Dentist Appointment
The idea of taking your child to the dentist may be a little scary at first, but it’s very important. Did you know that you should go even if they don’t have teeth yet? With my first son, I sure didn’t. By the time the twins came along, I was more prepared, and wanted to make sure they didn’t have any dental problems due to their premature birth.
While a dental appointment may seem intimidating at first, just like anything new, if you prepare ahead of time, you can have a great experience.
In addition to swim lessons all week, I made a Dentist Appointment for each of my three boys. It might seem a little crazy taking all three at one time, but I’ve done it before, so I knew what to expect. It’s nice to get it all taken care of at once. Plus, no one will feel left out and there’s no need to get childcare.
I’d like to share our past experience and a few tips for visiting the Dentist with a toddler to make your trip a success.
Tips to Finding the Right Dentist
Tip #1 Find a “Kid” Friendly Dentist
While Family Dental offices are great, finding a dentist that specifically caters to kids, especially for the first few visits, is key. From the office being decorated, to how the rooms are set up, everything about the office has children in mind. Usually even the names scream Fun! The staff, including the front desk, all deal with children all the time, so they are used to tantrums, tears, and everything else that comes with a Toddler.
They are also used to scheduling siblings at the same time, so we were all in the same room. The chairs they used for the kids looked more like the tables you sit on at the Doctor. Plus, they just have them lay their head in Mom or Dad’s lap, while the Dentist looks in their mouth. It made everyone comfortable.
Tip #2 Find out about a Free First Visit or Discount
If you’re going to a children’s dentist, chances are they have some sort of free or discount visit for children under a certain age. For example, the twins got their first introductory visit for free since they were under 18 months. It’s basically just a chance to sit in the office, meet the Hygienists and Dentist, and get used to someone looking in your mouth.
Tip #3 Bring Help
If you’re bringing more than one child, try to find someone to help you out. My Mom and/or Dad is usually a good sport about accompanying us to any kind of appointments. It puts the kids at ease, and you have someone else to watch your other children, if one goes bolting out the door. This has never happened to me. I’m just guessing it could happen. Uh huh.
Tip #4 Start Talking About the Dentist Before Your First Visit
Even though they may not completely understand, I always tell the kids where we’re going and what’s going to happen. Anything out of a normal routine for a toddler can cause anxiety, but if you try to prepare them, chances are it will go a little better. We practice brushing, and even looking in their mouth before our first visit.
Tip #5 Don’t be afraid to Discuss your Concerns with the Dentist
For my oldest, I was concerned his pacifier, which he used after age two, would impact his teeth. Luckily, the Dentist explained that even using it until 3 years old will not hurt their teeth. However, they gave us a great incentive to get rid of it…an “I Quit” party. As soon as my son gave up his pacifier (he called it a Fa Fa?) for at least a month, they would throw a party for him.
We started with getting rid of the pacifier during the day first, then told him the “Fa Fa” Fairy would be coming to collect his pacifier for good in a few weeks. This gave him time to get used to the idea.
When the fairy came (and left a treat in return,) he fussed for the first few nights, but then he was fine. We scheduled our second dental visit and I reminded them about the “party.” they gave him a trophy, everyone sang to him, and we all got pictures. He was pretty happy!
With the twins, I was concerned about their teeth since they were preemies. I had heard that a lot of antibiotics in the first few months could affect their teeth. The Dentist listened to my concerns, then checked all their teeth and gums. Everything looked great!
Tip #6 Emphasize the Fun
I, personally, HATE the Dentist, but I NEVER let my kids know that. If you have a good attitude and focus on the good parts, they will pick up on that. Plus, at a kid’s Dentist, they always have prizes, stickers, and cool toothbrushes. I wish I got that stuff at my visits.
Remember, it’s very important to visit the Dentist.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts. Primary teeth typically begin growing in around 6 months of age.
I’m crossing my fingers for no cavities, no screaming, and no runners.
Have you taken your baby/toddler to the dentist yet? Any tips I may have missed?
Such great times! This is so great since my husband is away from home M-F so I can’t have him watch the kid while I go to the dentist. Thanks!
I love the idea of a party a month AFTER they give up the pacifier. My daughter gave hers up, earned a special toy and then regressed with her baby sister’s pacifiers. I will have to try the party!
Oh no! Although, it’s easier to give that up than a thumb, which you can’t get rid of.
I’ve learned to let the older sibling go first (if applicable) and the promised sucker at the end helps, too! Great tips!!
Yes and yes!
I love my kids’ dentist. We go to a practice that only sees kids and they are fantastic! Every step of the way is kid friendly and I haven’t had to sit with either of my kids for their check ups. They happily hop in the chairs all by themselves and this last time they even went back without me.
That is so cool. Don’t you wish you could go to that Dentist too?!
I still remember my childhood dentist! Believe it or not, I actually loved going there!
That’s awesome! Me? Not so much.
Great tips. I think setting a good example is key! How can you expect your kids to want to go to the dentist if you complain about it yourself? Excellent reminder.
Exactly. Thank you!
These are some great tips. My husband is a dentist, and although he is a generally dentist, he worked at a place for a few years that catered to children and is very good with them in the office. He would definitely agree with normalizing the dentist and letting the kids know that it’s not really a big deal. He gets so frustrated when parents come in and they’re making a huge deal about the whole thing, all that nervousness just feeds the kids’ unease!
I bet! Kids can just sense those things.
I think that taking your kids all at once is a great idea. I do it, too. Saves trips back and forth for sure! 😉
Yes!
What great ideas! It is always helpful to have an experienced mom’s suggestions!
Thank you!
Just took mine to the dentist today. Our dentist has a big casket full of cool sunglasses for the kids to wear while getting the cleaning done. They always have fun picking out a funny pair! No cavities and only some crying 😉 Overall a good trip!
Nice! Hooray for no cavities and only a little crying. The best we can hope for, right? 🙂
These are awesome tips. I still have yet to take my 2 year old to the dentist, but it’s on my mind to make an appointment soon. She recently started brushing her teeth and LOVES it, so I”m rolling with it!
Nice. Definitely get her in while she still likes doing it 🙂
You are a BRAVE mommy!!!! That’s a lot of work, but it seems like you’ve got a method to the madness that does the charm for you and your family! 🙂 By the way, all I could think about while reading your post was that “David After Dentist” video from a few years back! Haha! Great post 🙂
Ha! Too funny! I totally remember that video too 🙂
Thanks for sharing, great ideas.
Thanks for reading!
All three is brave indeed! I think the dentist visits have come a long way since we were kid. We go to a regular dentist (not a pediatric one) and he has special sunglasses, a special chair and lots of prizes. My daughter loves going!
Awesome!
This one I will pass on to my daughter! 🙂
Great! Thank you.
I totally hate the dentist too, but I can definitely see the value in NOT telling your kiddos that! I think you’re so smart to get all their appointments done at once — no need to juggle that many different dates and times. I didn’t realize what a big difference it makes to go to a kid-friendly dentist, but it sounds like that makes the experience so much more pleasant and smooth. Great tips!
Yes, it really did. Thank you!
This was such a lovely post! I shared this with my cousin!
Mikayla
Thank you, and thank you for sharing!
Oh my goodness! Where were you when I had toddlers LOL Thank you for all of the great information 🙂
You’re welcome! Thanks for reading!
Thanks for these tips!! I haven’t taken my daughter yet but my dentist said I could bring her. I do thin I need to find a pediatric dentist though.
You’re welcome. Thanks for reading!
Believe it or not, my kids actually like the dentist! I think it’s because they have a goody basket for kids after they’ve finished the cleaning 🙂
Exactly!
When it’s dentist time my husband takes my toddlers heh. I will have to let him know about your tips, I’m sure they’ll come in handy!
Lucky!
Really great tips! I’ll be sharing!
Thanks Cynthia!
Love these tips! I am a dental hygienist, and just recently quit to stay home with my kiddos. Even though I didn’t work in a children’s office, we did most of the things that it sounds like your dentist does – except the party for quitting the pacifier! I love that!
Great! Thank you!
Needed these tips as we are getting set to book our first dentist appointment for our toddler. I get visuals of her being like a shark and biting the dentist.
Ha Ha! Too funny.
Thanks so much for sharing. I will definitely pass along to my daughter.
Awesome. Thank you!
These are great tips! No kiddos yet but will have to stick this in my back pocket for when they come along. Hardest part for me will probably be not letting on that I hate the dentist 😉
I know! It’s hard for me too!
Having a kid friendly dentist is above all the most important thing. Particular one whose staff is kid friendly and not pushy.
Yes, I agree. 🙂
I’m glad I’m not alone in despising dental visits. I clench my fists the entire time because I hate it so much. I hid it from the kids too. I took them to a pediatric dentist in the hopes they wouldn’t develop the same hangups.
Exactly. Me too!
These are great tips. Having a friendly dentist is really the key. It’s important that he or she clicks with your kids right away.
Yes, I agree.
I also never liked going to the dentist, but I never let my kids know about this. I’m glad that I had never had issues with them when it comes to visiting the dentist.
That’s great they never had an issues.
My three year old niece just went. She did fine until they turned on a motor. 😉
Yes, my guys did surprisingly well.
Sounds like they’re still having a blast… it’s great that you’ve found a dentist who is so good with kids! I hope we’re as lucky when the time comes.
Thank you!
Great dentists are hard to find! My boyfriend’s best friend is an especially great one, but it helps that he has a house full of his own kids. He even makes it easy on us adults that absolutely dread our dentist appointments! 😉
Nice! After many, many trials and errors, I finally found a Dentist I like for me too. 🙂
As a mom of three young children I love these tips! Pinned to our Favorite Pins and Blogs board!!
Thank you so much! 🙂
Ooof, this sounds like a struggle. I’d definitely need help! 😉
xo, Caitlin
And Possibly Dinosaurs
I should probably start thinking about scheduling the first visit for my son. Thanks for the reminder. Good to be co-hosting the #homemattersparty with you again this weekend. Can’t believe the month is half over.
Thank you! Great to be co-hosting with you too. I can’t believe school starts so soon!
Great tips, My girls are well beyond that age as they are all teenagers but I remember when they were younger. Thank you for being a wonderful cohost on #HomeMattersParty.
Thank you!
These are excellent tips, Shann! Thanks for sharing and co-hosting at the #HomeMattersParty – we appreciate you! 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
These are helpful tips. My daughter has a scheduled dental appt next week. I’m crossing my fingers it goes well! Glad to be cohosting with you on #HomeMattersParty!
These are great tips for any parents taking their kids to the dentist for the first time. Making it seem fun is key. I agree, I hate going to the dentist, but there is no reason to pass that on to the children.
Great tips! I think you hit every point right on. I’d take all three at once too
Hey Shann,
Well, no one likes going to the dentist, so this will come in handy for anyone with kids.
You’ve offered some great ideas here. I really liked that you mentioned not letting them see your distaste for it. Kids are so influenced by their parents…so if they see you’re enthusiastic about it, it might help them to see the value in it.
It’s great if you find a kid friendly dentist. The one my Mom took us to when we were kids used to give us a coupon for a free ice cream cone from the shop around the corner. That made it worth the trip 😉
Great tips Shann. I remember taking my kids to the dentist. It was no fun at all. My daughter doesn’t have that problem with the 4 year old but the 2 year old is having none of it. 🙂
Hope you’re having a great week!
Cori
I wish I had an article like this to read when my kiddo was a toddler! We had a very bad first experience at the dentist which ended in my son freaking out and never even getting his teeth cleaned.
Hey Shana,
I’m 40 and I want the stickers and even a trophy for turning up. I would rather give me big toe to research and be off balance for life than go to the Dentist. Just the smell makes me feel ill. You taking three little ones is a big move. But you’re right going to a Dentist that’s specifically for children would be the go. Toys, colours and rooms set up for them.
I know some mums that feel really self conscious about their kids causing a scene, but at a kid friendly Dentist everyone has been there. Great post and tops. Always look forward to seeing what you have to say.
Rachel.
These are great tips! We went through FOUR dentist offices before we found one that was willing to accommodate all 3 children in one room for their appointments. Apparently this is a huge deal in our area and the first three wouldn’t allow me to take all 3 back at once. I don’t always have help and my husband works long hours, so that wasn’t an option for us. Here’s hoping that the appointment we have scheduled this Monday goes well!
Great Tips. I could see my oldest bolting out the door so I had to laugh about that one 🙂 Thanks for sharing <3
Oh, this brings back memories. When my kids were little the dentist offices were not as cool as they are now. It took me many visits to find the right one, that the kids could be comfortable with. So very important to teach them good habits and not fear going as they get older.
Great tips shared Shann. May be you can make short video clips during your next visit and show to boys when they grow up! 🙂
Oh I have been so bad about this. My daughter is very weird with her mouth and we have been delaying going to a dentist for over 6 months. SO BAD! These are great tips and I am going to use every single one of them. Thank you for giving me the push I need.
These are great tips… I am the one that has a problem with the dentist. I don’t know why! So I hide my fear when taking the kiddos.
Great tips love. I think it important not to show that you don’t like the dentist or that you had a bad experience. Kids totally read off vibes. Kid-friendly dentist is a must. It makes a great difference when you get one who knows and loves to work with children…
Agreed 🙂
My office books appointments for patients under the age of 5 because you never know how the little ones will behave.
Great Tips! As a Dental Hygienist I would love to add, please PLEASE don’t make us the bad guys..ie “if you don’t brush the dentist is going to give you a shot and it is going to hurt you!” We try really hard not to hurt ANY of our patients and take extreme care with the teeny tiny ones. And heaven forbid something does happen and we need to do something it doesn’t help anyone if they are already worried it is going to hurt! You would be surprised how good kids do with injections when they don’t have a preconceived notion that it will hurt! Just my 2 cents! And I LOVE cleaning the little ones…they are so fun!!
I totally agree. Thank you for your advice 🙂
This is such important information. The first trip to the dentist can set the tone for future visits so it’s good to make it a positive experience. The Lightning McQueen toothbrushes certainly help. 🙂