At what age should I start looking for a pediatric dentist? Any advice is appreciated.
My dentist said 3. When my daughter was 3, she sat on my lap and he "counted" her teeth. Now at 4, she sat all by herself and my 2 year old son wanted to do it to! My dentist was shocked that my son sat so still for him.
We go to Dr. Roggi in Jefferson Park on Higgins, great dentist for the entire family ###-###-####
Good luck
Hi A.. I actually started taking my daughter (now almost 6) w/ me to my dentist appt since she was a toddler so that she would be familiar w/ the surroundings & goings-on at the dentist's office. My dentist suggested she start getting regular cleanings by the time she was 4. She's already gotten x-rays! Several of her school-mates in daycare have already had cavities!!! The sooner you get them in, the better & quicker they start dentail hygene.
Hi,
I am a mom of 3 girls all high school and college age, I started my girls by the time they were 3.
They all have great teeth, I thank all the dds that we have been to for the great job that they have done.
Braces for two helped to.
my daycare provider requires me to send my baby at her 1st year birthday. The provider said that they want to start early with healthy habits and take a look at her gums to rule out any possible tooth decay and unhealthy gum diseases.
Makes perfect sense to me seeing as though many moms let their children take naps or sleep with bottles. I am glad that I was informed otherwise.
As long as your child does not have any accidents, or discolored teeth, it is not necessary to actually bring your child to a dentist until the age of 4 or after-per you are helping him/her learn proper oral hygiene skills, brushing in the a.m., after meals, and before bedtime. It is important to explain what is going to happen at the dentist ie. counting teeth, using a mirror to look at your child's teeth, and also to not be anxious about the dentist around your child yourself!
the ADA and AAPD recommend that you take your child for their first visit around one year old. Consider it more for your education and like a well child check-up. A word of advice, you don't have to find a pediatric dentist. you can take them to a regular general dentist if they are comfortable working on children. You can even call several general dentists and ask if they see young children. My office is very child friendly and we see lots of kids starting at one year old ( and the moms too). If your child is healthy and cooperative, there's no need to pay specialist's prices. If they need a specialist, then your general dentist can refer you to one. Or email me back and I can give you some excellent referrals.
If you'd like to check out my office--we're at 4413 N Clark Street
our number is ###-###-####
We have lots of families with young children--my assistant and I worked in a pediatric only clinic for five years and kids are my favorite patients. And we're very sensitive to parents needs--with evening and Saturday hours.
And the kids get to pick out a Disney movie to watch during their appointment. We all love it here.
And I'm a general dentist. Sometimes the specialists take a while to get an appointment and the kids here love to see that mommy and daddy go to the same dentist too. It sets a real good example for them. I've even had a three year old tell his mom "don't be scared mommy--I'll hold your hand."
Sorry to ramble on like this--I'm very passionate about my job. Can't wait for my daughter to get some teeth!
Hi A.,
At three years old. Sooner if they seem like they're having a toothache or something.
Diana
You are going to get varrying answers to this, depending on the personal opinion of the dentist/doctor you speak to. Some say as soon as they get their first tooth they should go in to the dentist, some say not until they are two. I just took my son for his first appt and he is 18 months. It seemed like a good time. He likes to brush, and we talked about how to do it, etc. Too much earlier and I am afraid he would have resisted poking around in his mouth. Also you will get differing opinions on floride. Do your own research and make your own decision on that one.
Jen
My pediatrician recommended before 2 years of age. A pediatric dentist will tell you that the child should be seen at 1 year.
Hope that helps.
Aarti.
My children's dentists recommends no later than two years old. Take your time and ask around for referrals to find a dentist that works well with your children.
