First Dental Visit - Chicago, IL

B., I've worked in the dental field for years now and most will see a child anytime after their first birthday, I would say 2 is pretty average. At that age, most dentist will just use the time to count the teeth and 'introduce' them to the different items around them, maybe polish their teeth and that's about it if there is nothing wrong with their teeth, the earlier you start getting them 'involved' the easier it will be and the calmer they will be when they're a little older.

Not sure where you're located, but Dental Dreams, LLC is an awesome company and they have many locations in the Chicagoland area. If interested, you can call ... ###-###-#### ... to see if there is one near you :)

I plan to take mine when she is 3. When I took my other daughter to the dentist about a month ago for a chipped tooth & the dentist asked about her. She took a quick look and said the teeth look great. She said I could take her in at 2 if I wanted to or any problems appeared but not necessary until 3 or so. All they will really do is look for problems. She said to make sure we brush well.

I took my son at 2 and now he goes every 6 months for checkups. The first time is more of a introduction to the dentist. They will get to sit in the chair and the dentist and hygienist will just check the teeth.

B.,

I first took my dtr when she was 2 but she was a little too overwhelmed. The dentist just looked at her teeth. However she went back at 3 and sat for a full exam and cleaning. I also was more prepared the 2nd time around. I got sunglasses for her eyes (bright lights) and read her the Bernstien Bears book about going to the Dentist. The dentist also let her sit on my lap while he examined her. Best of luck!

My son tuned two in January and we took him last month. Dr. Karston is GREAT! http://www.kidsfirstpd.com/ I believe it's good to start young so they get used to it and have a good experience the first time around. They also offer $50 off your first visit. I had a coupon but they may just do it if you ask about it.

I've heard a variety of ages as well. We had our introductory visit this week (age 3) and we go back next month for the first flouride treatment. Personally, my daughter would not have gone at 2. She would have been scared and probably would have bitten the dentist, if she sat still long enough to do that. My dentist did give me a tip the other day: when brushing, make a game of it. Let your child brush his teeth while brushing yours at the same time, then ask (ask, not tell) him if you can brush his teeth and then you will let him brush yours. The dentist said you want to make it fun and not crush his ego by acting as though he isn't doing a good enough job so you have to go over it--but since you do want to make sure his teeth are properly brushed, taking turns brushing each other's teeth might work. I tried it and it's going great for us.

Also, if your dentist has the kind of chairs mine does, which are like recliners, your son can sit (really, lie down) in your lap which would comforting for him if he is scared.

If you ever watch the Sprout channel, around 7:45 pm. central time, the little puppet character does his bedtime routine and he has a teeth brushing song that might be helpful.

Unless they have any problems, I was told three and that's what I did. My children have never had a fear of the dentist, either, so I feel the time period was good for us.

Good luck!