Many parents expect their children either to act up or be little angels at the dentist. With children, you really never know quite what you are going to get. Here is a list of what I generally see with children at different ages and what to expect as far as behavior in the dental office. I have to say I have had one and two year olds who do better than teenagers. I also have seen parents in worse shape than their kids. The behavior is what I usually see for dental exams or cleanings. If they do have cavities or other treatment needs, I use the cleaning/exam appointment to evaluate their response. If I think they will be fussy for treatment, then we discuss how to make that better. There are always exceptions to what I am presenting here, but this is how it goes:
Babies-They usually do well for an exam or just cry a little. Give them their pacifier and they are as good as new.
One year Olds-they usually do quite well although if they are closer to two things can get a little loud.
Two Year Olds-They don't call this age the "terrible twos" for nothing. These kids are by far the hardest to examine. They almost always cry to be examined. I mean they really scream like there is no tomorrow. They fight too. This is the age that they begin to establish independence. This is especially true for the "headstrong" kids. They really don't like to lie down for an exam. I can look a little with them sitting up, but can't really do a complete exam. So, we have them lie down, the parent holds their hands, and I take a really quick look. I don't mind the noise, although the resistance can make the exam more difficult. I always hope the parents realize this kind of fussing is normal for this age. I don't want them to think the child is in any kind of real distress. I don't want them to be mad at me for just looking at their child's teeth. The parents I worry most about are the first timers. Parents who have more than one child often understand the normal reactions. I know the child is not traumatized for life just for counting their teeth. In fact these fussy two year olds often become model patients after a couple more years of regular visits.
Three Year Olds-this is a transition age. Some three year olds are just as fussy as the two year olds just bigger and stronger. Some are model patients who let you lay them down, clean their teeth, and often do fillings without protest. Even a particular three year old may respond differently depending on what side of the bed he woke up on that day. You know what I am talking about.
Four year Olds-I like four year olds. Most of the time they are the best patients. They hop up into the chair; let you take x-rays, fillings, whatever. They can't do this for long, but most do quite well. Again, there are exceptions. Some are as "head strong" as the two year olds.
Five through Eight-Regular kids. Most do quite well. I can communicate with these kids and can guide them through almost anything.
Eight to Eleven-Most do well, but these are the "needle-phobic" years. You can have a perfectly calm child who throws a giant fit if he thinks he is going to get a "shot". Read here for more info on that bad word: Pedo Lingo. After they have received appropriate anesthesia, they revert back to cooperative patients.
Teenagers--Most do well although some have typical teenager "attitudes". You have to take into account whether they are the "I'm too cool to care/whatever" type or (usually young ladies) who are extremely preoccupied with their appearance.
Special Needs Patients--If you take your child to a Pediatric Dentist, you will likely see other children around of all ages and temperaments. You also may see some patients who have medical or developmental conditions like Down's Syndrome, or Cerebral Palsy. These children are welcome in our offices. Some can be very loud or resistant to treatment. Even just an exam can be difficult. Others are some of the best behaved in the office. In other words, there is great variety in Pediatrics. You can expect lots of commotion and activity.
If you want more, go back to the home page or click here:Pediatric Dentistry
Babies-They usually do well for an exam or just cry a little. Give them their pacifier and they are as good as new.
One year Olds-they usually do quite well although if they are closer to two things can get a little loud.
Two Year Olds-They don't call this age the "terrible twos" for nothing. These kids are by far the hardest to examine. They almost always cry to be examined. I mean they really scream like there is no tomorrow. They fight too. This is the age that they begin to establish independence. This is especially true for the "headstrong" kids. They really don't like to lie down for an exam. I can look a little with them sitting up, but can't really do a complete exam. So, we have them lie down, the parent holds their hands, and I take a really quick look. I don't mind the noise, although the resistance can make the exam more difficult. I always hope the parents realize this kind of fussing is normal for this age. I don't want them to think the child is in any kind of real distress. I don't want them to be mad at me for just looking at their child's teeth. The parents I worry most about are the first timers. Parents who have more than one child often understand the normal reactions. I know the child is not traumatized for life just for counting their teeth. In fact these fussy two year olds often become model patients after a couple more years of regular visits.
Three Year Olds-this is a transition age. Some three year olds are just as fussy as the two year olds just bigger and stronger. Some are model patients who let you lay them down, clean their teeth, and often do fillings without protest. Even a particular three year old may respond differently depending on what side of the bed he woke up on that day. You know what I am talking about.
Four year Olds-I like four year olds. Most of the time they are the best patients. They hop up into the chair; let you take x-rays, fillings, whatever. They can't do this for long, but most do quite well. Again, there are exceptions. Some are as "head strong" as the two year olds.
Five through Eight-Regular kids. Most do quite well. I can communicate with these kids and can guide them through almost anything.
Eight to Eleven-Most do well, but these are the "needle-phobic" years. You can have a perfectly calm child who throws a giant fit if he thinks he is going to get a "shot". Read here for more info on that bad word: Pedo Lingo. After they have received appropriate anesthesia, they revert back to cooperative patients.
Teenagers--Most do well although some have typical teenager "attitudes". You have to take into account whether they are the "I'm too cool to care/whatever" type or (usually young ladies) who are extremely preoccupied with their appearance.
Special Needs Patients--If you take your child to a Pediatric Dentist, you will likely see other children around of all ages and temperaments. You also may see some patients who have medical or developmental conditions like Down's Syndrome, or Cerebral Palsy. These children are welcome in our offices. Some can be very loud or resistant to treatment. Even just an exam can be difficult. Others are some of the best behaved in the office. In other words, there is great variety in Pediatrics. You can expect lots of commotion and activity.
If you want more, go back to the home page or click here:Pediatric Dentistry
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