What is the point in taking my toddler to dentist?

[ThatsHowTheLightGetsIn]

DS is 2 and a half. I haven't taken him to the dentist. But apparently I should.

Teeth-brushing is often a nightmare. He fidgets, clamps his mouth shut or covers it.... etc

How on earth would a dentist be able to even see properly inside his mouth with this sort of going-on? Should I not just keep on (trying to) brush his teeth and not let him gorge on too much sugar, and keep my fingers crossed?

[GirlcalledJames]

Given the importance of teeth, why not try taking him? What would you have to lose? The dentist probably has experience with toddlers.
Have your checkup first and let him watch.

[GwendolynMary]

It is worth it. We didn't go to a paediatric dentist until 3.5 and they found DC's teeth had congenital issues with enamel (or a huge lack thereof). Our normal dentist had not noticed the problem at the first visit we made at 3yo, which was an oversight. DC ended up having a general anaesthetic to repair 9 teeth. Root canal on a preschooler.

Had we caught it at 2yo, there may have been preventive measures available that were less invasive. I regret not seeing a dentist earlier and I especially regret not seeing someone with knowledge of children's teeth issues.

[SprogletsMum]

Taking him is more about getting him used to the dentist than getting the dentist to see his teeth at this age.

[OhFuds]

My children sit perfect for the dentist, at age 2 I was worried it would be a nightmare but my DS got to move the chair up and down, wear special glasses, let the dentist count his teeth etc. When my DD turned 2 she was the same and it's a argument now who is going 1st on the chair (now 3 and 5). Start him early so he doesn't become scared to go.

[SandyDenny]

I always took my dc to the dentist with me, I had no choice and even if they just sit in the chair they get used to going and see it as a totally normal and expected thing to do.

I was actually quite surprised when I found out that everyone doesn't do it. Maybe I'm lucky to have a dentist who's very good with children but I'd have done it whatever the dentist was like.

[gamerchick]

You take them to get used to going.

As for brushing it's the one thing you have to force if they're unwilling. You could get some tips from your dentist.

[MissBax]

I used to be a dental nurse and we recommended mums bringing their babies with them when they had their first appt following the birth, usually baby would be only a couple of months old. Dentistry isn't purely about teeth, they check gums, tongue, jaw etc.

[chowmeinchick]

He will always hate going to the dentist if he doesn't start going now.

I don't think anyone actually enjoys the dentist but it's important to go. You have to look after your teeth, otherwise you'll end up paying thousands in the end to get them sorted.

The chances of him behaving when he's there are probably quite high too, I know a lot of kids who are a bit naughty and will behave in front of a stranger.

[Lucked]

My oldest was about 2.5 when I got around to it and it has been great he still sits on my knee but is really happy in the waiting room and chatting to the dentist.

My youngest is 3 and she hopped up on the chair and opened her mouth perfectly. The first time I took her to the dentist she didn't get a look in her mouth as she clamped it shut, now she is very comfortable.

I always take mine for a treat afterwards like me a magazine or blind bag so bribery has been involved.

[LIZS]

Start by taking him along to your check up. Then ask for an extra appointment slot so he can have a ride on the chair and maybe allow the dentist a look. So many young children have problems needing extractions under GA before they are school age as sadly by then it is too late.

[Yesyesyesyeswhatever]

My DS would not even sit in the chair when it was reclined. Let alone open his mouth at the ripe old age of 4. He has always been very scared of anything out of the ordinary, so taking him when younger, while I got treated would have been a nightmare too.

He got referred to a paediatric dentist at the hospital who let him play with all the equipment for a long time. He was happy to play, but as soon as they reclined the chair he bolted. He also refused to sit still held by me for an x-ray. He was too scared. In the end they had to book him in for day surgery and exam him during GA. They found one tooth with bad enamel and cavities, so they took it out. When DS woke up he was inconsolable for hours. No chance of him drinking water or eating toast, which was the requirement to let us go home. In the end, and after much bloody (literally) screaming, DS had a piece of chocolate covered muesli bar, so we were able to go home. An all-round nightmare.

Bizarrely enough he was fine for the school dentist a year or so afterwards.

More crazily, he is now nearly 8, and just had a milk tooth (damaged in an accident, so would not come off on its own accord) extracted by a dentist with absolutely no complaints. I was stunned.

I think some children are simply too scared until older, however most aren't...

[CotswoldStrife]

The first couple of times I took my own DD as a toddler she was not keen! Luckily my lovely dentist was more focused on getting her used to the mirror in her mouth, and was happy to examine her teeth whilst sitting on a normal dining-type chair rather than the proper one (although I think it was the light that she didn't like tbh).

She is fine now.

[Her0utdoors]

We go to get them used to it, the dentist doesn't expect to be able to look in or touch their mouths. They can sit on the chair with or without me. Dd let the dentist put his fingers in her mouth at 3, the visit before that she took her toy rabbit and told the dentist that rabbit would bite him if he touched it's mouth!

[BlahBlahBlahEtc]

My daughter went aged 2 and screamed in fear the first time we went, she was sobbing on me in the end when I was laying down having my teeth done, poor mite. The dentist was super patient though and next time she went she was fine and let him check over her teeth. They need to be used to the dentist at a young age incase they ever need treatment, better you get the upset out of the way at 2 / 3 than 8 /9.

[Unihorn]

I took mine with me at 6 months (I had none to look after her) but she sat in her pram in the corner and screamed as the dentist did my checkup and I felt awful. I thought he may have tried to have a little look as she had 4 teeth but he told me to book in. I'm taking her back at 13 months now.

[ThatsHowTheLightGetsIn]

Right, I have booked an appointment for him with my dentist tomorrow.

My dentist is a private one (I know NHS dentists are few and far between), so will have to pay for DS. I trust my dentist and haven't got the energy to hunt round for a good NHS dentist for him.

[BlahBlahBlahEtc]

My dentist is private, I pay £12 per month which covers the 6 monthly checks and cleans and my dd is covered for free until she's 18. It might be worth seeing if your dentist does an offer like that to save you a few bob

[ThatsHowTheLightGetsIn]

thanks all.
That sounds good BlahBlah. I'll look into whether my dentist does any similar payment plan.

[Thirtyrock39]

All dentists whether private or not will be free for kids. Same as when you're on maternity. You're now supposed to take them at 1yr . It's not just to 'get them used to it' either - oral health in under 5s is a big issue with large numbers of kids being admitted for tooth extractions so they shd have a proper examination . Things like fruit juice, extended bottle use and milk at bedtime (without brushing after) are some of the causes of tooth decay in young children.
My young kids love going but my oldest is starting to dislike it

[ThatsHowTheLightGetsIn]

Oh, I didn't realise it would be free as a matter of course...are you sure Thirty that all dentists have to offer free treatment to children?

another question: I had fissure sealing as a kid (once my adult teeth had come through). Is this still commonly put on kids' teeth?

[BlahBlahBlahEtc]

I'm pretty sure that kids are only free under NHS and that private dentists that don't offer NHS isn't free for children.

[megletthesecond]

My 8yr old dd has had fissure sealant on the nhs recently.

[Natsku]

I've been taking DD since she was one, its good for getting them used to going and for spotting issues before they get big. At DD's latest visit (6yrs) they put on a fluoride paste, might be possible to put on even younger if there's might be issues with their teeth (which is possible if brushing is difficult)

By the way, if you don't already then start giving xylitol to your toddler after all meals and snacks - that's what dentists recommend in my country, pastilles or chewing gum (though obviously supervised for the latter with a toddler - they recommend starting at 18 months old)

[fosterdoris]

We have a 6yo who is having 7 teeth extracted under sedation next week due to no previous dental care before he was with us .....

[ThatsHowTheLightGetsIn]

foster Whaaaaaaaat? How is that even possible? What was he being fed??

I don't think my mum even started brushing my teeth till I was really quite old (possibly 4?) and even with that I've hardly ever had any problems (just one filling in my 30s)