Taking 4 yr old to dentist?

Question

My son is 4, and has been to the dentist once, about 2 yrs ago. I think its time for him to go again, i want to start getting him in the routine of going every 6 months, but theres a problem. My son tends to be very nervous and shy around new people, and is timid with anything new or new situations. The first dentist i took him to i was able to go back with him, and everything was fine. But we have since moved and none of the dentists in my area allow the parent back with the child. I am uncomfortable with this for many reasons...for 1 i know my childs personality and that would extremely upset him. Also, i dont know who these people are taking my child into some private room...im not very trusting with strangers being alone with my child when i havent even met them, doctor, dentist, whatever...i certainly wouldnt allow my son to go into the Dr exam room alone at age 4, so why should i let him at the dentist? How do i approach this and handle this?

Ok, i am not looking for tips on how to force my child to go. As i stated in my question, I, yes, I, his mom, am uncomfortable with sending my young child in a room alone with someone i have never met and is telling me i cant be with him. I WILL NOT force my child to do that...

Answer 1

Maybe you can talk to you child's pediatrician and see if he can recommend a good dentists for a child. You have every right to be with your child, especially considering he's only four and shouldn't be left alone with a stranger.

Good for you for starting him out at the dentist when he's young! Keep up the good work.

Answer 2

Take him to a pediatric dentist. Pedo dental offices are designed for the physical and physiological needs of a child. The equipment is also designed to meet a child’s needs. A pedodontist also takes additional schooling in child physiological and can usually relate to the child better. Many offices do not allow parents back because children really do tend to get worst if the parent is back. If the parent shows signs of tension or fear the child will pick that up. While I do understand your concern, keep in mind that they are medical professionals that are there to HELP your child, not frighten him. However, he is your child and if being in the room with him is what makes you happy - then the dentist should allow that. When you call to schedule an appointment, express this concern. Usually if a child begins to get upset, the dental office will ask the parent to come back anyway. Some dental offices will be quite strict on this rule and in that case you will need to find another dentist. I would suggest taking you child in to the office BEFORE his appointment so that he can have a chance to get acquainted. This will also give you a chance to meet with the dentist and staff. It wouldn’t hurt to take your son with you when you have your cleaning and lead by example. However, don’t skip out on his dental appointments! Cleanings are so critical for children and they are also the easiest dental procedure. He can even be given a liquid sediative if needed to help calm him (if you choose). If he winds up with cavities and needs to have a shot, it will be even more traumatic for him. Good luck!

Answer 3

Did it occur to you that your child is shy in response to your not trusting people?

I do allow parents back with their kids. However, you must remember that the appointment is between the dentist or hygienist and your kid. When I ask if any teeth are bothering him, I don't want the mom to fill me in. It has to be the kid's experience, not yours.

Secondly, I do only what the kid can handle. For some kids, sitting in the chair is all we can get done. If the experience is ok, then the next time we go for more. It rarely takes more than a couple visits to get the whole routine done. Now, if there are issues (cavities) and the patient can't tolerate routine stuff, then its off to the pediatric dentist and sedation. Good luck.

Answer 4

There is no good reason I can think of why the parent should not be in the room with the child during a dental, or any other exam. My parents always came with me into the dentists' exam room, and it made everything much easier for everyone involved. There is no health risk to you or your child from your being there. The dentist or hygenist could have you wear a mask to remove the risk of you inhaling aerosolized plaque, and may have you step out for a moment if any x-rays are taken, but that is it. Good for you for looking out for your child and his health. There is no reason you should force him to go without you. That would only make the whole experience worse, and he would be less willing to go in the future.
Talk personally with the dentist you plan to see. Make sure they understand what concerns you have. Tell them that you are concerned about your child's preventative dental care, but you are also concerned about his general well-being, which is why you must be there.
Most likely, the reason parents are not allowed into the exam rooms of those dental offices is because they interfere with treatment, or baby their child. Make it clear this is not your intention, and you should be fine.

Answer 5

I personally think that your son should be fine. My four year old is also very shy, he wont even do something fun if it is around people he doesn't know, but he does great at the dentist. I have always made it something to be excited about and both my 4 year old and 3 year old did really good. I think it is very important to take them at a young age, one it helps them to not be afraid and two it helps them get there teeth fixed if there are cavities or any yuckies (wouldn't want to wait until a problem gets worse). I know that you are worried about your child being alone with the dentist but there should be others around, if you are too worried about it ask the receptionist or the teeth cleaner to keep checking up on them. I think if your son is really scared and is crying, I would think the dentist would have you go back to calm him down. Again just make it something that your son is excited about, let him know that you get it done too. Good luck on getting this done.

Answer 6

Find a children's dentist that will let you go back with him. It is important that your child is able to gain trust with the dentist and you. My son was afraid of the dentist and I accompanied him in the exam room from the age of 5. When he was about 12 he told me I could wait in the waiting room that he didn't need me to come back. Presently, at 14 years old he feels comfortable going to his dentist and I feel comfortable knowing that he is at an age that he will tell if he is not comfortable with the care he is given.

Answer 7

I have a 4 year old son also. I have faced this same thing. And Like you I would never send my son in with some one that he does not know either. I think it is stressful enough just being there with out feeling like your mother has abandoned you as well.

Answer 8

THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM AT ALL, JUST INSIST THAT YOU NEED TO BE IN THE ROOM WITH YOUR CHILD. GO TO A PEDIATRIC DENTIST WITH YOUR SON.

Answer 9

i would try and talk him into it and try and tell the dentist that hes a little shy or whatever and im sure the dentist will understand and make him feel comfertable

otherwize your outta luck sorry :(

Answer 10

force him