First trip to dentist?

Tomorrow morning is my 3 yr old daughter's first trip to the dentist. We have been talking about it for a couple weeks (not much but a little here and there.) We have read some books about teeth (arthur at the dentist, bearenstein bears dentist) and we also have watched a few tv shows (franklin at the dentist and one other one). My main concern is that I just had my wisdom teeth pulled on Thursday and ended up with dry sockets. She has seen me miserable because of the "owies in mommy's mouth." She seems a little nervous. I have explained that they are going to count and brush her teeth and that she won't get owies like mommy. Any suggestions for getting her prepared for it?

First trip to dentist?
Sounds like you have done as much as you can. Tell her that they have cool things like chairs that move up and down and fancy squirt guns (the things the assistant uses to rinse) and Mr. Thirsty (the suction). This usually gets them excited. I just took my 3 year old and he was totally cool with it until he saw the light overhead (I didn't think about it) he had just been to the ER for stitches and associated the light with the ER light. You can't think of everything...sad thing is I have worked in dental offices for years and never heard of a kid freaked out by the light! Who knows what goes in their heads!
Reply:Sounds like you are doing a great job at preparing her. A good friend of mine is an oral hygienist and she suggested that I lie my son on the floor and brush his teeth that way since that's what they'll do in the office (have them lay back). If you've got one of those rotating toothbrushes that might help too since it will be a similar sensation to the tools they use. Good luck - I'm sure she'll do fine!
Reply:What if she has a cavity? Don't promise her too much, because if she does need something done then you just lied to her.





If all is well, just tell her what you've been telling her. As far as your dental work, tell her you had broken teeth and the dentist had to fix it.
Reply:it sounds like you're going down the right path. my daughter is 17 months and she already had a visit to the dentist. she did fine. she cried a little and i was glad that she didn't bite the dentist. your daughter is 3 and she can comprehend well. she'll do fine. keep doing what you're doing and she'll do great. preparing them for it is the best step. let her know that she's a big girl. give her big encouragement. especially after the visit also.. i'm no expert on 3 year olds but i did partially raise my nephew who is now 7. good luck. :)