Community› The Bump Local Boards› D.C. Area Babies
D.C. Area Babies
New Discussion

s/o the dentist--when to go?

bh2720bh2720
in D.C. Area Babies

Our pediatrician told us that at age two, Warner is ready to visit the dentist. But our dentist said that kids don't need to been seen until they are at least 3. 

So I'm a bit confused...

Thoughts?

Report Reply to Post

Re: s/o the dentist--when to go?

  • sarabeansarabean
    My pediatrician and dentist both said 3, and I've asked them multiple times because it doesn't seem right.  I can't find exact AAP recommendations right now, but in this page about children's dental health they mention a dentist in the birth to 12 months section and have "schedule a check-up" in the 12 - 24 month section, https://preview.tinyurl.com/3mewvvt.  My family dentist said I could bring my daughter in (she's almost 2) whenever I come in, just to get her used to them and the chair, but it doesn't seem like they will actually do anything yet.  I don't really want to have to find a pediatric dentist, but I will if I have to.
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • vml14vml14
    We had to take my daughter in to a pediatric dentist around 12 months because she chipped a tooth when she fell, and they told us that they recommend starting at 12 months, and going every 6 months after that, which we're doing.  But, I take their advice with a grain of salt since they are in the business of making money from having kids get their teeth examined!
    imageBaby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • Hey JellisyHey Jellisy
     I just asked this at my 2 year appt for DD.  They said the AAP says age 3 and the ADA says age 2.  She recommended we take DD with us to a cleaning so she can see it happen and then book her first appointment closer to her third birthday.
    image
    From December 29, 2011
    Report Reply
  • ArtslvrArtslvr

    I took the girls for the first time last week.  DD #1 is 4 and DD #2 is 2.  It was their first visit.  I only bothered to take the 2 year old because I was going anyway... otherwise I'd have waited until she was 3 or 4.

    Even though my insurance covers visits to a "primary care dentist" I took the girls to a pediatric dentist and paid a few more $$.  I thought it was worth it since they were great at making the girls feel comfortable.

    My primary care dentist had said bring the 4 year old in anytime after she turned 3 with me during one of my appointments so she could get used to seeing the chair and equipment and stuff, but that never made sense to me - how was I going to watch her and make sure she didn't tear the place apart while lying down in a chair getting my teeth cleaned?  DH completely HATES the dentist. It's a true phobia.  So he'd be no help!  Stick out tongue

    Wife, Musician, Fed, WW-er, and Mom of three little kids - not necessarily in that order.
    Report Reply
  • SofkaSofka

    BH, we got the same guidance. DD turns 3 in Oct and our medical year at work starts in July so I'll be adding her to my policy in July and plan to take her right around her 3rd b-day sometime.

     

    Report Reply
  • vtkgirl77vtkgirl77
    I took DD a month ago specifically because I wanted to get the dentist's opinion about her thumb sucking and whether it would cause permanent damage to her teeth since her teeth seem to be shifting outwards. Other than looking at her teeth and giving her a flouride treatment, he mainly gave me a consultation which is what I wanted. He also said that they get most of their flouride from the water and that the treatment is just an added bonus (basically, I don't think the flouride was even necessary). So, in summary, I don't think you are really missing anything by not going.
    Lilypie Third Birthday tickers Lilypie First Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • LeaLeaLeaLea
    I received the same advice - bring them in with you when they are around 2.5 for an intro to the dentist chair and then they should get an exam at age 3.
    Lilypie Second Birthday tickers image
    Report Reply
  • amh_navyblueamh_navyblue

    Just to echo what others have said--3 is the age.  My sister-in-law is a dentist and said that while you certainly want to be getting kids in the habit of brushing as soon as they have teeth and keep an eye on the teeth, it's not necessary to take them to the dentist until they are about 3.  We took DD#1 for the first time last year when she was 3.5 and she was just there today. I HIGHLY recommend finding a pediatric dentist in your area--in our experience it made a WORLD of difference.  DD was actually excited about going today because she remembered the experience from last time.

    Report Reply
  • L'EtincelleL'Etincelle

    Just a little note on fluoride - try to do some research before you get your kids another treatment. You may be surprised as to what you learn, and then you can make a more informed decision, whether you decide to continue fluoride treatments or not.

    Personally, since researching this, I no longer buy toothpaste with fluoride, always decline fluoride treatments at the dentist office, and drink Spring water as much as possible......

    https://thyroid.about.com/cs/toxicchemicalsan/a/flouride.htm

     

    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"