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Parenting

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Original poster

Dentist check up with toddler in tow - how to manage?!

11 replies

EmeraldSpo · 14/06/2021 23:33

Evening all. I'm currently sat awake with anxiety over a dentist's appointment I need to book in tomorrow.

I haven't had a dentist's appointment during covid due to various reasons. Due to this I'm not sure of how things work with covid changes.
I am going to book a double appointment for myself and my 20 month old. Normally I'd have had my mum come along and wait with my daughter in the waiting room whilst I have my teeth checked. But I don't think that will fly at the moment due to covid, plus I want her to see me get my teeth checked first so she knows what to expect.
My dentist's room is pretty small and I've been asked to keep the pram outside before. So I'm a bit worried about what to do with my toddler whilst I'm in the chair. She's quite timid so I think she would get quite upset left in the corner. Is the dentist likely to let me have her on my lap?

I know this is quite a specific question and nobody knows what my dentist exactly will be ok with, but I'm just hoping that someone else has had to do this recently and can let me know how they managed!

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RubyGoat · 14/06/2021 23:37

Have you tried asking your dentist? They'll hardly expect to be able to check your DD's teeth without you present. Not sure about your checkup though.

Original poster

EmeraldSpo · 14/06/2021 23:39

Yeah I'm sure they'll be fine with me being in the room when hers are checked, I meant for my check up. Just wanted to know if in general they are ok with a baby/toddler sat on your lap. Not been able to call yet but reception aren't usually particularly helpful

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Terrazzo · 14/06/2021 23:40

You’ll be fine. They’ll see people in the same position every day. Our dentist is up narrow stairs so can’t even take pushchair up. 20 months is certainly one of the trickiest ages possible for going to dentist but they will be looking in the kid’s mouth so hopefully they will have no problem with him/her on your lap while it’s your turn. Otherwise, screen time 😄

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Aquamarine1029 · 14/06/2021 23:40

I don't think they will allow your child to be on your lap for your exam.

HotPenguin · 14/06/2021 23:44

Can you ask to take the pushchair in to keep her strapped in while you have your exam? Then give her iPad or snacks while you get checked. If you need an x-ray they will have to take your daughter outside, they will be glad of the pushchair in that situation!

MasterPretender · 14/06/2021 23:44

Can your mum not wait outside the building with your daughter during your appointment? That's what my dentist asked we do when I booked an appointment for myself and my daughter.

gothicsprout · 14/06/2021 23:44

I haven’t yet tried this during Covid, but pre-pandemic my then toddler DD regularly sat on my lap during my dentist checkups, before they had a look in her mouth (or at least attempted to!).

Alternatively, my dad would come and take her for a walk in the buggy round the local streets until I was finished, if I knew it was a more involved appointment like the hygienist, and she then came in afterwards. Could your mum do similar maybe?

Lalanbaba · 14/06/2021 23:46

So I'm doing this next week.
My LO is 2.5 yo so a bit older, but I'm getting her peppa pig to entertain her meanwhile they check me and later is her own appointment.
Also her favourite book and a cuddly toy obvs.
Last time (pre covid) one of the nurses entertained her meanwhile I was in the chair.

Original poster

EmeraldSpo · 14/06/2021 23:52

Thanks everyone, good idea with the screen time. Cocomelon seems to be her off button so it could probably work if she really can't go on my lap.
Asking my mum to wait outside the building with DD is an option I had considered, but to be honest I know that until I take her into an appointment with me my anxiety will get worse and worse, so I'd like to bite the bullet.and just do it this time - just the case of how to do it 😅

I suffer from social anxiety so a big part of it is worrying about wasting the dentist's time or them.gwtting frustrated at me..

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Pinetreesfall · 15/06/2021 00:18

Chances are they'll let you sit her on your lap. Just had similar - my 2.5 year old sat on my lap (well clung to me and bawled his eyes out) while I had my teeth checked and then they checked his (as best they could while he tried to bite the dentists hand off).

Fingermoose · 15/06/2021 00:34

Pre-pandemic I had a tooth filled with my toddler pottering around. He 'helped' the dentist look in my mouth, pointed out my "yucky" tooth (all of them apparently, cheers for that) and sat on my knee holding onto a few bits of tissue while chatting to the dentist's assistant. Not very relaxing for me but nothing is with a toddler!

It's unlikely the dentist will get frustrated. They have to deal with children every day, so you're not wasting their time.

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