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Parenting

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Original poster

Dentist for a 2 year old

17 replies

tuppenceworth · 13/12/2005 20:37

At what age should a toddler go to the dentist? DS is two years and two months and has a full set of teeth and I've been brushing them since they first started coming through.

The reason I ask is that I have a phobia of dentists and need gas before I can even sit in the chair and this morning my ex-partner asked me if I wanted him to register our DS at his dentist where he lives (150 miles away) because he knows that I have a problem.

Any ideas? What age did you take your children to the dentist and how did you handle it for the first time?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

followthestarlover · 13/12/2005 20:38

take him now! really... as early as possible i would say, to get them used to it.

all the dentist will do is look in their mouth

hunkermunker · 13/12/2005 20:39

DS has been going to sit in the chair with DH since he got teeth (he got them at 6mo, think he first went when he was 10mo) - dentist has a cursory look atm (DS now 20mo). It's just to get him used to it now.

DH takes him because I'm scared shitless of dentists too

Katemum · 13/12/2005 20:48

ds and dd have been going since they were both about six months. To start with it is just to get them used to the routine. Dentist is happy if she can get a quick peek in the mouth, gives a sticker and off they go.

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SnowmAngeliz · 13/12/2005 20:52

I asked my dentist about dd2 (10 months) and she said bring her along next time so she can see us.
My dd1 has been going since she was tiny too.

I handle it fine as i'm not scared of dentist, the only problem i can foresee is your son picking up on your fear so i'd let your X take him.

LIZS · 13/12/2005 20:55

We took ds and dd along to our appointments as soon as practicable, definitely by 2. First we'd be checked over then they would each sit in the chair and have a ride or on our laps, possibly opening their mouths for a quick assessment of number and condition of their teeth. They'd get a reward sticker too.

NewBethlehemGirlwithsparkles · 13/12/2005 20:56

I'm taking dd tomorrow for her first appt. She's 2.2 so I'll let you know how it goes

PrincessPlumPuddingHead · 13/12/2005 21:03

my 2.3 ds is going next week, but only for the entertainment value (tagging along with big siblings). worth it to have discussions about the "lovely dentist" etc afterwards - brainwash 'em young.

Original poster

tuppenceworth · 13/12/2005 21:58

NewBethlehemGirlwithsparkles - do you have a plan? Is she going to sit on your knee or are you going to play it by ear? Does she know where she's going?

I really should let my ex take him because I'm getting worked up about it even now, and to top it off I've got a problem with one of my widsom teeth!

OP posts:

PruniStuffing · 13/12/2005 22:02

Do dentists charge for looking at a toddler's teeth? They bloody charge for every bloody thing else.

LIZS · 13/12/2005 22:12

Aren't kids on the NHS anyway , even in private practice. Ours is a predominantly Denplan dentist but the kids are treated free (apart from things like ds' mouthguard).

Seona1973 · 14/12/2005 13:02

DD went the first time at about 15 months old when I first registered with a new dentist. She has now been a couple of times when I have had check up appointments - they just have a quick peer in her mouth and then give her a sticker. They get free dental treatment till the age of 16 I think (or longer if in full time education)

NewBethlehemGirlwithsparkles · 15/12/2005 10:05

Tuppenceworth, I got your CAT and replied

SilentBite · 15/12/2005 10:11

Of course they charge - why shouldn't they? They aren't a charity fgs!

SilentBite · 15/12/2005 10:12

Maybe on the NHS they don't I have no idea

butterflymum · 15/12/2005 11:17

My boys are 3,5 & 8. We book a family appointment, including me and hubby, then let the boys each have a turn at having their teeth checked whilst sitting themselves in the dentist chair, then we let them watch when we have a check and,if necessary, a scale & polish. Usbourne do a good range of first experience books including Going to the Dentist , which we have used. This Seems to work for us as they are always happy to go along (mind you,thankfully none of them have ever needed any actual treatment themselves!),

MelissasSecretSanta · 15/12/2005 11:26

Children seen on the NHS do not have to pay for treatment (unless cosmetic) until they are 16, or in full time Ed (18). A toddler having just a check up should not be charged for.

Those of you who have a private dentist & take your children along, always check before hand that they are still being seen on an NHS basis. Some dentists have a cut of age (6 at my last practice) for NHS treatment.

rarrie · 17/12/2005 21:19

AT my dentists (private), children under 5 are seen (free) at the end of the parent's appointment. My DD (2) has been with me twice now, but it is only a cursorly glance, and she keeps her teeth firmly shut!

I'd recommend it.

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