it so will he be. They are usually so great at pedatric dentists with the kids! :)

To be honest, the first few times our pediatric dentist had me go in with them, keeping them busy with handheld toys and so on, then by the third visit the dentist prefers the child to go in alone (or they went in together without me)as sometimes kids act much better when the parents aren't around. Also helps as you cannot be in the room with more evasive procedures.

Both of my kids LOVE the dentist. I go to one where I can see them at all times, they know where I am at and love our dentist so much they actually get excited when it is time to go get their teeth cleaned. So much so my 7 year old wants to be a dentist when she gets older! :) Prepare him with conversation, go with him the first time or two but after that give him the chance to go alone, seeing that the dentist is a great guy, keeping his teeth healthy and there is nothing to be afraid of.

Hi M.,

I have been taking my son since he was 18 month every 6 months. He's 3 now and this was the first time he opened his mouth. The whole idea for me was to get him comfortable going and it took 4 times and that ok. Every child is different and responds differently. I would suggest going with no expectations and the doctors are experienced with small children.
We go to Children's Dentistry in Aurora and see Dr Lisa.

I hope that helps!

L.
www.DenverJuicePlus.com

As a family dentist, I see kids all ages all the time. I rarely get a 2 1/2 year old who is really cooperative, and that is more dependent on their age. My daughter is 2.5 y/o and she has been in my office a million times and she won't sit in my chair for one minute. We don't use our masks, I take my white coat off, I let them play with the "squirt gun" and the "straw", and if I get all of their teeth counted, I consider it a success. Assuming that you go to your dentist regularly, you will know if he/she is good with kids. That's what it's all about. I'm kind of appalled that there were so many people responding that automatically take their kids to pediatric dentists. I only refer kids to them if they have special needs and have complicated treatment plans. My patients who come from a pediatric dentist always have 4 fillings, crowns, already. My staff and I love kids, and I think getting books or videos ahead of time is a great way to introduce them to that first appointment. If they only sit for a minute, don't stress. Each time it will get better. Good luck.

Hi M. - I would definitely recommend a pediatric dentist for your 2 1/2 yr old. My oldest son's first visit was at 3 1/2 to my regular dentist - the first visit all they did was have him open his mouth and count teeth and they just did a very basic assessment.

They can be fine one appt and the next get really freaked out depending on their mood. The most important thing in my opinion is to find someone who is patient and is able to "go with the flow" of how your child is responding.

Go to www.thedentaldiva.com and look at Smiles for a Lifetime DVD. This DVD not only gives the parent all of the tools to provide the best dental care and education for your child, it also has a segment called "Barrington goes to the dentist". In this segment, your child will get to see a dental visit from a child's perspective.

Check it out.

Pediatric dentists are the way to go. They know how to work with children and get their attention. Our pediatric dentist even have cartoons playing on televisions located in the ceilings above each of the dentist chairs-that definitely kept my children in their seat! What helps is that you are there with them in case they get scared, but usually (at least with my kids) they saw it as a new "adventure" and had fun.

We just did this with my 3 year old. She is a very outgoing and unshy child, but she totally froze with the dentist. She insisted on sitting on my lap and he had a hard time looking in her mouth. It was not fun. We did not go to a pediatric dentist, but I might switch to one for this reason.

If your dentist is like ours, the first visit is to get a feel for the dentist - no cleaning, just "counting teeth" and checking for cavities.

Good luck!

He won't know to be scared unless he sees you fretting. The first visit is just to get comfortable with the dentist. The dentist will probably count his teeth. Treat the dentist like your friend, and your boy will do fine.

If you choose a pediatric dentist, I am sure your son will do fine. Perhaps a skilled family dentist would be able to help him, too, but there are no guarantees and the staff at a pediatric dentist pffice is specifically trained to deal with kids--even kids who "don't sit still and may not want a stranger looking in their mouths"!
I have three little boys and they see a pediatric dentist in Logan, and have also seen one in Ogden. I am consistently impressed that the hygienists are gentle and funny and the dentists are careful and respectful and patient with children. The office in Logan has a huge fish tank to look at and also televisions in the ceiling above exam chairs. So patients get to request a show and put on headphones and are happily distracted for much of the exam.
Consider preparing your son for the trip to the dentist by talking about how his teeth are beautiful, and the hygienist and the dentist can help them stay strong and healthy. When my first son was little, I told him the hygienist would tickle each of his teeth with her cleaning wand and it would help them stay beautiful, so he should open his mouth so every tooth could get a turn being tickled. He still talks about cleanings as having his teeth tickled.
Best wishes!

Hi
I've been a dental hygienist for 13 years. Dental offices (pediatric or general) see thousands of little ones and know all the tricks to help them feel comfortable! Usually at a first time visit ("happy visit") our main goal is just to give them a quick positive experience and familiarize them a little with the office and answer any questions you have. Many sit on mom's lap the whole time. It depends on the child and the staff takes their cues from the child's responses. If he's doing great they'll be able to look around his teeth with a mirror & explorer. If not, a quick visual developmental check & he's done. It's amazing how much more they tolerate with each subsequent visit. You don't need to prep him very much, just calmly and positively tell him we're going to count his teeth. Kids frequently mimic the parents' vibes & attitudes. I would say the vast vast majority of dental offices are super sensitive to little ones and have a lot of practice catering to them. Have fun!

They don't actually do anything at this type of visit. The dentist is all over the concept of squirmy, apprehensive little kids. They show the kids around, let them sit in the chair, show them where to spit, show them an xray, stuff like that. It's a get-aquainted visit, and it's a fantastic idea. I did it with all of my kids.

The dentist is happy to do this. Remember, he/she is a businessman who is cultivating future customers. Go ahead and make the appointment!

My son has been to the dentist since he was 2 years old. He is now 4. At the pediatric dentist I take my son too, they help them understand what they are about to do. The assistant will let him know that she is going to brush his teeth while he watches his movie. When she is done, she lets him know that the doctor is going to come in and count his teeth. They are really good to help the kids be a little more comfortable. I prepare him before hand that we are going to go to the dentist and overall he is pretty good. At our dentist they have a merry go round the kids get to get a token to ride if they are good. Plus they get to get something out of the treasure box. I know when he went the first few times, he sat in my lap while the dentist checked his teeth out. I am not sure where you are located but the dentist we go to is Ryan Johansen in Jordan Landing area. There # is ###-###-####. But I think it is a good thing to get him used to doing. Good Luck

Hi M.,

Check with your insurance first to make sure they cover children that young. My insurance covered my first child's visit at 2 1/2 so I thought it would be fine with my second child. Well, coverage had changed and they no longered paid as much for children under 3 "because they don't have as many teeth" is what they told me. Stupid insurance companies! Both my kids had all their teeth at 2 1/2.

As far as the visit goes. If you stay calm they will stay calm to. I didn't go back with my first child because I thought he would do better without me there. Sometimes they like to play on Mom's sympathy and be dramatic. My second however needed me there. The dentist and hygenist make it fun and non threatening. And the stickers, toys and new toothbrush at the end are the icing on the cake.

Yes I would go to a pediatric dentist too. My kids started to go to the dentist at 2 years old. My kids dentist had movies for them to watch while the are looking in the mouth. I didn't go in with them. They did better with me not there.

Just to tell you my experience. I decided to bring my little girl in at 3 because that's when they said to. I didn't really think it through too much, and was surprised when she didn't want the dentist to do anything to her. She cried and there was nothing we could do to convince her it was okay, even us doing it first. Why I was surprised, I don't know, it's somebody she doesn't know wanting to do something to her mouth and he resembles that doctor that gives shots. So yea, the dentist actually said a lot of first visits are just getting to know the dentist, they don't really do anything other than that. So I would almost recommend waiting. We went to one that was both a pediatric dentist and regular. As long as they don't take bottles to bed, drink too much juice ect. They should be okay. Hope that helps.

at 2 1/2 its very important to see a dentist that is good with children and knows exactly what to expect. Set your expectations low, it's a strange experience for these little ones and it's gonna take them a while to get used to it, and remind yourself that it's a visit you do at most 2 times a year,if your lucky, which really is a lifetime for a child. My oldest is 6 he just had a cavity filled which was a nightmare...he needed valium because the first time we went to do it he freaked. Then when we went it I gave him the valium and made the mistake of asking if he was tired to which he suddenly realized I'd given him something to make him sleepy and then my son decided to prove me wrong and it seemed to backfire. But we did got the cavity filled!! So if you just keep your cool and a sense of humor it will be fine, remember it is the dentist's job to make your child comfortable and if they are good at what they do your child will be fine...the first visit they'll just count the teeth and try and acclimate the child on what to expect on the next visit if they can remember...that long ago. Good Luck and Don't Fret always remember someone else's chid was probably worse.

My daughter (my oldest) was afraid of anybody in the medical field, and wouldn't let them clean her teeth, but she would cling to me and open up a bit to let the dentist count teeth.
My son (2 1/2 years younger) was a no-fear kid. But still all they did was clean his teeth and "count" them (a quick check to make sure they were growing in properly) until he was older. And we never took any of our kids to a pediatric dentist - just one who was really good with kids. (J Jerald Boseman - just in case you live in the Salt Lake area and want a referrence)

My daughter has gone to a pediatric dentist since she was 3. SHe loves it. Everything there is kid-sized, and they are very friendly. ALso, you can talk to your son ahead of time to tell him what to expect. That way he might be more comfortable. You might even find books about the dentist at the library.

Hi M., you can try a book from the library on going to the dentist. That seemed to help my daughter. She did cry a bit anyway, but I don't think it was too traumatic, and it helped her to have an idea about what the dentist does (which isn't much, the first few visits with little ones). Good luck!

Hi M.! I thought i might have some help for you. I work at a dental office and I know we dont see 2 1/2 year olds much because we do feel they do better at a pediatric dentist. They are all set up for kids and are specially trained to work with kids, since they dont have long attention spans! Also, we really believe in bringing them into the dentist BEFORE there is a problem. The dentist counts their teeth, makes sure everything looks good, and may do a small cleaning. The main point of that is to get them used to the sights and sounds of all the instruments. If they remember the dentist is a "good place and doesn't hurt or is scarey" they do MUCH better if they have to come in for a problem later! I hope that helps!!

Definately take him to a pediatric dentist. My son is active and doesn't like to sit still for a long time either. The ped dentist has everything to keep them entertained if they have to wait and are really good about being quick during the exam. The only part he didn't like was when they actually brushed his teeth, but he is over that now (at 3 1/2) and it's no big deal. Good Luck!

Hi I highly recommend taking your child to a pediatric dentist. They are so gentle and kid friendly. You want your child's experience to be a positive one not a traumatic one. They are fast too so your child wont have to sit there for too long. I have 7 kids and have had no problems with our pediatric dentist. Good Luck!!!

I had to start taking my son to the dentist startting at 1 year old. We had tooth issues right away. He's had two crowns and one filling... no I swear I'm not a bad mom LOL!! The dentist appointments aren't easy especially if you have to have work done which hopefully you won't have to. Just remember it is something that has to be done and it is over really quickly, I cried the first few times, but we get through it and after some cuddling and comfort he is fine very quickly afterwards. We use Michelle Haman in Colorado Springs and we really like her. I would definitly recommend a ped dentist for sure... she is super quick and does a good job both of which are important to me!!
HTH,
S.

My son is just barely 2 and I have a 3 1/2 year old. They have both been to the dentist a couple of times and done well. I would definitely recommend a pediatric dentist because they know how to deal with kids and have lots of stuff to distract them. We go to the Kids Dental Barn in Riverton and they are great! Explain before hand what they are going to do and talk up having healthy teeth. They are really pretty quick so as long as you can help distract him I think he should do ok. My daughter was a little nervous the first time and so they let me hold her in my lap while they checked her teeth and that worked for her. Good luck!

Definitely go to a pediatric dentist. I'd get some books to read, or go yourself and let him watch. Our first went when he was 3 and the hygienist had him lay with his head in my lap. He thought that was great. We've moved and now go to a different ped. dentist. The first visit is "counting" teeth, as someone else mentioned. The dentist we now see prefers kids to be 3 because often younger kids just clench their mouth shut. However, he did see our son at 1 1/2 years because of his med. history. He was great with our son, and even now, our son is very excited to get to go back again. I just went the other day and he wanted to go with me and jumped up and down when I told him he is scheduled to go in a while. If you don't feel like it's a good fit, just end the appointment and find someone else. It really can be a great experience. GL! I hope it goes well!