At What Age Do I Take My Son to the Dentist?

When your child gets his first tooth, it's time to go to the dentist! Once your child starts getting teeth, he can get cavaties. You should get your little one to the dentist soon. :)

I took my daughter for a little cleaning right before she turned 2. I think that is a nice age they don't really know what is going on and are willing to lay there and have their teeth cleaned.

I wish I had taken my son earlier than 5 because of the extensive work he had to get done over the summer.

I also learned that they should go to sleep with water in their sippy cup or bottle and not milk. I always thought milk was the better deal over juice. Well, I learned from the denist that milk is just as bad as the juice with sugar sitting on the teeth all night. We now have nothing to eat or drink after brush time except water.

HTH
R. L

The American Dental Association recommends 6 months after their first tooth comes in that they seen a dentist.

K. - great question! I say that because I have just learned differently. I have a 4-1/2 year old son and he has been to the dentist 3 times - a general exam when he had just turned 4, a cleaning shortly thereafter and just two weeks ago his second cleaning. Unfortunately, two weeks ago we learned that he definitely has two cavities and the possibility of two more!! I was heartbroken. I did not take care of my teeth when I was young and I've paid the price with numerous fillings and a root canal. We were really trying hard to take good care of Justin's teeth. I learned from my new dentist that the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends parents taking their children to the dentist beginning at age 1! I had asked several people - my old dentist, Justin's peds doctor, friends, etc. - when I should take Justin in for the first time and I kept getting age 3 - 4 so I took him in just as he was turning 4. Well, too late. He was already developing cavities! I would suggest you go ahead and take your son in. They will do a general exam and then tell you when to bring him back in for a cleaning. My dentist told me that over 60% of children age 2 - 5 have cavities. He said that it is very easy for young kids with baby teeth to get cavities. The enamel is so thin and everything has sugar in it now. Plus, moms can get bacteria in their kids mouth by eating from the same utensil and that can speed up the process of getting cavities as well. Justin now has to go in to have two baby teeth filled. I hate that! Go ahead and take your son now and make sure you are wiping his teeth with a soft, wet cloth after eating (I'm assuming he doesn't get a bottle any longer). Good luck. C.

I was advised by many friends & family to start early to get them use to the idea. I took my little girl shortly after she started getting teeth. She is 3 now and loves to go. The first time the dentist just looked to see if they looked ok and the second time they actually cleaned them. She goes again next month and she's already been asking when she goes again. They usually give little one's prizes! Good Luck!

Hi, my name is A.. I am a 31 year old single mom of 3 year old daughter. My little girl started getting teeth when she was 3 months old so by the time she was 1 years old she had a mouth full of teeth. I decided that since she had all these teeth she needed to go to the dentist as soon as possible. I felt that she was too young then, but I did take her when she turned 2 years old. She cried a little but that was expected. The people who worked at the office she goes to comforted her and in the end she was fine. I also felt better knowing that her teeth were checked and were fine.

I took my grandson at the age of four, which was a big mistake, as he gets juicy juice everyday, and it was causing cavities, because I hadn't dilluted it (didn't know I was supposed to). Anyway, I take him to Kool Smiles, which is geared strictly to children, they even have a big play gym in the waiting room. Also, a large room where they have several kids getting dental work done at the same time, and you can observe through a big window. Anyway, my point is, had I taken him sooner, the dental problems could have been caught before they became that serious, and I could have been reprimanded about the sugary juice sitting on his teeth causing cavities. I felt so bad for him. He now has four caps and four fillings. That is so many for such a young child, and so much to go through already. I will take his younger brother, who is now three, in January for his first check-up. Hopefully, his teeth are in better shape, although I am taking preventative measures for him, now that I know how serious dental problems can get at such an early age. I've raised my own two children, and they never had that problem. They both have nice teeth. Although, they didn't get all the juice, like my two grandsons get everyday. My older grandson brushes his teeth everyday, and definetly understands dental hygiene now. Its been a hard lesson. I would check with a pediatric dentist about the age to take your son, even if for a check-up to get started, then a cleaning as soon as he is three. Hopefully, he has good teeth and won't have to go through serious dental work at such a young age. Best of luck!

According to my dentist, he won't clean them until they are 3. That is when I started taking my kids. By 3 they don't have problems following directions, like when to spit or don't swallow the flouride, etc.

i have a 3 yr old and a 5 yr old and i was told unless theirs something wrong w/them they start accepting them at the age of 3.

Hi K.-
I am the proud momma of a 5 month old and while I was at the dentist last week I asked them when she should come for her first appointment and he said 3yrs old. My sister-in-law also has a son who will be four in December and he just had his first appt. So I am going to say 3 or so. Hope this helps.

he should go to his first dental app at the age 3

Depending on your son's teeth brushing habits, I would recommend taking him to the dentist no later than 3. If he does not have good habits (at least brushing in the morning and in the evening), then you might want to take him now so that he can begin good habits. You don't want to wait too late for that.

I found with my two kids that they were able to sit still enough at age 3 for the hygienist and dentist to do their things to them without too much fuss.

Hope this is helpful!

Its really hard for that age to sit still in the chair..i am a former dental assistant..i wouldnt worry bout the dentist unless u notice any dark spots on thier teeth and if you do i would highly recommend a dentist who specializes in children of that age group. Having a well trained assistant to assist during exams makes a dentist visit fun and exciting..so check them out well if you do decide. Usually when the permanant teeth start coming in is when i would take them unless any pain or discomfort when eating..as these are just temporary teeth untill the perms come in. Hope that helped a little.

P.

Hi K..
I started taking my daughter to the dentist when she was 2.
The dentist wanted to start seeing her and looking at her teeth to get my daughter used to someone looking in her mouth.
I didn't have to pay for these visits because no actual cleaning occurred. My daughter just had her 1st cleaning at age 3 and she did just fine. I would take your son now because he does have teeth and to get him used to having someone looking in his mouth.
Take care.
L.

I was always told as soon as you want to start taking them but you should make sure by calling the dentist who will be caring for the child since there are many who will not take a child under certain ages.

My doctor told me to start takeing my kids at 3 unless they had something seriously wrong like chip teeth or something.

Ive been told by two different pedeatritions (my kids and my stepsons) that the recomended age is three

Hi K.,
I have worked in dentistry for over 25 years. Most dentists do like to see them at about 2 or 3 to get them used to having someone look at their teeth (as other moms have suggested)If you have a general dentist that is good with kids, there is really no need for a pedodontist. Some are excellent...some are over the top and almost traumatic when "controlling" children and always more expensive.
Also, many people don't know this,(even some dentists) but seeing an orthodontist by age 7 is highly recommended. They usually look at the child for no charge and can prevent growth problems while they are forming, sometimes eliminating the need for braces all together. I hope this helps.

I have a four year old and is peditrician told me to send him at 3. I think 2 is to young. Before 3 however, he started learning how to brush is mouth, so by the time he went for his first cleaning the dentist was impress. He gets a cleaning now only once a year until he reaches five then I will start him on the six mounth plan, because of his appetite and new foods will be more introduced my then. Also, his first appointment was at a dentist that caters to adults and kids, because he saw me get cleaned first, his cleaning was more comfortable for him after. It was a great first experience for both of us. Hope this helps.

I take my kids to a pediatric dentist. He recommends starting at age 3. The kids really like him and are not afraid to go. I took my 2 year old once when she fell and chipped a tooth. She will be 3 next month and can't wait to go to the dentist!

I took my son at 3 and he loved it. Especially when he got to pick out the new tooth brush. I have been told that you should take your kids as early as 1 or 2 to get them comforable and to watch other kids. Then when they go it will be a breeze!

My pediatritian said 3 years old.

I actuallty talked to my dentist about this and they recommended around the age of three. I took my son not long after his third birthday and although he didn't want them to clean his teeth he did let them get a good look and they let him see all of the equipment that they use. However, we did get through the whole ordeal with him screaming or crying.

Ask your dentist. Each dentist has a different preference. Our dentist originally said 3 years old, but I think he has lowered the age now, depending on the number of teeth the child has.

The first time, it would probably be best to take your son when you go for a cleaning and let him see what happens. Then they can also put him in the chair and do a quick check up on his teeth.

If you don't want to use your own personal dentist, I would recommend finding a pediatric dentist (they only treat children up to 16 or 18 years old). They are more geared to children your son's age and usually have waiting rooms that have fun things to do also.

Keep it fun for him now and he won't ever be scared of the dentist.

Hi, I, too, was confused by all of the conflicting "ages" that I was being told, so I called a local North Augusta pediatric dentist and she saw my son for his first check up when he was 15 months old. He's now 21 months and has his second visit scheduled for Oct. 17th. Definitely try to find a good pediatric dentist as their offices and demeanor are comforting to kids. Good luck!

It depends who you ask... I've heard anything from 1 to 4. If he's on you policy I'd go ahead and take him. My son went for the first time at 3 and if nothing else, it motivated him to brush his own teeth more.

You can take him now. I recommend reading some dentist-themed books beforehand (Dora, Sesame Street, etc. al have versions). But he's ready. Take your camera!

Hi..i have always herd from my dentist that it is three..that is when i started both of my older ones

They usually say at age 2 start taking them for check ups and they do cleanings at a later age.

I have been a registered Dental Assistant for 10 years and most pediatric dentist recommend bringing your child in at the age of three. This is for many reasons for example the earlier you start getting your child comfortable and used to the routine visits the easier it is on you and the child. It eliminates the fear of the dentist. Also, it now has wonderful preventive treatments that could prevent your child from going through the treatment that you had as a child. My daughter just had a bite corrector placed to correct her overbite and this will help her permenant teeth come in correctly and steer her away from wearing braces at an older age as well as many other problems due to an overbite. Make an appointment and see how he does...each time will get easier and easier. The one mistake alot of moms make is taking a child to the dentist when he is in pain! Who wants to go back to see the dentist when you are in so much pain and have a major problem. If the dentist becomes a pleasant experience beforehand the "major visits" are not so horrible and terrifying.

My dentist recommends age 3, unless you suspect problems before then. And I took my child with me to one of my cleanings so she would know what to expect. I would only recommend doing this if you handle the cleanings well yourself, of course. :)

My daughter was terrified of the dentist, so we watched shows & read books about the dentist. (There is a show on the Disney Channel called Daniel Cook & in one episode he gets a cleaning- that was the most help!) I think the best you can do is to find a pediatric or family dentist, and go when you think your child is ready. They do not have to do a cleaning on younger children (flouride isn't good for kids who can't "rinse & spit") but they can check to make sure all is well in there.