My daughters flatly refuse to let the dentist treat them when sitting in the chair what can I do? aged 9&11?

Answer 1

Show them pictures of what their teeth will look like if they don't let the dentist treat them.

Answer 2

There are a ton of places that do sedation dentistry like a Gentle Dental or an office that specializes in children places like this will do it a lot cheaper than a hospital visit. Also, did the dentist explain what her was going to do or did he just start cramming tools in her mouth? If that is the case, that was a huge mistake on his part. I don't think there is anything wrong with your daughter, she is only 4 it is natural to have a fear of the dentist. I would recommend getting quotes from a sedation dentist, look them up online for your area and see what the cost will be. Good luck!

Answer 3

Some of these people make no sense. Beat them, break their toys? Wow, great parenting skills there geniuses. I have a 4 year old who I took to the dentist just this year and she let them do the scrub/cleaning to her teeth but nothing else. They tried the bite wings but she was afraid she would choke. But she tried like 4 times, and that's the best I can ask her to do. They said perhaps if I bring her back next time she'll be more comfortable. Talk to your daughters, maybe they really don't like the person who works there. Maybe one of the assistants scares them. Either way, pushing is not the correct way to do anything. In fact, you'll give them a phobia that will last into adulthood. I've seen it happen too many times before. These are your children, and although they are right that you're the adult it's also your job to make them feel safe and secure. =)

Answer 4

Let them take control!
Agree that they pick a new dentist, they would be happier if they thought they had made the choice of where they could go.
Make a list of the ones in your area and leave it to them to book up, explain that the only rule is that they would have to agree on both going to the same surgery!

Let them explain the way they feel to the surgeon when they get there, and let them phone up and book their own apointments, let them do it at their own pace and tell you where to go!

Remind them they can tell the dentist to stop at any time by raising a hand, during the examination, so he can explain what he is doing, or to give them a few seconds to explain how they feel as the work progresses etc.

Answer 5

Your daughters apparently have a fear of dentists, talk to them about it, maybe they would cooperate with a female dentist, or another dentist. Find out from your daughters why they refuse to cooperate, and find ways you can aid them over this obstacle to their dental health.

Answer 6

Talk to them about why they are afraid. Maybe have your checkup on the same day in front of them so they know it will be ok.

Fear of dentists is sometimes related to past child abuse issues. Have your daughters ever been abused (not accusing you!!!). This may be part of their fear as well. Going to the dentist gives up control (trapped in chair with invasive instruments) and if they have had control taken away from them in the past, this may be triggering. Good luck!

Answer 7

The dentist shouldn't be sitting in the chair your daughters should

Answer 8

Bribe Them. It may not be the type of parenting you want to engage in but dental care is important and if you want them o cooperate for the dentist give them a surprise when they're done at the dentist's office.

Answer 9

Had the same problem with my son, go to your nearest dental hospital, it's free and they use a "Happy Gas" kids love it makes them giggly, they don't feel a thing and most important they get the treatment they need. If you can't find one, ask your GP. This is in the UK by the way. XX

Answer 10

Tie them up to the chair,and threaten them with breaking their favourite toys if they insist on making a fuss!