when did you first bring the babies to see a dentist?

hopeful34

I'm going to ask my dr on monday. They don't have teeth yet, i'm just wondering when we should start. Do you do anything to their gums right now? like wipe them with a wet rag?

Thanks!

kafunder

DD and DS both have two bottom teeth. We asked about brushing their teeth at their 9-month appt today, and the pedi said just to wipe them with a wet rag. He didn't mention anything about a dentist. I think that's not until at least 2 years old, but I could be wrong.

AlishaMay

I asked at my girls' 6 month visit since it was during DH's enrollment period.  She said that the first visit usually isn't until around 2 when they have all or most of their teeth.

babydontforget

My boys each have eight teeth (a lot, I know). We were told to start brushing with baby toothpaste (non-flouride). They LOVE brushing their teeth.

OrangeSmoke

I asked my dentist - he said not until 3ish  and even then, it's more about getting them familar with the setting (dentist chair = scary!).  The real dentist visits won't start until 4ish.

Shelley-Bean

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend starting with the dentist at 1 year old.

dec13th

1st visit at 1 year and 2nd visit just last week at 19 mos.  We used to use the little finger brush thingie with some non-fl toothpaste.  Them we moved up to toothbrushes with non-fl toothpaste.

I think you should start early so they don't mind it.

babybash

We have a lot of teeth too, 7 & 8 and we have been brushing their teeth, no toothpaste at all just to try to get in the habit of brushing.  They actually love brushing their teeth, well they chew on the toothbrush and they smile and laugh when they see me brush my teeth.  When I was pregnant I asked when to bring the babies and they said not for a few years.  I guess I'll ask the dr when I go on Friday

erinruns

We started brushing their teeth around 15 months, first visit to the dentist at 20 months.  They've been seen every six month since then.  It was only $1 per month to add them to my dental plan and now they are awesome about going to the dentist, so it was well worth it!