Seek Dentist for 3 Year Old

Yes, 3 is the age to start going. I don't remember doing anything to prepare my 2 older ones, I just took them, they never gave me a problem, plus my dentist has a goody box w/cheap little toys in it they can pick from when they are done so they always liked going for that. My dentist charges $80 for a cleaning. May be cheaper for a little one tho, I can't remember, it's been a while.

My daughter will soon be 4 1/2. My dentist said the first appt. should be when she was 3, so that's when I took her.
We don't have ins. either, but the practice accepts payments on your balance. No certain amount, what you can afford.
We live in Fkft, KY, and the practice is in Shelbyville.
About 30 miles west. If that's close to you, email me and I'll give you the name of it. ____@____.com
I think her appt. cost me about $30.

The first appt., I read the Usborne dentist book the night before, and told her what about cleaning her teeth. She did really well at the dentist. She's had two since then. The second one, she wouldn't cooperate at all. So, the asst. didn't push it. The third time, she was even more uncooperative, but the asst. was firm and persistent, and finally got her teeth cleaned while I literally held her in the chair. I'm sure the next time will be easier.

I took my children with me when I was in the dentist chair - they got used to it --- don't ever say something like "It won't hurt" or anything like that - the kids will sense that it might - and will be afraid. Always talk positively if you want them to act positively.

$$$ ? Every dentist is different --- Youngstown State University had a program (years ago - not sure if they still do it) where it was no cost or only a very small amount - but you had to be there a long time - the students worked on you but were supervised and checked by the professional "teacher" - I liked the experience and cheapness of it - but didn't like the time it consumed - and with little ones it may not be good because of that. You could use that and use the dollars it saves to take your children to the more expensive "dentist office"

I took my 3 children to small smiles. They did great. My oldest needed a cleaning, tooth pulled,crown, filling. She said it was great. Just a little whimpering and they was so gentle.

My 3 and 2 yr olds loved the clinic. They was happy to watch Happy Feet on the TV. They loved everything about it.

We go back on Dec 4th for the babies.

Have you checked into healty start. They pay for the cleaning and stuff. and they give you full coverage for a child.

Link to small smiles http://www.smallsmilesusa.com/States/OH/Columbus/index.html

I can't help with the price question, however, I can say that my dentist recommends you take your child for their first appointment between 2 and 3 years of age. When my 7 year old used to see his old dentist (he sees a pediatric dentist now) they were just starting to use the "normal toothbrush" on him. For the first 3 years or so, they would just check his teeth, get x-rays if they could (they never could get him to sit still long enough), and then they would brush his teeth with a regular toothbrush. Of course it helped that they had a TV at the end of the chair so he could watch whatever he wanted the whole time. The best advice I can give is that if you or your husband/partner have issues with the dentist (my husband has HUGE dentist issues) be sure that you don't pass that on to your daughter. :)

Good luck!

We started at 2, taking him with anyone, including Grandparents that went to have their teeth cleaned. He went to the same dentist as his dad/dad's family when the time came because he knew the dentist from inside and outside the office. We simply told my "neat freak" of a son that they were just going to give his teeth an extra good cleaning, better than a tooth brush can, and make sure that we were cleaning them good at home. He did great! As for cost, I don't know. It can vary depending on dentist, and some places give different rates based on if your paying with insurance verses cash.

Dear J.,
Yes your daughter should defiantly see a dentist. If insurance is a problem you might want to try Sears Dental. They offer exams and cleanings for around $80 for adults so I bet its cheeper for kids. The best way to get your child used to the idea is to make an appointment for your self. Let her see you get your cleaning to try to take away some anxiety. Next when its her turn ask the detist if she can sit on your lap. He then will just "take a look" if your child will allow it. If she doesnt the first time dont freak out. Sometimes it takes kids a few time to get the idea that they are not going to be hurt. Even a quick peek by your DDS can give him idea if there are any cavities starting. In the mean time get books about going to the dentist and read them to her. talk to her about. Make sure when you brush her teeth explain this what what the dentist will do to take out all the bugs.
I hope this helps. I am a part time dental asst. I do know of some pedatic dentist if you would like to try them. Let me know.
A.

They say you should start taking them as soon as they get teeth in...I took mine when they were 3. It took us some time to find a good dentist. My son had a horrible time at first, and now he is starting to come around. But he had some bad experiences with needing a cap and all. Make sure it is a dentist that will allow you to stay with your child. Some pediatric dentists will not allow you to go back, which I totally disagree with! They start off with just brushing their teeth, counting the teeth...nothing major. Talk to your daughter about going and how she will get a new toothbrush and how she will get to sit in a really cool chair that moves up, down, and back. There are also books you can get from the library...just preview them first because some mention a drill--not good! Keep it positive and she will do great!

My son goes to sylvania pediatric dental and my son loves them hes had to have surgeries and several fillings, and they have alwasy been great with him. I really didn't prepare him much, i just explained what they were going to do and went from there.

I was told by my dentist that around 4 years old unless there is a problem. My son is 5 and has been to the dentist twice. They show them how to brush their teeth, tell them how many teeth they have and general introduction to keeping their teeth in good health. They are on my insurance plan so cost wise I don't know.

the first check up should be about 3 yrs old. Just wondering about the ins. All kids in America are supposed to have ins, have you checked out your local Department of Children and Family Services. I don't know if they mean medical or dental, but it worth a shot. I think it's close to 100.00.
Good Luck!

My daughter just turned 3 yrs old and she went to my last two appointments with me. We have a great "kid-friendly" dentist. She allows my 9 yr old to put on a mask and gloves and be her assistant when she does my cleanings. She is also very gentle with all of us.
My kids love the dentist. My 3 yr old will have her first cleaning on our next visit. The key is to pick the right dentist.
I'm not sure about the cost.

I took my daughter to the dentist when she turned 2. I had been brushing her teeth, but other than that I didn't really prepare her for the visit. She's a pretty easy going kid and really didn't mind them brushing her teeth, so the visit went well. I took her to this practice: http://www.pediatricdentalgrouplouisville.com/. Our insurance did not cover much, I think the total costs of the visit was about $150. That was for X-rays and a cleaning. I thought they did a wonderful job though, I would highly recommend them.