https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 19 May 2026 08:22:28 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-dentist-appointment#post-2266924 Wed, 19 Aug 2015 10:46:11 +0000 pregnantbee 2266924@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We went with my dentist. I booked a double appointment, and I went first so he could watch. Then it was his turn. Totally bribed him with videos on the iPad, and he did great. I really don't think there's much of a benefit of seeing a pediatric dentist as long as the office you go to also sees kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-dentist-appointment#post-2266904 Wed, 19 Aug 2015 10:29:16 +0000 Alivoo01 2266904@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm debating this as well since DH and I currently go to his aunt who's our dental hygienist. I'm hoping he'll be more comfortable if he watched me and DH go first, but he hardly ever sees this aunt. If he did, I would take him there no questions asked because he's familiar with her. I might just take him to ours and see how he does. If it doesn't go well, I'll take him to a pediatric one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-dentist-appointment#post-2266901 Wed, 19 Aug 2015 10:24:06 +0000 yellowbird 2266901@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go with a pediatric dentist. They really make it a great experience for little ones and I think the care will be better since they deal with kids all day! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-dentist-appointment#post-2266897 Wed, 19 Aug 2015 10:18:49 +0000 MamaG 2266897@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We had our first visit at 3 as well. And I had the same options (or more! DH and I have different dentists). We elected to use a pediatric dentist and I'm happy with the decision. It's certainly geared to kids and DD has handled it great. I'd call the pediatric and ask them how they handle that first visit. Ours does a "knee to knee" cleaning, where DD sat on my lap the whole time. On her second visit she sat in the chair, completely unattended. She went with the hygienist to get her x-rays and do her cleaning while I waited in the waiting area. The dentist came to give me the report afterward as she was picking her prize. </p> <p>My dentist made the referral to this pediatric dentist (as did our pediatrician and my boss). I can't sing the praises of this route enough. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-dentist-appointment#post-2266891 Wed, 19 Aug 2015 10:10:14 +0000 BandDmommy 2266891@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We started taking B when he turned 1. We go to pediatric dentist. They have movies to watch while dentist is cleaning their teeth. It's just more kid friendly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-dentist-appointment#post-2266885 Wed, 19 Aug 2015 10:01:57 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2266885@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO isn't old enough to go to the dentist yet, but when we do, I expect to just take her to a family dentist. That is what I always did as a child and it worked really well to be able to schedule all of the family dental appointments at the same time. Plus, then the child can watch their parents go first and see that it isn't a big deal to go to the dentist, which might relieve some anxiety. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-dentist-appointment#post-2266883 Wed, 19 Aug 2015 10:00:53 +0000 lawbee11 2266883@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We went with a pediatric dentist. We took LO for the first time the week after she turned 2. The waiting room had all sorts of activities for children and the dentist was great with her (and I think this is likely because he works with children all day long). The exam room had murals and tvs with SpongeBob on. She just watched tv while he did the exam and cleaned her teeth. No tears! My dentist's office is pretty boring in comparison. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-dentist-appointment#post-2266879 Wed, 19 Aug 2015 09:56:13 +0000 Mamasig 2266879@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I prefer one specializing in pediatric dentistry. Their office will be more child friendly in general and they will have tips/tricks to get your child to cooperate better. That's also why I prefer a pediatrician and not just a family doctor. They are trained and specifically want to work with children. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-dentist-appointment#post-2266874 Wed, 19 Aug 2015 09:53:26 +0000 Adira 2266874@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: Same. </p> <p>I just prefer them to be specialized to children and to deal with children all day - they will have more tips and tricks to making your child comfortable! My dental office has pediatric dentists though, so it was an easy choice for me... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-dentist-appointment#post-2266871 Wed, 19 Aug 2015 09:50:46 +0000 MamaCate 2266871@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just go to my dentist which is a family dentist. What I like about it is we schedule our appointments together so LO watches my cleaning and then has hers. I think it helps her know what to expect and to feel comfortable.</p> <p>I don't know what specific training a pediatric dentist has though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-dentist-appointment#post-2266870 Wed, 19 Aug 2015 09:50:08 +0000 regberadaisy 2266870@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Personally I prefer pediatric. Same reason I prefer pediatrician over family doctor. I just think they'll be better equipped to deal with pediatric issues.</p> <p>But I know we have a few dental hygienist on the boards so hopefully they'll be able to give more pros and cons. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-dentist-appointment#post-2266867 Wed, 19 Aug 2015 09:49:00 +0000 2PeasinaPod 2266867@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No advice, but following since LO will be 3 in September, and we'll need to take him for his first dental appointment as well. He still hates brushing his teeth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-dentist-appointment#post-2266861 Wed, 19 Aug 2015 09:46:21 +0000 lovehoneybee 2266861@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>E just turned 3, and at his well-child (not called a well-baby anymore! :crying: ) we were told it's time to take him to the dentist. I'm looking at where to make an appointment, and have it narrowed down to two places, and can't decide which would be better. </p> <p>The first is a pediatric dentist's office, and the other is my dentist. The first obviously specializes in pediatric dentistry, but my office handles children as well. I think we're both leaning towards my office...they are absolutely wonderful. I have a major dentist anxiety problem...this is the first place that I haven't cried almost right away (I didn't cry at all, which was a first!)</p> <p>Is there a great benefit to taking him to a pediatric dentist? Both offices are very well-reviewed. </p>