Toddler moms

Purrrfect433

When did your DC have their first dentist appointment? IDK how it slipped my mind, but I realized that Ben hasn't had his first appointment yet(great mothering, I know!). They always ask about Ben and Emily at my dentist appointments, but never in a patient-context. Our pediatrician has never once mentioned it, either. Anyway, I got a recommendation for a good pediatric dentist and I made him and Emily both, their first appointments for this month. When did your DC have their first?

Sweet&Spicy

2

oparcm

 

well don't worry to much, I called and my dentist wouldn't take dd until she turned 3 (she did in November) so she has her appointment next week.

j_hope

3..unless we think there's a need earlier...otherwise our dentist said it's getting them used to the dentist/chair/office at 3 years old.

co18co

My best friend's DH is a pediatric dentist, and he wants to see them at 3, at the earliest, unless there were some other reason.  You're fine!

DevonPow

My dentist and pedi say to wait until 3, so he hasn't had it yet.

Purrrfect433

Phew! I *thought* 2-3 was the average age, which is probably why I haven't done it til now. Plus, both my kids got their teeth very late(first teeth at 11 months, the rest came in during their second year). The office we're going to recommends they be seen at 12 months, so I was feeling very negligent. This is why I'm eternally grateful for the Bump=)

Chrisy-Wyobride

One of my best friends is a Dentist & says don't bother (unless there is a promise) until they are 3.

shaunie

DS had his first just before he turned 3.

marrymemylove

They should around when their first several teeth come through or around 1 year. DS went about 13 months. My mum is a dentist and nagged me to do it. They should give a xylitol treatment/brush (too young for fluoride) and get used to dentists being nice and not hurting. Also checks the quality of the enamel on the deciduous teeth. Should give you a sample of "tooth mousse" by recaldent which remineralises teeth.

The problem is baby teeth don't take in flouride from the mother, and they form in utero in the gum so they are usually weak. From around 6 months its important they get flouride through water supply because that's when the permanent teeth are forming in the jaw and that will determine their strength when they come through.

weddingbellenyc

i was thinking at 2, but i cannot see dd letting anyone even near her mouth at this point! omg it would be a total waste for us. i may try an appt at 21/2 -3.

Kersbear

His 1st was at 2, 2nd at 3 and now he'll go every 6 months.

JulieandBen

Jack is seeing the dentist for the first time at 29 1/2 months. His dentist said they usually see their patients between 1 - 1.5yrs. Jack only had two teeth at one year, so I find that interesting. He was slow but still. My dentist told me age three.

hilltop

The NEW official recommendation is 1 year, however the dental community has been recommending 3 years for a long time. I think this is why you are getting so many different answers. Don't worry about it though. I have noticed that my pediatrician does everything that a dentist office could do with a child under 3 anyway. Good luck with the first visit.

marrymemylove

Tooth mousse is definitely Canadian. My Mum has to pay a fortune to import it.

?And I think cost is the main reason Americans say go so late is money. In Australia babies would get insurance coverage or just get seen for free by any dentist I know (and I know lots). So there would be no out of pocket for the parents - in which case going earlier is done because it is clinically a good idea.?

Sadly having lived in the US 5 years I think that mostly what is done with your health is what is cheap, not what is best. That would explain that recommendation to me. Most dentists who were kindly would say "wait" because they were thinking of your pocketbook not your kids teeth. Which is nice, but doesn't reflect well on what is the best idea.?