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Original poster

what age to start taking them to the dentist?

12 replies

katierocket · 03/06/2003 11:38

DS is 20 months and has most of his teeth. I know he'll go absolutely mental if I take him to the dentist (he does at the doctors) but also figure the longer I leave it the worse it could get. Any ideas when you're 'supposed' to start taking them?

OP posts:
mears · 03/06/2003 11:40

It is a good idea to take them to your appointment then you both get checked. Wee ones are fascinated often at the dentist and I have found that they liked to go. Start now.

Bozza · 03/06/2003 12:18

Agree with Mears. DS has been to every checkup of mine since he was born. OK he slept in his car seat through the first at 4 months (when he 2.5 teeth)which was when I registered him. But ever since he has enjoyed it (he is now 2.4). The dentist has not done much more than ascertain which teeth he has got and give him a sticker but its a start.
Bit disconcerting for me having him bouncing around on my stomach while I'm laid back in the chair with dentist poking around in my mouth but I guess thats motherhood

LIZS · 03/06/2003 12:20

First time I took ds in with me he was about 15 months and I needed to go urgently for a gum infection. After that we went enfamille every 6 months while we lived in UK and I think he first sat in the chair at aged about 2/2.5.

Our dentist was really good with him, showed him how the chair worked, counted his teeth and used a small video camera so that he could look at himself and his teeth on a tv - he was riveted. Since then he has probably been about 4 times, although last time (almost a year ago) he made more fuss because it was a different lady due to ours being called away suddenly.

Fortunately so far he has not needed any treatment but I fear dd aged 21 months already has a chip in a molar so we could be visiting sooner rather than later (a very expensive business over here).

scoobysnax · 03/06/2003 12:53

Mears advice is good!
My dentist has a box of toys in his surgery. On visit 1, dd was too nervous to play with them. By visit 2 she was playing and chatting. Visit 3 is scheduled for autumn when she will have her teeth checked properly - she will be just 4.

Furball · 03/06/2003 13:07

I'm taking Ds (21 months) along with me for the first time in a couple of weeks. My mum is also comming to help 'placate' him whilst I have my check up. God knows what Ds will get up in the chair, he really is a stroppy begger and can have major tantrums at the slightest whim, so I'm not really looking forward to it to be honest. I didn't take him the last time I went 6 months ago for the same reason. Anyway, I've been told they should get used to going, and the smells etc, just so they are not afraid of the place.

batey · 03/06/2003 13:15

We go as a family, and have done since they were babies. Now dd1 will show the dentist her teeth,has done since she was 4 1/2. Dd2 still won't but she's just 3. I think you just have to keep at it and they'll get there. Dd1's first time when she let him look in her mouth was accompanied by bribery of Barbie sunglasses! But we've not had to do that since. HTH.

easy · 03/06/2003 13:15

We took ds when he was about 16 mths, he sat on dh's knee in the chair and the dentist had a little look in his mouth and gave him a sticker. Now at 3 1/2 he goes with us for 6 monthly check-ups.
It's important to start early, so they get lots of visits without any treatment needed to ensure it isn't something to be afraid of.
Our dentist is very kind, a smiley sort of chap with young kids of his own, and I know that helps.

October · 03/06/2003 20:34

Message withdrawn

Original poster
katierocket · 03/06/2003 20:38

thanks everyone - made an appt today for me and him to go in a couple of weeks.

OP posts:
bunny2 · 03/06/2003 20:41

Oh dear, ds is just turned 3 and so far ahsnt been to the dentist. I hate going in a big way, I am a complete coward and would rather stick pins in my eyes than have a filling. So I am a bit concerned that ds will pcik up on my anxiety and associate it with the dentist. Dh is even worse and hasnt been for 14 years (he actually has nice, white teeth).

binker · 04/06/2003 11:09

I started taking my son, now almost 6, to the dentist with me for my appointments when he was about 6 months old,so that he'd get used to the dentist/surgery etc. He is quite a cautious/nervous child anyway but happily comes along now for his own appointments,but won't sit on the big chair (because he's afraid of the dentist's light). He is happy to have his teeth looked at but makes the dentist take his rubber gloves off (I think I'm to blame for this phobia as I sometimes clean him up after meals with my washing up gloves on !!). He is quite used to going now and I imagine that in time he'll graduate to the big chair with the light on and maybe even the rubber gloves !

Bozza · 04/06/2003 11:31

bunny is there anyone else who'd be willing to take your DS? An aunt or grandparent perhaps?

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