First dentist appointment

KentuckyKate · June 2014

According to the AADP, a child's first dentist visit should be by his/her first birthday or 6 months after cutting the first tooth.

Whaaaat? She turned one yesterday and she's had bottom teeth since December, so that qualifies us, but she only has two whole teeth, with the top two just now starting to cut. I can't imagine how a dentist could assess anything at this point, and I kind of don't want to torture my kid with this if it's not necessary. It's not like she can sit in a dentist chair and open wide by herself.

Is anyone actually taking LO to see a dentist this month? Has anyone already been, aside from any accidents/injuries? Or has anyone taken an older child at around this age? Wanting to know what this is all about, thanks.

Lizzybizzy80 · June 2014

I'm waiting until open enrollment in September when I can add B to my dental insurance. I called the dentist's office yesterday and she said that they recommended twelve months but fifteen months would be fine too.

ilovemarfa · June 2014

I have been bringing ds1 since he was 1. I have an appointment set up for ds2 for next month after he turns 1.

WasNotWas · June 2014

We took Bradley at 2 and he did really well. I'd wait until they have all their teeth (or at least most of them). As long as you are keeping them clean at home there's not much more the dentist can do at this age

megaroo64 · June 2014

B is like a shark - 8 teeth and he is cutting his first molar right now. And we probably SHOULD take him to the dentist, but we are waiting until open enrollment on our insurance to add him to the dental policy. Right now, there is probably NO way in hell he would sit still with his mouth open anyway.

ilovemarfa · June 2014

I bring them early so they get used to going. Ds1 is really good now at 3 letting the dentist do cleanings. When they are little they basically just try I take a peak. I'm happy that I brought him early because he has 1 cavity already despite me being anal about brushing and limiting sweets and juices. Bad teeth run on dh's side so I need to be vigilant to make sure their teeth are clean healthy,

Western Diva · June 2014

Here the recommendation is 3ish. Both boys go for fluoride varnish every 4 months so their teeth are being looked at and I'll be told if there are problems before they go to the dentist.

natalie115 · June 2014

I've worked in the dental field for 7 years now and honestly chuckle at people who take their kids before 2.5-3yrs old. The dentist can't actually do anything except look and pediatricians usually do a pretty good job evaluating if there is an issue and educating parents about not putting LO to bed w/ a bottle. If you want to, go right ahead, but if you wait until they're older it'll be just fine.

CoffeeBeanFiend91 · June 2014

I took DD. I was shown how to properly brush her teeth got nutritional information and learned she already has tight teeth and her top teeth have some curve to them which makes them more prone to decay. Which was good to know.

kelly422 · June 2014

Let's listen to @workinit who is the pediatric dental hygienist.

Pedis do not get a good look at teeth. Sorry. AAP recommends by 1 year old. Call a pediatric dentist and see what they say. Guarantee they won't say oh wait until they're 3 or 4, no biggie.

jmcgra06 · June 2014

WorkinIt said:
I highly recommend a one year visit. At my office we see the kids free of charge for the early childhood appointments. We do a great deal of educating, an exam, and apply a fluoride varnish. It costs parents nothing but their time. I will even be bringing my son in to get the experience!

Totally agree. I'm a general dentist but I work with a pediatric dentist and early visits are so important. If your two year old had a cavity, you are looking at full sedation to fix it, sometimes in the OR. Pediatric dentists look for early signs of cavities and prevent them from growing.

Lizzybizzy80 · June 2014

I wish it was free for me. The dentist I want to go to said the first visit will be $126 without insurance for a 12 month appt. I think I'll wait the three months.

numbersgirl08 · June 2014

@workinit - how often is it recommended that LOs go to the dentist? Say the first appointment is right around one year - when would the next be? Is it twice a year like us or more/less often?

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Bradley 05-04-11 & Tyler 06-18-13

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