childs first few times at dentist

[saucygurl123]

Hi

I have just registered here as have a question that hopefully someone can answer. I took my child a few month ago to the dentist for the first time and the dentist was quite forceful like making her mouth open so he can out his mirror in which has made her terrified of the dentist the next time I take her a few months later she was terrified she just cryed and didnt even get to see teeth. However, today we went for the 3rd time and this time the dentist said right well today you are going to have to be more forceful with her and we had to have her laying down on my legs and had to force her to keep still I had to hold her head down and the assistant had to hold her arms down which was a terrifying experience for her. Just wondered if this is normal practise? such as a child not cooperating they force them to do it? I think I may have to send her to one by my parents as they said they dont force them etc but so scared shes going to be terrified of the dentists for life after this!

Regards

 

[fernbrook]

That's exactly what sparked my fear in dentists, I was held down. You should tell the dentist not to do it while they are doing it, you can do that. They shouldn't hold down a child, god what is wrong with people?

 

[mikey]

That's exactly what sparked my fear in dentists, I was held down. You should tell the dentist not to do it while they are doing it, you can do that. They shouldn't hold down a child, god what is wrong with people?

I think money is what is wrong with people.

 

[maxcanine]

I would like to help you. As a pediatric specialist I have seen thousands of children over the years. It is very important to be gentle, but it is also important for you to have proper expectations. Very young children will often cry/fuss for a first exam. This is very normal. The exam should be done gently and the "knee to knee" exam technique can be used. You must use good judgement. You should not go to an office where you are not comfortable. Best of wishes, and good luck.

Maxcanine

 

[brit]

Kids should never be forced....a UK private dentist (can't speak for USA) has the time to spend to develop a relationship gradually...and if this means the first visit is just a quick open and count of the teeth , a chat about their favourite character, so be it, we'll get a better look next time. Yes as Max says, a very young child may fuss at the strange environment despite gentle treatment....but forcing just because you want to get the job done regardless of there being any emergency is i.m.v. totally wrong and forgive me could well be motivated by desiring to give value for money to the parent, who in some cases could be miffed at being charged full rate despite very little being achieved. Kids need to get used to the dental environment, gently and at their own pace...it should never be forced and you should certainly look elsewhere based on what you have described....there's no need to force a mirror in either...just looking is fine for a first visit.
Find a dentist with kids of their own maybe...don't go somewhere where they wear white coats...think that colour creeps everyone out for some inborn reason. Good luck..following your instincts is the best you can do as a parent.