Apparently it is fairly common to be afraid of the dentist. All those scary machines and tools. Our dentist is pretty cool - he has two kids and is great with our's. Maybe you could ask if your child could have a tour of the office -- see all the cool machines and tools and what they are for, ask questions etc. Some of the equipment is very interesting. Maybe this knowledge would help?
My 9yo son has been to one only once in his life. He has anxiety and at that appointment he yelled, screamed, performed, pushed the dentist's hands away from his mouth to the point where she said the only way she would be able to examine him properly is to put him under.
I don't know why he shoould have such a fear of dentists. He's never had a filling or anything. But obviously he has to go - can anyone give me any advice? I've lost a major contract recently and money is really really tight so it's not as though I can offer any kind of financial reward or buy him anything, and more computer time or PlayStation time, etc is just not going to cut it.
My husband is a dentist but we are in Australia!!! He always makes sure with kids that are anxious that the parents are not in the surgery. A male dentist might have more authority in his eyes and may not be so disagreeable. Also take him for a short visit so the dentist can just have a look - no pain - no threat. Ask around to find someone that is known to be good with kids and is gentle. I'm not one for offering bribes - is he old enough to know the consequences of not seeing a dentist on a regular basis? Good luck!We also send our children to a pediatric dentist who are able to handle ALL kids. They are familiar with the terms ADHD, sensory integration, anxiety, etc. And they want to make the experience a good one for the kids. This group wants the kids to like the dentists office because they want to protect the children's teeth!
They have gamboy stations, fish tanks, play houses, prizes at the end, even fish that swim throught the equiptment. My kids can even watch their favorite shows on the TV monitors and it keeps their minds off what is happening in their mouths!
My kids like going to the dentist because of the atmosphere and they are having their teeth checked.
Our pediatrician referred us to this dentist, his kids go there as well!
Awww, Gusty. I don't have any advice to give you. As a matter of fact, when I took my son to see the dentist we never made it past the waiting room. He carried on so bad I actually had to cancel the appointment and leave. The receptionists just stared and whispered the entire time. I endured 20 minutes of this before I left. I've been too embarrassed to go back. I'm even more embarrassed to say that was 3 years ago.
I went with my boyfriend to a dentist appointment for one of his children not long after that. There were these adorable twin boys in the waiting room with us. I will have you know...I have never in my life, not even my own child, seen anything like this...These children were beyond terrified of the dentist. They had to be about 7 or 8. They cried, begged and pleaded with their mother to leave. They were literally climbing the walls, pulling at her clothing. They acted like panic stricken - caged monkeys! And the mother just sat there stone faced the whole time. I don't know how she did it. I really felt such sympathy for that mother, but at the same time I admired her. She sat through the whole thing never once looking dismayed. I don't even think she ever said a word to them. I will never forget it. They repeated themselves over and over, chanting, at the top of their lungs, "The Dentist is not my friend!" Those poor boys. I always wonder how they made it through that appointment. I picture the mother coaching the twins before their appointment, "Now, remember boys, the dentist is your friend."
To this day we still giggle over it. I know we shouldn't laugh at the expense of others. But, it's like you realize that you are not alone. Other mothers are facing the same problems... And sometimes you just have to laugh instead of crying.
I also took my daughter to a pediatric dentist for the first few years. They did charge more money so once she was a little comfrotable I switched her. Good LUCK, I feel for you on this one.We went through this with our son. Finally, we checked out a "pediatric" dentist in our area who has a great repuation with kids that other dentists have trouble with. We thought he would "put him under", but he didn't. He had other methods that made Jacob feel comfortable. I suggest that you call around and ask who in your area is labled a "pediatric" dentist.I also was going to suggest going to the dentist's office when he knows he will not be getting in the dentist's chair. Let him watch what they do for as long as he wants. Also, when you and other family members have dentist appointments, have him observe. If he isn't too old for the Berenstain Bears, I think they have a book about a first trip to the dentist. Maybe books also would make him more familiar with what's going to happen at the dentist and thus more comfortable.I wonder if we have such a thing as a paediatric dentist in South Africa? I doubt it but I will try to find out. That sounds like such a good, commonsense idea! LonerGirl what a great story about the twins! "The dentist is not my friend" ... I too can just imagine the mom sitting them down beforehand and going, now remember, the dentist is your friend ... ! I really don't think I can face taking him back to the same one. My younger son's school has a school dentist, which he goes to with no problem and it's also a good idea - I really don't think my older son would go on so much if all his class mates were around him. I'm not paranoid about general anaesthetic or anything but I do think if it's not necessary it shouldn't be done - and anyway this is a life skill that has to be learnt, right? I will investigate the paediatric dentist thing.
My son also goes to a pediatric dentist. She and her whole staff are wonderful and have the patience of a saint with my little hyper boy. I wish I went to a dentist like her when I was little so I wouldn't be scared of the dentist. You should look for a pediatric dentist who works well with adhd kids and let them know of your childs fear. Mine actually likes going to the dentist.