How can I ensure that my 2 year old son isn't freaked out at his first dental appointment tomorrow?

Question

I am taking him with me and I wil be seen first then its his turn., Any ideas on how to make sure he will be okay?

I hav no fear of the dentist so wont be giving off that vibe!

Answer 1

2 is young to sit in a dental chair, we always recommend the parents bring them with on one of the parents visits so they can observe, and at the end of the parents cleaning appointment we ask if they want to sit in the chair and let us count there teeth. Some kids will let the hygienist do it -some won't. Lots of kids do not like when the DDS comes into the room because most of them wear scrubs or the dreaded white lab coat. Our office recommends 3 to start having the kids teeth cleaned professionally unless the child has a problem. If a general DDS cannot manage a apprehensive child they are referred to a specialist, (Pediadontist- childrens DDS) 95% can be seen by a general DDS. Good Luck tomorrow-remember every child is different.

Answer 2

My partner is an old boy & he's terrified of the dentist.
His teeth were getting really bad & I eventually persuaded him to get them fixed.
As our dentist is so far away we all have to go together.
Our little one (age 4 at the time), did not like the idea of going to the dentist at all.
So I told we had to help Daddy because daddy was being silly when he should be being brave.
She was very helpful, wanting to sit with him & stay with him to hold his hand & the dentists let her do that.
She saw inside his mouth, asked questions & got quite interested.
Then it was her turn. Clean bill of health, so all OK.

Next time, she needed a small filling at the back.
Hearing that some kids need General aneasthetics in hospital for dental treatment, we offered her a small toy if she was good.
She had the injection etc., & she was brilliant.
Then, in the shop, she demanded an expensive toy!
We stupidly gave in to her & bought it.
Now, she looks forward to the dentists - for the wrong reasons!
She wants another BRATZ doll!!
Is that why she makes so little effort to clean her teeth?
Ahhh!

If it helps, I was also scared until a dentist gave me a hand mirror to hold so I could see what he was doing...
that worked, but only for minor dental work EG. the check-up & cleaning.

Answer 3

My niece is 5 years old. Since she was about 2, she has worn glasses for the problem. My sister was told that if my niece wears the glasses, she won't need the surgery. She has worn the glasses for over 3 years and still has the lazy eye. If I were you, I'd make an appointment with the eye doctor as soon as reasonably possible. It's not an emergency, but it's better to get him in glasses soon.

Answer 4

My kid's dentist prefers if the parents do not go back with the child. It makes them more apprehensive. All three of my kids had no problems. They have never had a cavity so they have not had to have anything more than a cleaning. My nephew has had to have extensive work done and is scared to eat candy at all, he actually runs away and cries if it's offered.It's a different experience for every child. If he sees you are comfortable then he should be relaxed.

Answer 5

Practise with him...tell him to open his mouth and that you want to count his teeth, first examinations are pretty basic anyway...but tell him he'll get a sticker and that if he's a brave boy you'll treat him...nothing special, just a comic or a SMALL toy.
It is quite daunting for little ones, but my dentist let my daughter sit on my knee while he examined her... Don't make a big fuss of it, or he will get scared, make it exciting and say it's an adventure ( I know he's still young...but try not to make him worry!)
GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 6

He will freak out if he senses you are scared. If you are fine at the dentist, let him watch your check up first, then tell him it's his turn. Children are not naturally scared of dentists, they learn it from the reaction of adults.

Answer 7

just let him sit with you so he can see what will be happening to him. I can remember my mum had to bribe me with a new toy before i'd go through the door. So with my children I never made a fuss of the dentist,just told them that he was going to check over their teeth.Luckily they were fine.and got a big sticker at the end. I'd just go and see how he reacts - he probably won't be bothered and your worrying for nothing.

Answer 8

really depends on the dentist too..usually they r good with children...but try not to make a big deal..just 1 of those u have to do..like cleaning the car...if u show apprehension, ur child will pick it up..

Answer 9

first i would try and keep yourself calm kids are like animals they pick up on your fear, and dentist see loads of children so are used to scared little kids and they are not in the dentist chair for long it will go quick, don't worry
good luck!!

Answer 10

let him sit with you and watch he's still very young so it might take him going in with you a few times before he actually does it. plus you can tell him that if he's good he can get a prize (every dentist has a prize box)