Hello,
My daughter will be 2 in a few weeks. When I give her a shower, she always brushes her teeth, (I've been doing this with her for months). My question is what age do you start taking them for dental check-ups?
My doctor just told me it's time to take my daughter and she's 15 months.So I guess it's up to you, you take them whenever you feel they are ready.I took my other 2 kids as soon as they got teeth.
I called to schedule my sons first dental appt. when he turned two, then got put on a waiting list for over a year. We went to see the hygenist at his school and she suggested we make an appointment when he is four. I always thought sooner, but she checked his teeth and thought they looked great.
A lot of preschool, and even elementary schools will have a dental hygenist come into the school to do mini checkups and flouride treatments. You should check into it, then they can suggest a good time to see a dentist.
M.:
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) says dental visits should start at three unless your ped sees something amiss when he looks at your child's teeth during well baby visits.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists says to start at one year.
Pick your expert, doctors or dentists. I'm waiting till three, myself. His teeth are fine, and he's gonna bite the first dentist who sticks a finger in his mouth. Why rush that glorious moment?
I just took my son for the first time and he is just about 2. It went really smooth. I waited until 3 for my older one and he is terrified of the dentist. So my thought is the earlier the better.
Most dentist suggest having their first dental checkups when they start getting teeth.
IT is great that you have started teeth brushing and other good dental habits now. THey do not need to go to a dentist until they are 3 (that is what my pediatric dentist told me)
Jenn Smith
http://jennsmith.stayinhomeandlovinit.com
I have been told they can start at 1 or 2 yrs old. The earlier the better; they don't do too much at that age but they can keep tabs on the progress of the teeth. During this time, the baby can get accustomed to visiting the dentist--find a children-friendly one too.
I'd ignore what the AAP says about this. You'd think such an established organization would discuss this with the ADA (I think that's what it's called) and the recommendation is 6 months after the first abruption of a tooth or by 12 (or 18) months. It's a little too early in the morning to remember the exact month. My kids have gone to a pediatric dentist since they were babies. MANY problems can be corrected before they've gone too far with early diagnosis.
I guess I am just repeating what everyone esle has all ready said. We just went to my daughters 15 month check up and I asked the same question of my pediatrician since there is so much conflicting advice out there. He said wait until she is 3, but make sure we brush her teeth 2 times a day. Let her do it, and then do 1 final swipe with the toothbrush. I think as long as there arn't any problems then there is no reason to rush it.
I guess it depends on the dentist you plan on taking her too. a Ped. Dentist might see her sooner then a regular dentist. You could always call and ask... they may want to do a cleaning with the hygentist... who can get the dentist if she/he sees anything wrong.
My oldest never saw a dentist until she was almost 8 because we could not find one child friendly that took our insurance.. but my middle daughter was 3 and a couple of months, and she did fantastic!
My MIL is a Dental Assistant and says between 2-3 years old.. even if nothing more then to experience seeing and being at the dentist.. so that if they were to fll and chip a tooth or something - THAT is not the first time they've been to the dentist.
