When Do I Start Taking My Daughter to the Dentist?

My dentist recommended that we start taking our children to a Pediatric dentist at 2 years old.

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I would say that it is never to early to take them to the denist when they start having teeth. Some of my friends waited longer than I did. I took my son when he was almost two. Call the local children's denist and see when they start excepting them. I would advise you not to wait because due to the small number of childrens denist you may be on a waiting list. My son got in quick for an exam, but he needs two crowns and we are having to wait 2 months until we can get in to have them fixed.

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I took mine between 18 months and two years to a pediatric dentist. They didn't do much with my boys at that age, but it got them used to going to the dentist.

I'm sure you are doing fine with your daughter. My boys are 6, 11, and 15 and I still have days when I feel clueless. Enjoy her! As hard as being a mom can be sometimes, the rewards are great! Have a great day!

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My dentist told me to bring my daughter in at three. The visit i went to when she was 2 1/2 i took her so that she would know what it looked like and the smells and noises.

My pediatrician recommends to take your child between the age of 2 and 3 but you need to be sure to brush her teeth everyday. Be sure to take her to a pediatric dentist. They make the dentist a fun place for children. My son had a blast and was not scared at all.

I started taking my son at age 2 for teeth and eyes.

When my son was 3 I could visibly see a cavity on every tooth in his mouth so I called literally every dentist in the 3 towns surronding our area. I called around 13 offices. They all told me he was to young to be seen, they wouldn't see him until he at least turned four. I explained the situation about seeing cavities & they still wouldn't see him. When he turned four he needed major dental surgery, they pulled all but 5 of his teeth out the other 4 teeth they root canaled & crowned, they had the nerve to be pissy with me for not taking him in sooner, I reminded them that they were the ones who wouldn't see him until he was four. Even when they saw him they sent him to a pediodontist to do everything because they didn't have the correct equipment for kids. Bottom line, they tell you four years old, which is correct if their teeth are visibly okay but if you notice any problems before then, demand & look for someone to check them out early so they don't have to face so much trauma when they are older.

I took my oldest daughter to the dentist when she was about 20 months. I think the sooner the better because they will start to get used to it.
Hope that helps,
A.

Many people wait too long to begin dental care for their children. Twenty percent of children have their first cavity before age five, and many have more than one cavity - 50 to 70 percent of children will have at least one cavity in their grade school years. We, as adults, know the importance of proper dental care, but it is important that we apply this information to our children as well. Proper dental care can begin before an infant gets his/her first tooth. I have three children and as soon as they turned 8 or 9 months old I began brining them in every 8 months. I never had any problems with them going to the dentist as they were use to the routine and none of my children even had cavativties until their teen years. I hope this helps.

C. Safford
www.momstakeaction.com
Moms Helping Other Moms to a brighter future..

By age 2 the child needs to visit a pediatric dentist, you will probably have a preliminary visit first to acquaint your child with the office, etc. Check with those in your area about the relationship the dentist has with his/her patients. Some are excellent dentist and have NO people skills much let child skills yet people take their children there because of the excellent care. That will be your decision. A red flag moment will be if you are not allowed into the examining area or how your child seems about going to the dentist or reacts as they come out, sure some dental procedures are not pleasant but a good pediatric dentist loves and is kind to children.

Hi A.
I took my kids to the dentist for the first time at a year old. They don't do much just a quick check of the first teeth and give you advice if you need any. Normally children will start going to the dentist for cleanings at 2 or 3 depending on your insurance and dentist. This is just my personal opinion but I feel the younger you can get them started then the less apprehention they will have.

Most advice books tell you to take your child to the dentist when teeth strt coming in and also begin brushing at that time even if there is only one or two teeth. Since your daughter has a mouth full, it would be good to take her. She also can start getting into the habit of brushing. If you can afford it, a pediatric dentist is best. I am kind of surprised your pediatrician had not given you advice on this. Anyway, thanks for being a good and caring MOM!
C.

I have heard that you start taking them at one year old. I, myself, just took my 16 month old daughter last month. All they do at this age is give you advice on teeth care and check to make sure there are no problems.

Check with your insurance too. I would love to take my girls, at a young age, to the dentist but MOST insurances don't cover the visit until at least age 3.

Mine started going when they were 2, they love the dentist. They are 3 1/2 and almost 6 yrs old now.

My daughter is 3 and a half. I have been taking her to the dentist since she was 2 years old. She loved it her very first time but since then we have been 2 other times and she totally hates it. She screamed the whole time we were there. I take her to a female dentist who only sees children. My daughter's dentist suggest that they start going to the dentist at 3 but they take them at 2. We have dental insurance that allows us to have free cleanings every six months so that is another reason that I just started taking her 2. I feel it is a good routine to start them in. Hope this helps answer your question. Good Luck.

Hi! I currently work for a general dentist but worked for pediatric dentist for about 5 years. Anytime is great! General cleanings don't usually start until about 3 or so but making an early appointment to get her used to the atmosphere is a great idea. My daughter went for her 1st vist about 6 months ago when she was 2 1/2. The office really just took their time & talked to her and did alook see. We are scheduled to go back in about a week and hopefully she will cooperate enough to have them cleaned! Wish us luck!!

My pediatrician recommends 3 years old.

Keep her teeth clean and unless there is a problem, i.e. chipped tooth, visible cavities, she doesn't need to see a dentist until 3 years old.

My friends and I have actually had several discussions on this topic. Some people recommend that the baby be seen 6 months after the first tooth has come through. I think this is pretty extreme. A friend of mine whose uncle is a dentist decided to take her daughter in after her second birthday and it was traumatic. Most dentists don't want to see kids until they're three unless there is a serious problem. I'm waiting till three. Since you're doing a really good job at brushing her teeth and the doctor should be looking at them for any signs of decay at her check ups you should be fine.

My pediatrician just told me it's time to take mine & to switch to flouridated toothpaste at our 2yr checkup

Most pediatric dentists will ask you to wait until your child is 3 before bringing them in the first time - this will just be a look and see visit, get kids used to sitting in the chair, having the dentist look in their mouth etc. The first cleaning usually isn't until 3 1/2 -4. My son is 2, we take him with us for our routine cleanings so he can watch, and our hygentist always counts our teeth for him, he gets a kick out of it!

My dentist advised us that age 2 is the perfect time to bring them in for the first time. They don't do an in depth cleaning, just a brushing and flossing but it gets the kids used to the feeling of being in the office.

I am in school for dental asst. right now and we were told the ideal age is 3. Some dentist will see them at 2 but they do better at 3 as far as sitting anf letting the dentist actually look at their teeth.

I have 18 month old twin girls and they went for their first visit to the dentist just shortly after they turned one. They will actually be going for their second visit next month. I was told and I read in many places that you should take them to the dentist within 6 months of their first tooth, or by their 1st birthday. If you live anywhere around Lafayette, we use Dr. Keaty and he is wonderful. He has 2 offices one at Women and Children's Hospital office bldg and one by Red's gym and the Grand theater. Hope this helps - Good Luck!

I asked my dentist the last time I was in his office. He told me to make her an appointment after her 3rd birthday. That is when all thier teeth have come in and they're old enough to explain to them what's going to be done to their teeth.

I always asked my dentist when I should bring my daughter in for her first visit and they always said 3 years, but then I found Pediatric Dental Associates in Fayetteville. They reccommend 1 year- or as soon as they have a lot of teeth. That place is great- totally geared toward kids. My daughter loves it and looks forward to going!!!

Most dentists don't start seeing children until they are three years old. However, if your child is having problems of any kind, I'm sure someone would see her.

I started taking my daughter to the dentist when she was a year and a half. The dentist took pictures (not x-rays, just pictures with a little camera placed in her mouth) of her teeth and gums. She gave us some basic information about brushing, etc. The purpose of the appointment was really to get established with a dentist. She won't start having her teeth cleaned until she's 3. The dentist told us not to use toothpaste with flouride at this time. They get enough flouride from water and at this age, the flouride in toothpaste can cause the teeth to be discolored (white patchy teeth). Hope that helps.

J.

We started taking our daughters at 3 yrs old at the suggestion of our dentist.

my dentist office says 3

Call your dentist--preferably one who sees children. Usually the age is aout two years, but you should still discuss your concerns with the dentist office. But before you do that be sure to check with your insurance company about coverage at that age. Best of luck!

Hi A., I am a dental hygienist and mother of 2 (3yr. and 19mo.) I recommend to my patients to start their children between the ages of 2-3. My son was 2 when he first started going. I knew he could handle it because he is so laid back, but most kids are ready closer to the age of 3. The first visit is usually a "fun" visit just to get them used to the new environment. Hopes this helps. Also, great job on brushing everyday!

My daughter & son's pediatrician both told me that as soon as they starting getting teeth to take them in. I contacted a pediatric dentist and they advised that they like to start children at 6 months even if they don't have any teeth just to check to make sure the roof of their mouth is forming correctly. I took my daughter in at 2 and my son in at 6 months (on same visit) and it was interesting. I suggest doing it now that way your child starts getting used to the dentist as they grow older.

My daughters dentist started her at age 3 for pre k,but they rather them start at 4 so that there old enough to kind of know what is going on and they say its best not to take them till all their teeth have come in.

We started doing regular check ups with the kids between 2-3 since they had no apparent problems but I wanted to get them used to going. At firt they will only do a very light cleaning, count their teeth, etc. and get them used to this type of appt.

Hi! First, congratulations on thinking of the small things like brushing teeth and being an example to your friends. As far as dentist visits go, I think you will probably get a large range of answers. It is amazing what different advice my friends and I got even from our different pediatricians! Remember to use your common sense and think through any advice that is given to you. My pediatrician recommended that we go to the dentist around 3 yrs. old. My first child was actually almost 4 and my second was not quite 3. My second starting grinding her teeth in her sleep and I was concerned. There are dentists out there who are pediatric dentists who specialize in just children, but two of my friends experiences with these resulted in way overkill (caps on teeth for cosmetic effect before they were 5 yrs. etc.) I am lucky to have a great family dentist in Chelsea, Alabama, who I talked to about seeing my children. His answer made me feel very comfortable. He said that he would be glad to see my children if they were ok sitting in his chair and opening their mouths for him. He would just basically look at all their teeth and try some flouride maybe, the first time. As long as they were not having problems with their teeth, he would not try to force them, if they would not do it on their own, we would try to find a pediatric dentist or do something else. They are now 9 and 12 and go every six months and one has braces and both have no cavities! Yea!

As a Mother of 5 and Grandmother of 12, that I have helped raise many of, I have an answer for you....I took all my children when they turned 2 to the dentist, however that was in Alaska and our dentist was also a friend.

I recently checked with My Dentist (in front of Oakwood Mall)about getting my granddaughter in to familarize her with the dental surroundings before any real cleanings or work would have to be done so that she would feel comfortable and not be frightened and they do what is called "A Happy Visit" for children under 5. Give them a call or call you own dentist. Hope that this helps you. Respectfully K. R

A.,
I was always told 3 was the right time....UNTIL my son fell at school and busted his lip and knocked his tooth loose. Then when I took him to a PEDIATRIC dentist I was told they start as early as 12 months old or sooner depending on if they have teeth. They don't do the same type "cleaning" that you get and they know how to distract the child to check teeth and x-ray. My son was 2 1/2 when he was injured. Above all trust your instincts. Be comfortable with the pediatric dentist that you try. Remember, they are easier to find in larger towns, in a smaller area you may want to check with the local dentists what they suggest. Good luck!
B.

They say to start taking them as soon as they start getting teeth. There isnt going to be a lot they are going to do for them except give brushing advice and check for any potential problems.

My husband is in dental school and I asked him this question, he said usually by the time their four years old they should have seen the dentist, but you can take them earlier if you have any concerns.

I just recently took my son for his eighteen month check up and they told me that they should see the dentist at age two.

I heard around 4 years old for the dentist, because you maybe wait until their real teeth come in. Would your daughter even sit still with her mouth open for a stranger to poke and prod her anyway? I haven't taken mine yet but I keep their teeth very clean by brushing. Ask your pediatrician.

I would call a local dentist and ask them your question. I think they like to see them when they have a month full of teeth.

I think my pedi dentist had me bring my kids at two. It was not a very stressful visit. If I remember correctly, it was more of just an inspection. I don't think he did xrays that visit.

I asked my dentist and he said to start brining my daughter when she makes three. He said as long as I was brushing her teeth, it was fine to wait until then unless she seemed to be having problems.

Even the professionals differ on this! I would start with a pediatric dentist. I think 24 months is the youngest they would suggest. The problem will be in getting her to let some stranger look around in her mouth. An advantage to starting early is that it will get her used to it before it is critical. Hope this helps! :)

I use to work for a pedo dentist. We would always tell parents to bring there kids in as early as 1 or if they have 8 teeth. We also would tell you to make sure that she is not taking anything but water to bed (if she needs anyting at night), cause if your baby is getting any kind of milk or juice at night your baby could get baby bottle decay. Try to get her to a dentist soon. Keep up the job of brushing, it helps alot :)

I would take her now. The dentist will not actually scrape and clean the teeth like he does with us, but he will check them and make sure gums and teeth are healthy. It's never too early to take care of your teeth, ecspecially if you have dental insurance!

Hi A.,
I am a first time mom too. The reading that I have done recommends that you take your child to the dentist within 6 months of their first tooth eruption. Mine got his first at 6 months, so I will be taking him to the dentist at one year. Good dental hygeine is very important, so I am personally going to follow recommended guidelines. Congrats on mommyhood, I know I am loving it. It is tiring though, isn't it!?

Hi, I started taking my boys to a children's dentist at 2 years old, and every 6 months after that. When they were in grade school, the dentist put sealants on their back teeth to prevent cavities. They are now almost grown have only ever had 3 cavities between them, so I guess it worked! Starting to go to the dentist very young keeps the fear down to a minumum. Some people think that kids behave for the dentist better if the parent does not go back with them, but I disagree with that. You never know what goes on when you are not there, so I stayed with my boys and they did great! Good Luck

Hello A.!

My children went to an early headstart program so it required us to atleast take the child the dentist at age 1 just for a check up letting you know what to start doing to the child's teeth until they all come in at about age 3. So now would be good!

I started taking my kis to the dentist at 2yrs old

My dentist just said yesterday to bring in our child when he turns 2. Let him ride in the chair and see me get my teeth cleaned. Also, the dentist recommends to rub my newborns gums and let him get used to something in his mouth. Let it be a daily game at bathtime. When the child turns 3 we will take him in for his own checkup!--hope this helps.

The newest recomendations say 1 year. All they do at that time is a quick look. It is quick and easy.

My dentist told me that you didn't need to bring a child in until they were 3. But, I noticed a few cavities in her mouth right off the bat so she went about 18 months and had them checked out. By age 3 she had to have those 2 teeth removed. But, I would just call a local child's dentist or ask your pediatrician.

Actually you should have already started taking her to the dentist about the time the first tooth came in just to be sure they are coming in correctly. I would recommend finding a pediatric dentist. They are great with children and the equipment is smaller.

Hi A.,
I started bringing my oldest son at 9 months he already had a mouth full at that time. By 12 months he had all his teeth. My dentist recommended a very good children's dentist. My son loved him. When my second son came along, I started bringing him at 12 months. His teeth did not come in as fast as his brothers teeth. The result of bringing them so young... Neither one grew up afraid to go to the dentist. C.

I started taking my daughters at 2 just so they would feel comfortable with the dentist/hygenist. They showed them how to brush their teeth and talked to them and we just went once a year until the dentist said to start the every six months cleaning. As a result, they love the dentist (they are now 20 and 17) and do not worry at all about going. Good news is that neither ever had cavitites. Good luck,
D.

I took my 4yr. old her Pediatric Dentist in OKC on Wednesday I asked him the same question. By the way, Pediatric Dentist's are specialists, they are very different than a regular dentist.

Dr. Lee told me to look at J's teeth and if we saw any problems then bring him in immediately, if we didn't see any obvious problems then he could wait until he was 2-3 years old.

I think this dentist is absolutely the best!!! I drive over 150 miles to get to him, that is how much I think of him. He has privileges at Midwest City Hospital, Children's Hospital, and Baptist Hospital.

When K fell and broke a front tooth we found this dentist by way of Ocean Dental, they wouldn't even touch the tooth. They had a list of Pediatric Dentists that took Sooner Care and his clinic was on there. We called all of the dentists listed and Dr. Lee's office was the only one that could explain what a Pediatric Dentist was. So I choose him and he was AWESOME. We went to Children's Hospital for the procedure and K's was asleep during the entire procedure. He did several fillings and the cap for the broken tooth. He is one of the few Pediatric Dentists we talked to that actually does white fillings at this age. They figure they are going to fall out anyway so why bother.

If anyone reading this wants more information about Dr. Lee email me and I will give you his information.

G.

We went to the pediatric dentist at 11 months because I thought there may have been a problem. He told me he likes to see kids for their first appointment at 2 years old.

Hi, A., hope I can help you. Find a pediatric dentist and take her now. The ones we use like for the kids to come in around the age of 1. That gives the baby time to make friends with the staff and the dentist can pretty much foresee any trouble spots and you can maybe avoid them. The earlier they start going the better becuase most kids will go thru a stranger avoidance around 2.

A.,

My dentist told me to have their first dental visit at the age of three. After your child is about 2 1/2 or so and is able to spit, I encourage you to start using toothpaste with floride in it. My dentist also suggested brushing their teeth well at night and allowing the child to brush in the morning, if your child really wants to brush his/herself. I suggest brushing their teeth yourself as long as possible! I hope that this is helpful!

K.
Mother of twin four-yr-olds and a 22 mth old son.