What do you think of strapping kids down at the dentist??
By happymommy3
@happymommy3 (2012)
United States
February 1, 2007 3:44pm CST
I have had that done to my children already 3 times at the dentist. They put them on this little board that has straps on them to hold their feet and legs down. It's horrible to see your child like that but it keeps them from not moving everywhere. I changed to another dentist but there they have the parents hold them down, which to me is better and they use the laughing gas, whatever they call it to calm them down. I felt horrible to see my kids that way but I did at first but don't want to do it again. The kids look like you're getting ready to torture them or something and just breaks your heart to see that! Have you had that done at your childrens dental office, or how did they keep them calm and not moving everywhere?
2 people like this
6 responses
@michelledarcy (5220)
•
1 Feb 07
I think it is terrible. I have never seen kids be strapped down at the dentist. I think they should be able to move around otherwise how is the dentist going to know if they are in pain?
2 people like this
@DMDstudent (57)
• United States
24 Mar 07
Or how is the dentist going to fix the childs teeth? Many people would be suprised at how technical dentistry really is. The dental drill spins at 300,000 rpms. (to compare most cars engines revolve 5,000rpms) To have the child move around (like kids do, I have two) can not only be VERY dangerous to the child but can also hurt the dentist, the procedure or both.
@XxAngelxX (2830)
• Canada
1 Feb 07
If this was done at my dentist office I would take my kid and leave, never to return again. I think that is a horrible practice and it's a sure way of terrifying your kids of the dentist forever. My dentist is great with kids, thank goodness. All my kids love to go, even on the occasions when they've had to get fillings. I'm glad to hear you found another dentist who does not practice this method.
2 people like this
@Lydia1901 (16351)
• United States
22 Mar 07
That does not sound good at all. I think they should come up with alternatives to keep kids from moving. I don't think I would want to see my kid in that position.
@Tetchie (2932)
• Australia
23 Mar 07
I agree with the other posters. They are likely never to like dentists now, even a good one. Not only that but would be scared by the experience more than normal, cause lets face it no-one really likes them.
When I was younger my dentist was part of a husband and wife team. Because the woman was good with children she had them as patients. Dentists are trained to deal with children so I'd find a dentist who is good with them. Never had I heard of them being strapped into a chair - this is torture.
1 person likes this
@happymommy3 (2012)
• United States
23 Mar 07
I know, the poor things are already scared as it is just hearing that they are going to the dentist's and now makes them even more scared knowing they might get strapped down again. I found a much better dentist's office though. They are still scared to go but I'm sure they feel alot more calmer knowing they won't be strapped down and they don't freak out as much when they're getting dental work done. Thanks:)
@IRENEVALLEJO2001 (53)
• Philippines
24 Mar 07
That is downright improper. Maybe you should sue that dentist. It could create unneccessary trauma and phobia in the children, how stupid can she get? My child had anesthesia supervised by a professional anesthesian when we needed to have his upper and lower teeth fixed. It cost us thrice the amount for regular fixing but the dentist clearly knows that I don't want to see my child cries. I'm going to faint. The strapping method is too way back- when dentists doesn't care about child psychology.
@DMDstudent (57)
• United States
24 Mar 07
Other methods are very welcome, unfortunately there are not many alternatives. Gas helps, moms help, a good dentist HELPS a lot, and sometimes the boards just have to be used.
It is an awful site and I would way rather go for another option. Look for a dentist who specializes in pedodontics (childrens dentistry). They are usually better, but you may have to skip around until you find someone you like :)
A pedodontist goes to dental school for four years (like all dentists) then goes to school for another 2-3 years getting training specially catered to working with adolescent patients.
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