Need Dentist?

that one year mark is a formality. but the reason it's recommended is because most children only need a dentist at that age because of an injury to their teeth, after a fall or an accident. it's just to familiarize the child with the dentist so that it's not as traumatic and new a situation if they should have to go in an emergency situation.

that said, I waited until close to two years to take my son, he has an extra tooth that I wanted to get checked out. it was a great office, of course it's the only pediatric dentists office I've ever been in, but I thought it was nice. the dentist used grape flavored gloves. toys were everywhere, and they encouraged/wanted me to come with him. after the exam (no xrays, he just felt around and looked in his mouth), they let my son pick out a toy to take home. it was a positive experience for him. let me know if you would like the name of the dentist, I'll look it up for you.

After they get all their molars is usually a good time to take them in. They won't do anything about the straightness of the teeth, but they will count the number of teeth and make sure there are no problems.

Hi there E.. I'm a general dentist in Dallas. Pediatric dentists do recommend the first visit to be at 1 year. However, I think for many children this is unnecessary unless you see something that concerns you. I typically see patients when they are 3. This is a fun visit at an age where the children have some idea of where they are and are able to cooperate with a friendly dentist. Just be on the lookout for anything unusual in your child's mouth, like a dark spot on her tooth that won't brush off. Also, it is a good idea to have a relationship with a trusted dentist just in case your child suffers dental trauma, which, unfortunately, is very common. Hope this helps. J. Eric Hibbs, DDS

At 19 months just let the little angel chew on the toothbrush. If she lets you brush her teeth with toothpaste, all the better. You want gaps between her baby teeth so her adult teeth have room to grow in. And the older she gets, the less noticable the gaps. Our family dentist doesn't start doing "Happy Visits" until a child is 3-years-old. As long as there isn't any decay, I think you're good to go.

My pediatrician suggested that I take my daughter anytime before age 3. I took her at 2 1/2 and she did great and had no cavities. All they did was look at her teeth and brush them with a regular toothbrush. My 10yr. old daughter did not go to the dentist until she was 5 and she did not have any decay either. I don't think the dentist will do x-rays unless they see a problem. I really think it's your call on when you take her and it depends on how much they charge and if you have insurance. I hope this helps. God Bless.