Dentist

We started with a pediatric dentist at 18 months. It just helps them get used to going. They don't get a cleaning or anything then, they usually just sit in the chair or even on you lap while the dentist just looks to see how the teeth are coming in.

I started taking my son when he was about 2 1/2 or 3. The first few visits he I sat in the chair and he sat on my lap. I did go to a pediatric dentist...still do. They are truly the best trained on how to handle little kids. He is now 4 and sits in the chair all by himself. Oh, one more item. The first visit, the dentist shouldn't do any real work on the child. Just get him use to having fingers in his mouth and an instrument or two. Anything else might freak her out. Good luck!

I just went with my daughter, almost 3 and it was the perfect timing. I tried to prepare her by reading a Dora the Explorer book about going to the Dentist and talking about what the doctor will do and that was a huge help. She didn't cry at all. Her pediatrician recommended going to a pediatric dentist. This was a great idea - from the toys in the waiting room to the dental assistant who was explaining everything to her in kids-terms, also the bubble gum tooth paste and cleaning with vanilla, not the too strong mint and not to forget the toy she got at the end. Besides, she saw other kids in there and not only grown ups. They did no x-rays, but a cleaning and an exam. The dentist recommended coming every 6 month in case she has a cavity, it can be fixed without narcotics since we might catch it early. It really gave me a piece of mind knowing that her teeth are ok. It also helped her since she never was too keen on brushing her teeth and since the visit she loves the brush the doctor gave her and she seems to understand the importance of brushing her teeth. Besides, the doctor gave me helpful tips on how to brush her teeth. I can really recommend Dr. Lowell from the Pedi-Dentist office in Golden.

J.,

I would call a pediatric dentist and ask what they recommend. The dentist that I called for my daughter told me that they prefer to wait until the kids have all of their baby teeth in...including two year molars. So anytime between two and three would be fine. My daughter did fine and had no crying issues.

Good luck,
C.

J.,
I am was a dental assistant for most of my working life... I am now a SAHM. You should take your kids in by the time they are 3. Find a dentist that you like, it does not have to be a pediatric dentist... although there offices are geared towards kids. The first visit is very friendly... and not scary! The only thing they do is look at the teeth, show kids their mirror and tooth checker... etc. then if the kids will permit, they polish their teeth. If your child needs further care, they will discuss it with you and the best alternatives and set up another appointment. I think the most important thing is to have a dentist you like and can trust. Depending on where you live, I would be happy to givie you a few really good ones! Let me know if I can help!

We took our kids around three, other than that the doctor did a quick check. Our ped. dentist prefers at least three just because kids younger than that often clench their mouth shut. He did look at our little guy since our little one is on a lot of meds just to make sure there was no damage from the meds. He also had constant bad breath. Other than that, he wouldn't have checked the little one. Our little guy did okay, but he did clench his mouth shut, so we still don't really know the full condition of his teeth. It was hard to get him to cooperate. I went back with the kids, but next time might not for the 5 year old. I just did since we just moved and it was the first visit at a new doctor.

We were on Medicaid with our first child and they encouraged (i.e. paid for) an appointment at one year old, so I took my daughter. She wouldn't let the dentist look in her mouth (she did start crying when he tried, and she usually loves strangers!), but he said really, at this age, the appointment is more informational than anything. He encouraged us to brush her teeth every day, make sure she was getting flouride supplements (we don't have it in our water), and limit sugars-- most of the stuff adults know anyway. I'd say the main reason to bring a child in at a year is if his/her teeth are showing signs of decay-- if they are dark or seem to be hurting. Our second child is almost two and I haven't brought him in yet. We saw a pediatric dentist with my daughter, but I am just planning on going to our regular dentist from now on as I feel he has a manner that would put kids at ease, plus they've been to the office with me so they are familiar with it. Anyway, hope that helps.

We took my daughter to our family dentist for the first time at 2 1/2. She loved it!! The first visit they specifically told us they were just going to have her get used to sitting in the chair, opening her mouth, etc. and there would be no real cleaning or exam. However, she was so cooperative, they ended up doing a quick polish of her teeth. She got her (polaroid) pic taken with the dentist which they put on the "kids" board... and then she got a prize out of the treasure chest.

She's been back once since then and did great the second time too. Her next visit is scheduled for next month and she can't wait to go. I would recommend finding someone who's used to dealing with kids. They've made the experience fun for her, so there were no tears!

I took my daughter when she was 13 months to a pediatric dentist in Sandy. He does this thing called "tiffany progect" and does not charge you until they turn 2 or 3. I can't think of his name of hand, but send me a message if you are interested and I wil grab the card.

As a family dentist, I went to school thinking I wanted to be a pediatric dentist, so I got a lot of training. I see kids as early as 1 1/2, but not all dentists are that comfortable with kids. I think it depends on the maturity level of each child and the severity of the case. Some 5 year olds are very uncooperative, while some 2 year olds are great! I can also tell you that many parents are terrified of going to the dentist, and kids pick up on that right away. I don't refer kids to a pedo dentist unless they have special needs, extensive decay that would be best for general sedation, or behavioral issues. I don't have an office geared towards kids, but it's still kid-friendly. I have patience, I use a soothing voice, and I make it fun. I think it helps that I look young, so most kids aren't intimidated by me, either!
Bottom line, if you think your family dentist is kid-friendly, go for it! Ask the staff, and if not, go to a pediatric dentist.

I took my son at two to a pediatric dentist. He was really nice and personal to my son and of course gave him a toy at the end. But honestly, going at two years was a waste of time. All the dentist did was count his teeth with the little mirror thing, asked me a few questions then sent us on our way. My son didn't even go six months later...just the next year when he was three. Basically, I suggest brushing her teeth once or twice a day and take her when she's three. Talk to her constantly about cleaning her teeth "so her teeth don't hurt" and when it comes close to age three and her appointment talk to her about the teeth doctor and make it seem as easy as pie. My son wasn't the least bit scared. They gave him headphones to watch the tv on the ceiling and he just let the doc do his thing. I was really quite impressed.

My dentist recommended bringing my almost ready to go to the dentist daughter (almost 3 at the time) along with me to MY cleaning appointment and let her watch what he does with me, then maybe even let him count her teeth or something. That gets them used to the office and all the weird looking equipment and the chair - everything that goes along with a dentist appointment. Then, when she's seen what happens, make an appointment for her to see him for her own appointment. As far as pediatric or family dentists, it really depends on your preference. The pediatric dentists offices are usually more kid friendly and fun, and they are used to working on children's teeth all day long, but a family dentist still knows what to do with a child. Anyway, hope that helps. I don't have any recommendations for good dentists because we just moved here from AZ. Good luck!

Call Sweet Pea Dentistry! They will give you advice about the appropriate age to come and why. Your daughter will do great there - ###-###-####.

I made the mistake of not taking my kids to the dentist until they were older. My youngest had to have everyone of his baby teeth capped with silver fillings. He's always been ashamed of his smile. He's nine now and already had a permanent tooth pulled. He had to be put under. It was nerve-wracking to say the least.
I would suggest taking them to the dentist by one year old. Good luck!!!
Oh, I use a ped dentist because I'm on Medicaid and we can't find a family dentist.

Our ped recommended that we go see a dentist once they had teeth. Our dentist did not charge us for visits until they actually cleaned and poked around in there. My kids love the dentist. She is so caring and patient and gives them floss, a toothbrush and a surprise of their choosing on the way out. I am deathly afraid of the dentist due to past experiences, but taking them and having them see mommy in the chair and seeing me do it gets them to not be afraid. I don't know where you live, I am in Stapleton and love going to Preet Claire in Quebec Square.

Hi J.!
My son is almost 2 and a half and I just took him to the dentist for the first time on Wednesday. My son is afraid of almost everything especially other people but he did so good at the dentist office. I took him to a pediatric dentist. It was great. All he did was talk to my son a little bit asked me how many times a day we brush and I informed him that if my son had his way he would brush all day long. He had me lay him down so he could go over his teeth. All his baby teeth are in and all 4 of his 2 year molars are trying to come in right now. He brushed his teeth and put some flouride paste on them. We got a picture taken for the first time at the denist and everything. I have never personally had this good of an experience at the dentist. Don't like them myself but it couldnt have gone any better... Hope this helps and Wish you luck. =)

I started taking my boys at one year old and then every 6 months after that. I've always taken them to a ped dentist and they have no problems going. I didn't go back with them after age 2 1/2, and the dentist just comes out to tell me everything is ok. Even before kids gets a full mouth of teeth, the dentist can see if there are problems...make sure the gums look ok, etc. The dentist also wants to teach kids from early on how to brush so I think it's very important to go by age one.

A baby should start seeing a dentis around a year or after they start to get their first teeth, a good pediatric dentist will make the visit fun for first time patients. I would ask around to other moms and see who they use, thats the best way to start.

I didn't take my kids until they were 4 (but we don't have a history of dental issues either). My kids are easy going but even with that I think at 4 you can explain to them that they have to do what the dentist says and they understand that. I know it is recommended to have them seen by age 1 but I think this is asking too much of kids, parents and doctors. Kids just aren't cooperative at that age. I took my kids to our family dentist and it has gone well. When you make the appointment tell them it's their first time to go to a dentist and you need someone who is child friendly. Make it fun.
A.

I took my daughter to the Dentist for the first time when she was just barley 3, she watched me get my teeth cleaned (we took her to a family dentist but made sure they were really good with kids) she was excited about the whole thing until they started to lay her back in the chair, she freaked out and wouldn't even let them look in her mouth. The dentist and heigenist were very good and talked to her and she got to meet them. We went back 6 months later and she let them do everything, clean, floss even place the floride treatment on her teeth. I think it helped her to know who the people were and that they weren't going to do anything she didn't want them to. Good Luck

We go to a pediatric dentist and they are great there. They make looking at the teeth a game and he is very good with my girls. I took my oldest around 3 because I wasn't sure when to go either (oops). We started by taking them to the dentist with us, just so they could see it wasn't scary. then scheduled their own appointments. With my second i took her at 2 years, she did great and had fun. Very quick and painless...for now.

I took my dd in a couple of months ago just to sit in the chair, and to see her cousins sit in the chair and know it isn't scary. We read the book "Going to the Dentist" and we talk about it. Right now she doesn't need a regular checkup but it is important to start introducing the concept so she isn't scared when it is time. My bro in law is a dentist and our family dentist both recommended this approach. The only difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist is that the pediatric dentists focus is on kids. I like the family dentist because we can all go to the same place.

My husband is a dentist & recommends Jesse Witkoff (A Wild Smile) in Stapleton & Arvada & then Lisa Kimmel's office in Highlands Ranch area - they are great. My 3 kids started going to the dentist at 18mos & let me tell you they look forward to it - you must send yours to a pediatric dentist with an office set up for kids. Jesse has a jungle to play in, toys to go away with & a demeanor that is so gentle that kids adore him. Lisa is a sweetheart as well.

I would take them sooner than later. My son had his first tooth at 9 months, and had cavities by 11 months... and had to have two crowns at 13 months.... so don't wait, and do a lot of brushing!

Hi J.,

I started taking my kids to the dentist when there were around 2 years old. We went to a pediatric dentist and they both did great! I thought my son would be nervous but he went right back with the nurse and came out so excited to show me all of his prizes. (they let the parents go back if they want to but recommed just the child going so they don't play on the parent's sympathies and nervousness) We go to Dr. Sexton at the Children's Dental Center in Arvada.

One thing to check into before you go is what your insurance will cover. When my son was 2 he was completely covered and we didn't have to pay anything out of pocket! But when we took my daughter when she was 2 the insureance had changed (I didn't even think to check) and 2 year olds aren't covered the same as older children. So we had to pay $50 out of pocket. I was a bit cranky about all that. Dang insurance!! Oh well, our experience with the dentist has been great!!!

We took our oldest daughter to our family dentist when she was about 3 1/2. She was a little bit nervous, so we let her go with my husband, her dad, to his routine cleaning/checkup, so she could see how the procedure would go. She really liked it and it got her excited for her turn. Good luck!

S.

I started taking my son at 2 years old. It was for him to get use to sitting in the dentist chair. Our pediatric denist doesn't do anyting to make my son afraid. He tries to make him feel comfortable, my son whines a little but I get to sit right close by to help him relax. Most denits also have the TV's in the ceiling that the kids can watch a movie while sitting in the chair. I think it would be wise to start taking you 2 year old to the dentist.

I started taking my daughter to my appointments when she was around 1 1/2 - 2 yrs. That way she could get used to the people, see what was happening etc. She was 3 when she actually had her first appointment - admittedly I probably waited longer than is recommended, but time just got away from me!!! My dentist/hygienist were absolutely fabulous! The hygienist explained every instrument/detail and let her feel everything on her hand before she did anything in her mouth. My daughter sat still to let the hygienist/dentist check her teeth and even let them polish them - not a problem! I was super proud of her! Of course they let her pick out a toothbrush/toothpaste and had toys and stickers for her too. She was begging to go back to the dentist! And this wasn't a pediatric dentist, just my regular family dentist. It's a very laid-back office environment and I've loved him for years. I enjoy going to see "the gang" so it's no wonder my daughter loves it too! It's Dr. David Webb in Colorado Springs. Good luck!

I startind taking mine at 1 yr old. When she could walk and was getting teeth of course. The dentist didn't actually do any work. He set her up there and let her pick out a toothbrush. All the things her older sisters were doing. Then he looked at her teeth and tried to brush them a little. This was just to get her used to the idea of the dentist and she didn't flip out when something actually had to be done. My youngest is almost 4 and goes in for her 6 month check ups just like the other 3 and she is not at all freaked. I see a lot of kids that scream and kick, these are usually the ones the dentist won't work on unless they are sedated and believe me that costs bucks that insurances usually don't cover.

We use a pediatric dentist with an ortho background so that the kids don't have to change and also he has all kinds of kids oriented stuff. For example his recovery room is a small room with the biggest bean bag i have ever seen. My family of 6 could fit on it and he always has some disney movie going. If the kids are good he gives them tokens accordingly and they get to go to the machine and buy what they want. No candy,just braclets, necklaces, gi joes. stuff like that.

We go to a pediatric dentist and my kids actually get excited to go. Thedentist and hygienists are fast and fun, and the office is completely kid-oriented. They have TVs in the ceiling for patients to watch while they are being worked on, there's a playhouse and a train table in the waiting area, and a huge saltwater fish tank in the exam area. They get to choose a new toothbrush and a little toy when the exam is over. I know that's not exactly about dentistry, but you asked if you kids would cry and I think if you found a pediatric dentist office like mine, it would be too fun and novel to be scary. Even the fluoride treatments and tooth cleaners are in mild, kid-friendly flavors. Even my 2-year-old says "Mmmm!" and keeps his mouth open for a thorough cleaning.
I took both my kids when they were about 18 months old,since they had a couple teeth by then (they are slow to get teeth.)I am sure there are nice dentists closer to my house, but the atmosphere and child-friendly service we get at this pediatric dentist is worth a drive for us.

We love our pediatric dentist in Stapleton "A Wild Smile" Your kids will definitely not cry. The entire staff is patient, caring, & trained in all sorts of tricks to introduce kids to the dentist. You stay with them the whole time. . .they get toys! It might be more expensive than a regular family dentist but if you are concerned it's worth it. They give a free intro exam around 1 year I think.

We started taking our daughter with us to our family dentist when she was 1. They didn't do anything to her but she sat on our laps and watched what they were doing so she wouldn't be totally freaked out. I would say follow the advice of your pediatrician, but which dentist you choose is up to you. I love my family dentist (she's actually an independent practitioner, not an actual dentist), she's very gentle and has been in practice for over 30 years. She has worked with hundreds of kids.

My pediatrician said to wait until about age 3 as well, but I had a friend who was a hygienist in a pediatric dental office, and she told me horror stories about 2 year olds with major dental problems. The dentists recommend around 1 year.

I would definitely recommend a pediatric dental office. The staff there are all trained in working with children and making it an easier experience. We have had great success with Dr. Bruce Howell's office -- my 3 year old even thinks it's fun to go there!

(by the way, one of my kids had to have some major work done at age 2 and I was really glad we had gone in earlier...)

Just took my 4 year old last week for the first time when I noticed a cavity. We went to Dr. Nancy Grant in Lonetree and she was really great and her office is very nice and kid friendly. She is a ped dentist. I was with my son the whole time and when he didn't want to lay in the chair they were very kind and patient and he was relaxed in no time. We are trying a topical flouride treatment to halt the decay on his tooth before he is to get a filling. I really liked that approach and we had a great experience. Just wish that we had gone sooner!!

My daughter started going to the pediatric dentist at the age of 3. I chose a pediatric dentist because she was scared at the idea of going, so I thought she'd feel more comfortable in a place with small chairs, sinks, etc, and a dentist that was used to working on kids. SHe did great! She loved picking out her own toothbrush, and thought picking something from the prize box after her exam was fabulous! After her first visit, she was excited to go to her check up 6 months later.

Since no-one has mentioned this: A pediatric dentist will typically want to see your child alone. IE walk them into the exam room and attend to them without you being present. I can see why, a lot of parents have hang-ups about going to see a dentist and the ped denists doesn't want a parent to project a bad visit on the kid. Just know that it is illegal in CO to require a parent to wait in the waiting room. You are totally within your rights to be present for any/all procedures done to your child, though you don't need to be. We went to Foothills for my son, since he has issues, and they were great and accommodated my need to be near him for the exam. But since the door was glass, I really didn't need to go with.

For us, I took my daughter with me to my cleanings and had her sit on me while it was being done. She got to experience a cleaning without anyone probing her mouth. When it came to be her turn at 2 1/2 she was excited and knew what to expect. She now loves to go for a cleaning and is excellent about brushing and flossing.

Good Luck.

ADA recommendations are one visit per year at ages 1, 2, and 3, then twice a year at 4. For little children, they often just peak at the teeth while you hold them (it's okay to request to hold your child). They do not force cleanings on children who are afraid or sad. If your child seems agreeable, perhaps they will "count" the teeth with an instrument to give your child a happy, short experience. I'd suggest starting with your own family dentsit (maybe call first and see if it's okay). Some pediatric dentists work well with parents, others prefer parents to not be present. It might pay to check around. Good luck!

J.,
Based on my experience with my daughter (my oldest), take your daughter to a pediatric dentist. We decided that any dentist would be ok and talk about a very upset little girl!
Perhaps your family dentist is great, but it gets to be someone who is very patient and kind and can approach her with understanding her fears.
You want to go to the dentist before your daughter has any cavities or other dental hygiene concerns, so that it can almost be a game for her.
With Joy, C.

I took my son the week he turned 1. He had 8 teeth an no problems. I read an article that said that kids who start going by age 1 have fewer dental costs up to age 5 (presumably because they have fewer problems if they see a dentist regularly). My insurance didn't cover any pediatric dentists so I took him to my dentist. She did a quick exam -looked at his teeth and touched his gums while he was laying with his head on her lap. He screemed/cried as he was not comfortable with strangers - especially ones with their fingers in his mouth. But I think it was worth statring the commitment to good dental health. If you can go to a pediatric dentist that has an environment that is more fun for kids, it might be worth checking out that option.

If you could get her into a pedo dentist, that would be the best bet. Children definately need to be seen when they start getting a mouth of teeth! I work for a dentist, so I knew what to look for as far as concerns go, so I didn't take my girls until they were 4. And also, some family dentists like to wait until they are 4. But some will take them earlier. But if you have concerns, or just want a check up, go for it! Try to make it a pleasent experience so they will want to go back!:) And the pedo dentists are good at that. Ask around for a good referral in your area.
Good luck!

I am a Dentist and see many children in my practice. I have always advised parents to have their children be seen before age 2. This allows the child to become familiar with the environment and start a relationship. It is also an appointment that allows me to give a dietary consult to the parents. I also cover oral hygiene instructions. Sippy cups, pacifiers, thumb sucking, and the tooth fairy are common discussions. Hope this helps. Dr. P. www.smilecare-dental.com.

This will require some interviewing on your part. Our pediatrician said to take the kids to the dentist when they're one. Our dentist said he didn't like to see kids until they were three. A pediatric dentist said he wanted to see them as soon as they had teeth (+/- 9 months). Start taking your kids to the dentist with you so they become familiar with the process and it isn't so scary. Find a dentist that is child friendly. Getting our kids to do appropriate dental care is so challenging. I would love to hear tricks that other parents have.

HI J. - My husband is a dental Hygienist and this is what he wants to tell you:

I would wait maybe a year or two on the oldest to take them to the Dentist. On their first visit most of the time it is just getting them accutomed to going to the dentist. We show them the chair and the tools that we use. We might see if we can at least brush their teeth. I have had some three year-olds that have done fine in the chair and I have had some seven year-olds that have not done so well. I would start brushing their teeth as soon as they would allow you to do it. Try to brush their teeth as least two times a day.

I hope his advice helps you J., I am sure you will get advice from other professionals also, you decide what would be best for the "maturity" of YOUR daughter. When my husband was in hygiene school he had to work on LOTS of pedo (kids) patients and he said he always thought he was a good shot at hitting moving targets (referring to hunting) until then :-)

nmh

Hi,
I am a dental hygienist in a pediatric dental office.
I would recommend a visit to the dentist for your oldest. If you like your family dentist and they are comfortable with seeing children, then that should be fine. Generally xrays will not be taken. At a pediatric dentist, xrays are more likely to be taken but that depends on the age of your child. I do find that xrays can be very helpful because cavities between the teeth can not always be seen by just looking at the teeth.

Some kids, especially younger ones, do cry. Often it is more due to the unknown rather than pain, or even because of the mask which hides faces.

I think that the parents play a huge role in how well the children do at the dentist. If a parent brushes the child's teeth regularly, especially when the child doesn't want to, it will make a visit to the dentist more enjoyable.

Many younger children do better with the parent in the room with them, sometimes older children with anxiety (around age 6-8) do better without the parent, but the parent should always be comfortable with the situation and if you don't like how your child is being treated, then don't continue the appointment.

I don't usually think that it is helpful for a child to watch the parent having their teeth cleaned because it is a different process and most adult's gums will bleed even just a little bit and that can scare kids as they associate blood with pain.

Your 4 month old should be fine for a while unless you have concerns for the dentist.

Good luck with your search! I hope your kids don't have cavities!!

As a dentist I will tell you the rule of thumb for your child's first dental visit. The child should be seen within 6 months of eruption of their first tooth. So this varies for each child but is usually around one year of age. This allows a "happy visit" in which the dentist can make sure there are no problems and to provide the parents with "anticipatory guidance" regarding what to expect and how to handle your child's dental needs. These visits are so important to establish a good relationship with the child/practitioner early so that fear never is associated with a dental visit. Regarding the comments about a pediatric dentist vs a general dentist. It is totally appropriate to ask your family dentist to see if they are comfortable with/enjoy treating children. Many general dentists will see/treat young children and do it well but many do not have a talent for treating children. I would start by asking the dentist, then ask the front office if the doctor treats the majority of children or if the doctor refers most to a pediatric dentist. If the two answers differ I would suggest going to a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists only treat children, are usually very animated, and do it QUICKLY. This is often the key for young children if treatment is required. I hope this helps. Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions. Sincerely, G.

my mom took us to a ped dentist until she found out that they had a "scream room" where they put the kids who cry and force them to let them work on them. and the parents weren't allowed to be there with the child. So she switched us to a family dentist. (NOT ALL PED DENTISTS ARE LIKE THAT) so go with your comfort. tour and learn about the office before you take the kids thats all i'm saying

J.,

check out www.smilesforalifetime.net where you will find a dental education dvd for children and parent. The dvd covers your child's dental progress from pacifier's to braces to include your question.