I wanted to take a poll...when did ya'll take your child to the dentist for the first time? I have a 16 month old, and I know the pediatric dentist association is recommending the first visit by 12 months, but that just seems really young. (And of course they would recommend as early as possible--it's how they make their money!) What do you smart mamas think?
My family dentist and pedi both suggest a first time dental visit by age 3. I took my son for his first visit a few months before he turned 3yo. He did wonderful!
I took both of my kids to the dentist for the first time when they were between 3 1/2 and 4 years old.
I was worried that they would be scared of the dentist, so I built it up by saying things like, "The doctor is so excited to see your pretty teeth! We've been doing such a good job, brushing your teeth, that he is going to be so proud of you!"
Then when we saw the dentist for the first time, I told the dentist how excited the kids were to show off their pretty teeth and how well they've been brushing. Anyway, my kids couldn't wait to open their mouth for the dentist and he 'caught on' and told my kids that he hasn't seen prettier teeth before. It was very cute and went well.
Good luck!
I took my son just after his 2nd birthday. We'd been brushing and flossing his teeth (dental pick floss), so he was used to us sticking our fingers in his mouth.
The dentist really didn't do much beyond look at his teeth, count them, and brush & floss them herself. She tried to get him to take xrays, but when he put up a little fuss she backed off.
The visit was more for getting him used to the dentist than to get any actual cleaning, etc done. A good pediatric dentist will only go as far as the child will let them, to avoid future anxiety. We were advised to come back in 6 months for a check up/cleaning and we most likely will--if insurance pays for it, why not, right? :-)
Good luck with your decision!
I took my son to our family dentist right after his 4th b'day. His pedi said anytime between his 3rd and 4th b'days. I decided the later the better. He did great!!
i took my first a little after she was 3 and she went to the same dentist me and my dh go to. but i'm actually taking my 19 month old to the a pediatric dentist today. but it is only because i think she may have chipped her front tooth when she fell and i want it looked at to be sure we don't have to do anything. they are going to do a cleaning and fluoride treatment. if her tooth is ok and she checks out fine i don't plan on taking her again until she is 3.
I took my oldest to the dentist when she was about 3 1/2. Her younger sister started earlier than that...probably a little bit before she was three. The only reason I did that was because her older sister was already going at the same time. I would have never taken her any earlier.
