We took our daughter for her first dental visit when she was just over two years old. We talked to her about the appointment and we took her to a dentist where she knew the dental assistant (one of her friend’s grandmothers) to help her feel comfortable with the situation. She seemed to be comfortable until it was her turn to sit in the chair. The doctor had her sit sideways in the chair and leaned her back into my lap without verbally prepping her for what he was going to do. This naturally terrified her and she screamed throughout the entire appointment while he counted her teeth.

I was so upset with this first experience that I put off taking her to the dentist again until she was three years old. That was 6 months ago. We read her stories, played dentist and brought her to every single dental appointment that either my husband or I had in hopes to make her feel more comfortable with the atmosphere.

At her last appointment, after coaxing her into the chair, the first thing they tried to do were take xrays (which as we all know involves sticking funny cardboard films into your mouth). This was not a big success. The appointment ended with me sitting in the chair, holding my daughter as the dentist counted her teeth in between uncontrollable sobs.

We talked to my daughter about the experience and learned that she didn’t want an x ray taken and she was scared of the masks that the dentist and assistants wore. We brought home masks to play with which really helped her get over that fear. We also made the decision that she would not receive x rays at her next visit in order to rid her of that anxiety. Again, she accompanied my husband and me to our appointments and became quite familiar and confident with our amazing hygienist.

Today, my daughter had another appointment. This time we were ready. I had my appointment yesterday and my daughter was not only comfortable with the hygienist, but she was genuinely excited to come for her visit the next day. We read her stories, talked and played dentist.

She was ready.

However, when the time came for her to be the one, the only one in the chair, the uncertainty all came rushing back. I ended up sitting in the chair with her in between my legs, resting her head on my 35 week pregnant belly (the things we Moms do for our children). With much convincing, she allowed the hygienist to check her teeth and give them a very quick clean.

When her visit was over, the look of accomplishment and pride that came over her face was absolutely priceless! She was so excited and I have never been so proud of her.

Here’s to hoping her next visit will be even better.

What fears do your children have and how do you help them conquer them?