Dentist at 1?

asws1208

W is 10 months and has had 8 teeth for about 2 months now. At 9 months the pedi told us we needed to take him to the dentist at 1 year. Is that normal? my mom said we didn't go until after 2 and I have other friends who were not told to go that early. Just curious

katebusse

I took my oldest at 1.5 years. She didn't have a tooth in her head until 14 months, and had a full set by age 2! It can't hurt to go, and pediatric dentists are equipped to handle peanuts. 

At almost 3.5, she understands that just like doctor check ups, the dentist is an integral part of your health. I brush her teeth twice daily and floss every night without push back from her. Start them early and it just becomes routine.

ameegee

My pedi says the first appointment should be around 1 year or 6 months after the first tooth. Whatever comes first.

fauxvegan

We took LO to the dentist at 7 months and she just had her second appointment last week at 10 months. Her next appointment is in January. It really depends on how early you want to take LO because I think some pediatricians recommend taking them to the dentist at one year old.

bty19

Glad you posted this. I forgot to ask our DR at her 9 month check up..... I was thinking about taking her at 1 year but I wasn't sure. She has 8 teeth (for a while now) so I guess 1 year sounds about right.

asws1208

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback. I guess the hunt for a pediatric dentist begins!

FutureMrsCaesar

Our pediatrician said to start taking them after they turn 3. Has worked for us so far, no cavities Eta my friend is a hygienist at pediatric dentist I take my kids to and she agrees. Although they dont turn away younger patients. If you're brushing their teeth regularly at home there usually isn't a need.

[Deleted User]

I didn't have O on our dental insurance this past year, so he will be going sometime after January 1 (thank you annual enrollment!)

anakah

Our dentist has us bring the twins in when we go for a cleaning to get them familiar. They sit in the chair and he shows them the tools and takes a quick look. He says they won't need to see the dentist for real for another couple of years.
Eta. They are 3.

lifesaverz

Wow I would've never thought of taking LO so early! Shows what I know about that I guess. We will probably wait longer though, I just can't really imagine that right now.

RockiesNugget

I asked my dentist when I was in for cleaning/6 mo check up if I should schedule an appointment for LO after he turns 1 and she said to wait until 2-2.5 unless I have a concern. We talked about his teeth (he has a lot already) and our current cleaning routine during my visit, so I felt comfortable with their recommendation.

asws1208

Chillpr said:

My pedi didn't mention it and A3 has had teeth since 4months old. I should have asked at the 9mos appt, but will def ask at the 12mos appt. He'll have almost a full set by then since he's teething molars now. Are you guise using floride or just the baby toothbrush?

Just using baby toothbrush. Pedi said that was all that was necessary until 1 and then start w/ the toothpaste. I agree w/ a few of you that W would FREAK if a dentist tried to look in his mouth unless he was holding food!  ) I am going to press a little more at the 12 month appt about how necessary it is!

katebusse

Mine has half of a tooth:)

frantastic12

ColeRose said:

I talked to my friend who is a dentist and he said around 1, but not really for hygiene purposes at that point. He said for a few years it is all about getting the kids comfortable/familiar with the dentist. I'm holding off making an appointment until C at least has ONE tooth.

This for us too!

Oh good so C isn't the very last December without a tooth!

Still toothless here, too! 

fauxvegan

ColeRose said:

Turk721 said:

fauxvegan said:

We took LO to the dentist at 7 months and she just had her second appointment last week at 10 months. Her next appointment is in January. It really depends on how early you want to take LO because I think some pediatricians recommend taking them to the dentist at one year old.

Is there a reason you're going so frequently?

That is a lot! Especially when it is just to get that used to being there.

We lost our health insurance when I quit my job so LO has Medicaid. They sent a letter saying I had to set up a dentist appt at 6 mos so I did. Then the dentist said she'd like to see her every three months until her first birthday just to make sure her teeth are coming in okay.

The dentist only sees her for like 3 minutes. She sticks her finger in her mouth to feel her gums. Then she tells us how to take care of her gums and teeth. She said I should be brushing her half tooth every day with a baby toothbrush and start using toothpaste once she had 6 teeth.

fauxvegan

@Turk721‌ looking at everyone else's responses I think you're right. The last appt seemed so pointless. I do remember taking DD1 to the dentist for the very first time at 1 yr, but not at 6 months.

asws1208

Haha I agree. That sounds like overkill! 

KMKaiser07

We did LO's first appointment a few months ago because he had a lot of teeth and because our pedi told us if the mom had cavities, baby is more likely to get them.  We made an appointment partly for that reason but mainly to have him start getting accustomed to strangers wearing masks putting their fingers in his mouth.