DD's first trip to the dentist tomorrow - what should I expect?

Rebekah1021

For her to bite them? We play pretend dentist when I brush her teeth, but am really worried about how she's going to react.

I'm thinking of taking her blankie and her baby doll for comfort. Anything else I should do? I am geting very worked up over it.

aprilmomtobe

DS has his first appt tomorrow too!

I'm just trying to act like it's going to be super fun.  God help me . . .

xbrooklyngrl

I talked to B about it a lot before and she was really excited. Everytime we brushed her teeth I reminded her how proud the dentist would be.

We really made it fun and she loved it!

kevschickee2

Halee had a great time at her 1st visit.  She didn't even need me to hold her hand.  We went to a pediatric dentist and they are used to everything. They flossed, counted and cleaned her teeth.  We have done 2 cleanings and 3 fillings and she has never cried once.  Good Luck!

true_norskie

Is it a pediatric dentist?  DD went to one when she turned three.  It was a lot less intimidating than a regular dentist office because the chairs were smaller, there was less equipment (to be scared of) and the people there are used to dealing with kids and only kids.

Regardless, I'm sure they do this at a regular office, too...the hygienist spent a good few minutes showing DD every single tool she was going to use, explained (in kid terms) what it was for and let her touch them.  It helped her get acclimated and calmed any nerves she had (but she was actually excited or indifferent about going).

While the hygienist was cleaning her teeth, DD was giggling because it tickled.  We talked about how they would "tickle her teeth" so she was prepared for that and not scared.

I find that the more we talk about something, the less afraid DD is once we get there.  I never lie to her about what will happen and keep talking and talking about it.  She usually has a lot of questions.  We got there early enough for her to get used to where she was before she had to go back and sit down.

Try not to get worked up about it--she might start to pick up on it.  Treat it as a positive experience and a part of growing up to be a big girl.

FWIW, I was nervous that we weren't doing a good job of brushing (weren't super diligent when she was in the "fight it" stage) and the dentist said her teeth looked great!

Good luck!

Yodajo

Try not to get too worked upover it.  She'll feed off your energy and it will make the appt harder for her.  Just like the pps said, just try to talk it up about how much fun it will be.  For her, it should be fun.  They will talk things up and try to make it a good time for her.  Tell her about the new toothbrush they will let her pick out.  Tell her about how they are going to count her teeth and you can't wait to come home and tell daddy how many she has.  Have her practice opening and make a big deal about how well she does it.  You get the idea. 

Try not to use phrases like, "Its not going to hurt" or anything like that.  Just focus on how much fun it is going to be. 

Good luck!