Dentist - 3 year old seems terrified. what to do?

[bigredtractor]

Just had an awful visit to the dentist - which I had to abandon without getting my teeth looked at at all. DS is 3 - our old dentist closed down so have tried a new practice. We've been there once already and he let them look in his mouth.

This time he wouldn't come through the door into the treatment room. He was crying and pulling on my arm, then starting to retch in hystetics, so I apologised and left as I didn't want him to make himself sick.

I've re booked myself in to a different dentist again for next week (am too embarrassed to go back) - just by myself. I'll have a chat with them once there with a view to trying again another time. I'm just wondering whether anyone in a similar situation had any advice?

[BarberryRicePud]

Don't flame me but there's a very helpful peppa pig episode about George going to the dentist for the first time. Really helped my 3 year old DS. We also did role play type practice with looking in the mouth.

That and the promise of copious chocolate when we were done

[colleysmill]

Yes peppa goes to the dentist and there is a harry and his bucket of dinosaurs story which helped my ds.

[theborrower]

We take our daughter every time we go to the dentist, but she never used to let him look in her mouth. I bought "Topsy and Tim go to the dentist" and lo and behold, she was brilliant when DH took her the other month. She talked about it for ages and how she got a sticker.

It also worked for the doctor - she's been really good the last few times. I don't know if it's getting used to the place, just getting older, or the Topsy and Tim books, but she does enjoy reading them :-)

[MrsDandBaby]

I took my daughter with me to the dentist from when she was born. We started making her own appointments from around 3yrs and she wouldn't let the dentist anywhere nearr her for the first 3 visits - until she was over 4.

The dentist wasn't too fussed as i didn't have any concerns over her teeth. I think it might be best to wait a while and just try and warm him up to the idea with books etc (i think there is a peppa pig story about the dentist)

Also in another 6 months or so he might be able to explain better what has spooked him which will help you address the issue.

[birdybear]

Ah yes. I was going to suggest peppa pig too. Its prob on YouTube. Google it!

[bigredtractor]

Thanks - I should say that we've (I've) always taken him, even from tiny. He's sometimes let them 'count his teeth'. But today, he wouldn't even sit on my lap while I spoke to the dentist. Will try Peppa Pig - thanks!

[westcoastnortherner]

Is there a paediatric dentist close by? Our kids have one, and I have found they are much more happy to go there.

Ours has cartoons playing on screens on the ceiling, so they can pop on headphones and watch the movie while they have their teeth cleaned.

They also have a dress up area, a games console, tv and toys in the waiting area so it distracts them.

When they are done the kids get a prize and a sticker

[Andro]

My DD got really rattled when she had to change to a different dentist, it took a patient dentist (with a great manner with respect to young children) and a couple of visits to 'get used to' the different environment.

As for going to the GP...a bad experience means I can't get her through the door so I can collect a prescription at reception!