[kelceesmom]

So, today was Kelcee's 2nd visit to the dentist. It did not go as well as the first time. She let them count her teeth and let them brush her bottom teeth. But, as soon as they brought out the water pick for her to rinse she went bolistic.

The tech said she was done with her, which I don't blame her, but said at her next visit because she will be 4 that she has to have the cleaning. She is telling me they will twighlight her with gas to do it. Thankfully she didn't see any cavities and said her teeth look great and clean but what about next time?

I am thinking to find a ped dentist who specialized in children. What do you think? This is my dentist who I have been going to for years.

[aclee]

Originally Posted by kelceesmom

So, today was Kelcee's 2nd visit to the dentist. It did not go as well as the first time. She let them count her teeth and let them brush her bottom teeth. But, as soon as they brought out the water pick for her to rinse she went bolistic.

The tech said she was done with her, which I don't blame her, but said at her next visit because she will be 4 that she has to have the cleaning. She is telling me they will twighlight her with gas to do it. Thankfully she didn't see any cavities and said her teeth look great and clean but what about next time?

I am thinking to find a ped dentist who specialized in children. What do you think? This is my dentist who I have been going to for years.

I would find a pediatric dentist. They usually have TV's and the kids get so distracted they don't even know what's going on.

[SamIAm2]

Poor Kelcee....I hate going to the dentist at my age, I can only imagine how nervous she must feel seeing all that stuff and not being able to see what they're doing with it. I would recommend a pediatric dentist. My 14 yr old still sees his ped. dentist and he didn't realize until he was about 10 that the dentist was giving him a shot (he just thought it was a special "sleeping juice"....LOL).

[Stormster]

At what age should we be seeing the dentist for the first time?

Can you imagine how hard it must be being a pediatric dentist? You probably have to have quite the personality to coax those little mouths open!

[SamIAm2]

Storm, I think they recommend the first check-up be at age 3, but Natalie isn't too fond of doctors so we may wait until she's closer to 4. At my son's ped. dentist they have a whole team of people working with the kids to make sure everything goes smoothly. There are games and TV's and toys galore! Sometimes they even have the tooth fairy there! Also, I think the kids are a little less nervous seeing all the other kids there too. I'd go there if I could

[devildogwife]

I would definitely find a pedi dentist. I know we'll have to for Cameron.

[maricela]

Hi Denise -

We had to take Daniella to the dentist about 2 - 3 times to work on some cavities to no avail. She refused to let them work on her. We were also referred to a pediatric dentist. They had to use Twilight. Quite frankly, her stress level was really high so the twilight wasn't too effective. I literally had to kneel on the floor next to her, gently hold her hands down and sing to her to calm her down. That seem to do the job and they were able to work on her. Let me tell you, we were both exausted when we got out of there.

Good luck with Kelcee!

[HappyTwinsMom]

We started taking our girls to the (pediatric) dentist when they were 13 months - and they've been going twice a year since then. It's just plain fun for them because they know everyone in the office and the dentist is a hoot! Up to now, they haven't had any "work" done, but in February they will both be getting brackets on their two front teeth in an attempt to reduce or eliminate the need for braces in the future. Believe it or not, they're actually looking forward to it! Weird kids!

I would definitely recommend a dentist who specializes in kids. Not only is the dentist uniquely qualified, his or her staff is specifically trained to deal with kids and won't get frustrated as easily.

[karla-k]

Our pediatric dentist starts seeing them at a year. Mostly to get them used to the idea of going, but he also checks to see how teeth are erupting, etc.

Our 9 year old DD has special needs and is orally defensive (won't let anyone put anything in her mouth.) She was on a vent when born b/c she was a preemie. This dentist has seen her for two years and still hasn't done a cleaning. His philosophy is that a cleaning twice a year is not going to prevent anything, care at home does that. He basically doesn't want to force anything with her. Just having him look in her mouth is very traumatic We are very fortunate that DD has very good teeth and has had no problems...except a thumb that is stuck in her mouth constantly!

My point, just b/c your daughter is 4 doesn't mean she "has" to have a cleaning. I would find a pedi dentist and let him treat your daughter.