Q. My 3 year old daughter has her first dentist appointment tomorrow. I am really nervous because I know she is not going to tolerate the dentist touching her teeth. (This is why I have not taken her in sooner!) Does anybody have any related experience or advice?
The reason I am taking her in now is because her front tooth has turned a light grey color in the past few days, and I am thinking there is a problem with the root.
The reason I am taking her in now is because her front tooth has turned a light grey color in the past few days, and I am thinking there is a problem with the root.
A. OK, since you've already got the appointment, here's exactly what I would do. I have a daughter that has autism, she's now 9-1/2, so I've BTDT.
First, make sure the dentist office understands that your daughter has autism, that she probably won't be very cooperative, and that much might not get done at this appointment. Explain that you really want to work with them to help your daughter learn to be comfortable and tolerate a dentist visit. That this visit is more of a learning experience than anything. Ask if they can look in your mouth as well, so it's "Mommy's turn, then Daughters turn" type thing.
I have no idea your daughters level of understanding, but mine wouldn't have gotten it a bit at this age. For mine at 3, I wouldn't really bother trying to prepare in advance, I'd just treat it as an adventure at the time, very positive and fun, "look at all the cool stuff" type thing.
If your daughter would understand talking about events that will happen tomorrow, I'd get a childrens video with a dentist visit (favorite characters if possible) or a book with a dentist visit and show her really excited, "Look what we get to do tomorrow, just like ......."
At the visit, remain calm. Remind staff that it is likely that no much will be accomplished, but see if the dentist can at least get a glimpse of that front tooth. We had the dentist "COUNT THE TEETH" so he could get a quick look. My daughter loved numbers and this fit nicely with her obsessions. The other trick I used was "you only have to keep your mouth open for 20 seconds" and I would count out loud, pacing myself so the dentist could do the exam. Believe me, once those 20 seconds were up, her mouth shut like a bear trap.
It's likely that the tooth is dying, or dead, and nothing really needs to be done. This can happen from trauma to the tooth. Since it's a baby tooth, I'd keep it in place if possible, to keep the space open. I had such a tooth as a kid. Usually it causes no pain, mine didn't. Only problem is that it's hard to tell when your child has autism. They often can't tell you about the pain, or feel it much "hyposensitivity".
If she has older siblings, bring her along to appointments so she can observe. Take it slow and don't force it. If she won't sit in the chair, you sit in the chair and see if she'll sit in the assistant chair. Then switch places. Make it a game. See if she'll sit on your lap in the chair.
You're setting up lifetime patterns here, and you don't want her forever scared of the dentist by a traumatic experience. Kids with autism really hold onto things like that. I wish you lots of good luck! I now have a little girl who has no problems going to the dentist, though she still hates teeth cleaning (I still do the counting). Her fist filling and major x-rays were done under general anesthesia. Since then, she's done very well with a little laughing gas and once, some novicane.
First, make sure the dentist office understands that your daughter has autism, that she probably won't be very cooperative, and that much might not get done at this appointment. Explain that you really want to work with them to help your daughter learn to be comfortable and tolerate a dentist visit. That this visit is more of a learning experience than anything. Ask if they can look in your mouth as well, so it's "Mommy's turn, then Daughters turn" type thing.
I have no idea your daughters level of understanding, but mine wouldn't have gotten it a bit at this age. For mine at 3, I wouldn't really bother trying to prepare in advance, I'd just treat it as an adventure at the time, very positive and fun, "look at all the cool stuff" type thing.
If your daughter would understand talking about events that will happen tomorrow, I'd get a childrens video with a dentist visit (favorite characters if possible) or a book with a dentist visit and show her really excited, "Look what we get to do tomorrow, just like ......."
At the visit, remain calm. Remind staff that it is likely that no much will be accomplished, but see if the dentist can at least get a glimpse of that front tooth. We had the dentist "COUNT THE TEETH" so he could get a quick look. My daughter loved numbers and this fit nicely with her obsessions. The other trick I used was "you only have to keep your mouth open for 20 seconds" and I would count out loud, pacing myself so the dentist could do the exam. Believe me, once those 20 seconds were up, her mouth shut like a bear trap.
It's likely that the tooth is dying, or dead, and nothing really needs to be done. This can happen from trauma to the tooth. Since it's a baby tooth, I'd keep it in place if possible, to keep the space open. I had such a tooth as a kid. Usually it causes no pain, mine didn't. Only problem is that it's hard to tell when your child has autism. They often can't tell you about the pain, or feel it much "hyposensitivity".
If she has older siblings, bring her along to appointments so she can observe. Take it slow and don't force it. If she won't sit in the chair, you sit in the chair and see if she'll sit in the assistant chair. Then switch places. Make it a game. See if she'll sit on your lap in the chair.
You're setting up lifetime patterns here, and you don't want her forever scared of the dentist by a traumatic experience. Kids with autism really hold onto things like that. I wish you lots of good luck! I now have a little girl who has no problems going to the dentist, though she still hates teeth cleaning (I still do the counting). Her fist filling and major x-rays were done under general anesthesia. Since then, she's done very well with a little laughing gas and once, some novicane.
When to should baby see a dentist?
Q. My daughter is 11 months old and she has 8 teeth. She's been teething again and it looks like 2 more are coming in on the bottom. When should she see a dentist? She has a toothbrush and she brushes her teeth herself without toothpaste? Should she be using one of those toddler toothpastes now?
A. Take your child for a check-up at your earliest convenience. Make it a simple affair, and don't scare your child. It's important to make the first appointment very easy. This way she will develop trust with the dentist. Maybe take them with you when you're only having a check-up yourself (don't have treatment that day).
The worst thing I ever see is when parents bring in a child for the first time when they have a toothache, and expect me to "do something". Really stressful for all concerned. Often the child has been told frightful things like "He's not going to hurt you...". Kids aren't stupid, they can read between the lines of that sort of phrase. If you would like me to forward me a brochure about "The First Appointment", then please send me an email address.
Please use a childrens' toothpaste. It helps clean away better than brushing alone. As soon as she stops swallowing paste, you can switch her to an adult paste. Until about the age of 7, no child can be trusted to brush their teeth properly - they don't have the understanding or dexterity. You or your partner MUST do it for her, TWICE a day. Keep her away from any sweetened drinks - cordials, juices ("natural" or otherwise), and soft drinks. Encourage plain tap water.
Ask among friends and family for a dentist who likes kids.
The worst thing I ever see is when parents bring in a child for the first time when they have a toothache, and expect me to "do something". Really stressful for all concerned. Often the child has been told frightful things like "He's not going to hurt you...". Kids aren't stupid, they can read between the lines of that sort of phrase. If you would like me to forward me a brochure about "The First Appointment", then please send me an email address.
Please use a childrens' toothpaste. It helps clean away better than brushing alone. As soon as she stops swallowing paste, you can switch her to an adult paste. Until about the age of 7, no child can be trusted to brush their teeth properly - they don't have the understanding or dexterity. You or your partner MUST do it for her, TWICE a day. Keep her away from any sweetened drinks - cordials, juices ("natural" or otherwise), and soft drinks. Encourage plain tap water.
Ask among friends and family for a dentist who likes kids.
How many ibroprophens should I be taking?
Q. Just got my wisdom teeth out and my dentist subscribed some kind of narcotic that I don't want to take. Since I'm not in too much pain I'm taking ibroprophens instead. It says no more than 6 every 24 hours. However, they're 650 mg, and that seems like a lot, regular is like 200 or something? I took like 4 today and feel fine but should I take less? I don't want to overdose! Thanks.
A. I am assuming your an adult.. if your over the age of 18 then please continue reading if you are younger please consult your parents/ doctor before taking more ibuprofen and do not follow the advise given below. (childrens max of ibuprofen is 500mg at a time but agian please call your doctor to confirm)
Here is the max of ibuprofen you can take a day.. you can take up to 800mg every 6 hours up to three times a day. No more, if you take more then the 800mg at a time you are overdosing and creating damage to your kidneys. Its easier if you buy the 200mg ibuprofen because you only take four at a time (max). Make sure your drinking alot of water and eating, believe it or not ibuprofen works better in patients who eat and drink frequently. Also ibuprofen doesnt fully kick in until the second or third dose, it takes your body some times to absorb the ibuprofen efficiently. What i would suggest is that you take a 800mg dose when you wake up in the morning then take a second dose about 6 hours after and finally one last dose before bed. There isnt any reason for you to set the alarm and take anymore while you sleep. If sleep manages the pain then try not to take pills the more ibuprofen in your system the higher risk of overdosing. if at any time ibuprofen isnt managing the pain call your doctor and see if they can order you other pain killers that arent narcotics.
HOPE THIS HELPS!! best of luck to you and feel better soon!
*** taking 1000mg of ibuprofen at a time is dangerous DO NOT TAKE MORE THEN 800mg with 6 hours minimun between dosages with out your doctors say so.
Here is the max of ibuprofen you can take a day.. you can take up to 800mg every 6 hours up to three times a day. No more, if you take more then the 800mg at a time you are overdosing and creating damage to your kidneys. Its easier if you buy the 200mg ibuprofen because you only take four at a time (max). Make sure your drinking alot of water and eating, believe it or not ibuprofen works better in patients who eat and drink frequently. Also ibuprofen doesnt fully kick in until the second or third dose, it takes your body some times to absorb the ibuprofen efficiently. What i would suggest is that you take a 800mg dose when you wake up in the morning then take a second dose about 6 hours after and finally one last dose before bed. There isnt any reason for you to set the alarm and take anymore while you sleep. If sleep manages the pain then try not to take pills the more ibuprofen in your system the higher risk of overdosing. if at any time ibuprofen isnt managing the pain call your doctor and see if they can order you other pain killers that arent narcotics.
HOPE THIS HELPS!! best of luck to you and feel better soon!
*** taking 1000mg of ibuprofen at a time is dangerous DO NOT TAKE MORE THEN 800mg with 6 hours minimun between dosages with out your doctors say so.
when should I schedule his first dentist visit?
Q. my son will be one on Monday, and he has one and a half teeth. When do I need to schedule his first dentist appointment?
A. I read somewhere that childrens should start seeing a dentist once a year when they turn 1. I called a pediatric dentist in our area and they said that unless there is a problem or we are concerned about something specific that they don't see children until they are 18 months old. Even thought our guy has 8 teeth. So I would call the dentist you plan on seeing and see what they say.
Happy first birthday to your son!
Happy first birthday to your son!
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