Daughter has cavities and is terrified of the dentist?

I was shocked to discover that my 8 year old daughter has what appear to be large cavities in several back teeth. I feel terrible, firstly that she HAS them, and secondly that I didn't notice them until she started crying and saying they hurt. I don't know where they came from, I don't allow her to eat sweets or drink soda, she snacks on fruit and drinks diluting juice or milk.





Anyway, I've made an appointment for her to see a local dentist next week, and I explained that she would need to get fillings, but she's absolutely terrified about it and I can't seem to calm her down at all. I've tried showing her my fillings and explaining that they didn't hurt and stopped the teeth from hurting, and I've tried playing "games" to practice for going to the dentist, but she remains terrified and is constantly crying about going.





How can I make this less scary for her? I feel awful.

Daughter has cavities and is terrified of the dentist?
Whatever you do, don't tell her the dentist won't hurt her. You might try teaching her to keep her eyes closed. Most dentists are very aware of children's feelings and are discreet when giving them a shot, but, if she has her eyes closed, she probably won't be as afraid of what is going on. Poor thing. I was there. Although I am 54, the thought of my childhood still remains. I ran out of the dentist office more than once and locked myself in the car. The fear she has is substantiated and can only be dealt with in an honest way. She will get over the fear when she goes to the dentist and sees what it is like, but only then. Just teach her to keep her eyes closed and breath out of her nose. Play that game and pretend you are the dentist and work on her mouth with a Q-tip or something. Also, buy some stuff to numb your gums. The doctors use it to numb their gums before giving the shot. Place a little bit on a Q-tip and put it by the sore tooth. It will let her know what it will be like at the office. She will be OK. If she runs out, don't get mad. She is no different than most kids. It is the first time that is the worst.
Reply:call the dentist, and see if maybe over a lunch hour or something before her appointment, she can have a "tour" of the dentist office.





they will show her all of the equipment, the chair, meet the nurses, etc





that should help calm her, once the unknown is explored
Reply:take her to a children's dentist for 1 thing. they are better for kids than a regular family dentist.
Reply:well this one is new to me, but you can tell her that my 3 year old(now 4) went to the dentist and he filled 2 cavaites and didnt even use numbing medications(thats b/c young kids do not know there is anything to fear and the needle would only start to make the kids wonder), she done a great job and was very proud of her.
Reply:sedation dentistry
Reply:Some children do just have weak teeth. Really children should be seen by a dentist every 6 months then they get used to going and it isn't so scary. (I tell you this in case you have other children and can start taking them along.) You need to talk to the dentist and explain how frightened your daughter is. Could you make an appointment to go before her visit? Then then dentist will suggest ways of making her feel better. I don't know where you live but here in the UK they have special clinics for people who are very nervous.
Reply:Don't feel bad; milk teeth get cavities really easily.As for your daughters fear, she has reason to be scared, cuz once I had to go to the dentist for fillings and it hurt like hell.I was only 6.Anyway, ask her exactly what she is scared of.Maby its the pain, or being with strangers.Maby someone told her a mean lie about dentists.Talk to her, figure out whats wrong.
Reply:Find a pediatric dentist or a "no pain" dentist. Usually they start by just examining the teeth, get the child used to the office and the staff. This seems to work well. You can go on a tour of the office first in many cases.


Also one thing my childs dentist explained was that eating too frequently can cause cavities as well because the acid level in the mouth is raised when you eat or drink juice, milk and such. It is part of digestion and can harm the teeth. Ask when you visit about this and also about sealants for the child's teeth.
Reply:friut and friut juice are high in sugar... its probably from not brushing correctly


she learned to be scared from someone...





talk to the dentist, some have slight sedatives they can give to kids to help them relax.. bring a puppet or favorite stuffie... tell her stories in a nonchallant way





"oh ya I remember going to the dentist when I was a kid... they gave me a ring at the end" dont go on and on or this will appear obvious to the kid what you are up to..

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