When to Go to the Dentist

As soon as my daughter started gettin teeth I started taking her to the dentist. I think she was like 18monhts. It all depends on the parent and when they decide.

Dentists recommend they start coming for cleaning as soon as their first tooth comes in...that's what I plan on doing (I'm nine months pregnant)...the way I see it, the sooner the better, that way it won't be scary because she's been going for as long as she can remember. I think it would be much more traumatic the longer you wait. ...just my two cents:)

Hello,
I'm a pediatric dentist, and I get asked this question all the time. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the AAP, the official recommendations have been changed to 12 months of age for the first appointment. I know that this sounds really early. The reason for such an early checkup is because dental cavities are increasing in our population as a whole. For the children at really high risk for cavities, if we don't see them until 3, the cavities are so bad that we have to pull teeth. So, the 12 month rule is just to help all those kids who we can help if we see early signs of cavities at a really young age. At that point we can put preventive treatment in place, like fluoride varnishes and lots of education.

If you find a great pediatric dentist in your area, please don't worry about bringing your baby into the office. We are all trained to see young kids and we love it! We understand that it is a scary experience, and they do cry most of the time. However, we are all trained to know what to do, be fast and efficient, and above all, give your children a great smile for the rest of their lives (even if they don't understand this as a baby).

I also read about seeing the dentist once the 1st tooth pops out. I waited until just after my son's 1st birthday. The dentist said that it's usually best to wait until they can open their mouth of their own volition and let something into their mouth. Some kids will be ready sooner than others.
I don't see what the big deal is about having them go to the dentist. They are very nice doctors and it's not like the kid is going to get shots (like at his pediatrician's office) or have her teeth scraped. They just look to make sure that the teeth are growing in okay, that she's getting the floride she needs (some cities don't put floride in their water) and reviews good dental practices.
I thought it was a good opportunity to get a couple of pictures of my son with his dentist so that the next time we go in, he'll feel more comfortable. I also talk to him and let him know what will happen while we're there.
I personally have had great experiences with dentists and orthodontists and would like for my son to get into the habit of seeing his dentist every 6 months. Start them early and they won't know the difference, wait and they may get crazy ideas from movies, stories from friends, etc. and not want to go.
I like to think that the more open I am with my son now (17 months old), the more open he'll be with me later in life (like that whole teenager stage...yes, I'm already worried about it).

I was told between ages 3 and 4 by my son's pediatrician.

I suggest reading books about the dentist and talking about what happens there before you take your daughter.

Also, DISCOVERY TOYS has a great play-doh item called MONKEY MOUTH. Kids get to make their own teeth and use dental tools. It's a cute, fun item which encourgages fine motor skills, confidence in teeth care and stimulates imagination (and it's only $19.99). This will make a great you're-a-big-girl-I'm-proud-of-you-for-going-to-the-dentist gift. You can order it online at www.discoverytoyslink.com/fatimac

Take Care!

hi K.

I have 4 kids one of them is 4 yrs old I have insurance for them to go to the dentist but my 4 yr old hasn't gone yet when I called the dentist they said that if you haven't had any problems like tooth aches or chipped or broken teeth not to worry to much when they are so young, just make sure that they brush their teeth regularly, I would like to give you some advice tho when you do pick a dentist for your daughter I would ask the dentist if they accept the parent going back into the dentist office where the work is going to be done on your child, some dentist only want the patient that they are doing the work on back there and that would leave you in the waiting room worrying. there are some dentists out there that will let you go back with your child but you have to ask them if they let you do that first. I checked cause sometimes when its their first appointment at the dentist they get scared and if that happens you will have a hard time later on trying to get them to go back

hope this helps

they start at different times depending on the dentist my dentist starts a t 2yrs old i took my daughter for the first time when she was 3yrs old and she did okay no cavities it was just hard for the dentist to get in her mouth she kept gagging, i think you should start them around 3yr so they can get use to it, you need to floss there teeth that are touching, the dentist told me chips, goldfish cracker and fruit snack are the worst for there teeth, so if they have those brush there teeth after they eat that.

My dentist had told me not until the child is about 4 then they should start going!

Hope that helps.
B.

i think most dentists recomment three years

Dear K.,

Make it into an interesting experience and do it pretty soon, and then it will not be a scary place for her. C. N.

We took our son at about 3yo. Unfortunately it was because he chipped a tooth. We were going to do just a check-up but the tooth issue made it more urgent. What I found is that about 3yo is a good age. We found a pediatric dentist that was awsome! They are fantastic with little kids. We do have dental insurance, but after a ton of run-around we found that pediatric dentists are considered specialists and not covered. Regular dentists, even those that see kids, generally won't see kids under 6yo. So my advice to you is find a good ped. dentist and pay cash. It's worth it to start them off on the right foot and it's a 1x/yr expense (unless you kid is like my kid....) I'm a very high anxiety dental patient, and I don't want my kids to be like me. It's cost me tons of money and tears. My kiddo is fine with going to the dentist, even after a baby root canal and crown.

We started regular dentist appointments with each of our kids when the turned 3. It was not too terribly bad for them at that age. Good luck!

My pediatrician told me to get them an appointment at three years of age. She said that they bagger you to come in sooner, but that is just to take your money and get you as customers pretty much. She said three is the right age.

The Dentist asociation says to go when the first tooth comes in, but I took my daughter at 18 month. Make sure you go to a pedeatric dentist. They took about 6 x-rays and the tech brushed her teeth. They gave her a toddler tooth brush a baloon stickers and everything. They are traind to work with little toddler so there is no embarassment if they won't sit still. They only do as much as the child is comfortable with.

K.,

My understanding from what I have read and from my pediatrician is to try and go around the 2 year mark... I totally agree that it seems a little young and I can't imagine my now 13 month old sitting still for a dentist when she is ready; however, the shape of baby teeth and gums can have a lasting affect on adult teeth and gums so it wouldn't hurt just to see if you can find someone. I have heard with dentists that you can actually call and tell them what you can pay if you don't have insurance and some will accept that as payment in full.

Good luck,
K.

Kimberly,
I took my son into the dentist at age three and a half years old for his first check-up. When we got to the dentist, he watched mommy get her teeth cleaned first. Then he was able to sit on my lap while the dentist looked at his teeth. He did really well with this first step. I think the dentist then showed him all the tools and let him feel the electric brush on his skin. I think he allowed the dentist to even clean his teeth a little. At the end he got a sticker, a toothbrush, a treat, and his picture taken (which he loved). On his second visit,things went even more smoothly. I would recommend finding a dentist and staff that are great with children. My son is slow to warm-up to new events, but the dentist and staff made him feel very comfortable. He also liked the rewards at the end. Good luck!
S.

I recently asked my Pediatrician the same question and here's the advice he gave me. He said "I usually recommend waiting until 5 before the kids go to see any other Dr's unless I find a medically necessary reason. If your child is still afraid of stranger touching them even with your permission, and while you’re right there with him (TOTALLY how my kid IS!), then sending them too soon can traumatize them, making them have a life long fear of that kind of Dr. By waiting until they are 5, they will be able to understand what the Dr. is going to do, to cooperate with the Dr., and trust your words that all is okay.”

So, according to my Pediatrician, the answer is 5, unless he tells me sooner~ for both the dentist and the eye Dr.

Hope it helps, ~J.

My best friend is our hygentist & her brother is our dentist so our older son went to the dentist w/me from birth & watched went on. He was 'in the chair' at a little over 2 & was very comfortable. Luckily, all appts. for kids at our dentist are free until 5....that's not cuz we know them so well, just their policy. Don't wait til she's closer to 5...kids can be more fearful already by this age so the sooner the better before any kind of fear sets in. I recommend that you always take your daughter w/you, if possible, so she knows what to expect. Have her sit in the chair & check out all the equipment a few times & then get her first cleaning. Usbourne books has a great book about going to the dentist that I highly recommend. Good luck!