When Do I Take My 2 Year Old to the Dentist?

I took my oldest son after he turned 1. He goes twice a year now. The last time he went was in Jan of this year. He was 17 months old, they wanted to clean his teeth but, he fought it so they decided not to. ALl they do is check them. The place we go to is very kid friendly. My son is not afriad of the doctor but, he was a little freaked out by the dentist. I think mainly because of the chair and then the light right above it. I think if you go to a good dentist and let them know your son is nervous or scared they will be even more careful and gentle with him. I can get you the name and number to our place if you want.

Hi P.,
My daughter was just like your son. She was terrible about letting anyone look into her mouth. I started taking her to the dentist when she was about 2-1/2. He didn't really do much for the first two visits other than give her a ride on the dentist chair and make her a funny face balloon out of a glove, but it really helped her relax and begin to trust him. I think he may have taken a small peek on the second visit but by the third visit she allowed him to check her teeth. I think if you feel it is just not going to be of any benefit than wait but if you feel that he may come around it is probably a good idea to take him in now so by the time he's three he will, hopefully allow the dentist to do a complete check up. In the mean time i'd ask his Ped. about the discoloration of his teeth.
Good luck!
E.

From what I was told, you're supposed to take kids to the dentist at a year old or as soon as they have teeth. My son didn't have any teeth until right after his first b'day. He just turned 3 and still doesn't have all of them! I took him to the dentist for the first time several months ago and he screamed and cried when all the dentist was doing was examining him. My advice to you is to buy or check out a bunch of books and videos on dentist to prepare your child for the visit. I did that but I don't think I did it soon enough before the appt. My library and some of the other libraries that are around my area had some great kids books and a Calliou video (my son loved that one) You can also buy a little mirror and pretend to be the dentist. Explain that you're going to the dentist soon and this is what's going to happen when you're there. Then let you child be the dentist and do the same things to you and other family members. They told me that at 3 they get a cleaning so I was terrified of how my son was going to react to that. I bought an electric toothbrush and he loves it. It's getting him use to the noise and I told him that the dentist will be using something noisy like this the next time we go back! We talk about it often and I'm hoping that the next visit will go well! If you can go to a dentist that is specifically for kids. Our's had trains all over it and had trains going around the ceiling in the exam room. That kind of helped because my son loves trains and it somewhat distracted him. The chair was big enough for me to be able to sit on the edge and help the dentist with my son. I hope this helps. It does get better as they get older. Until recently my son would get hysterical at the Dr.'s office the minute we left the waiting room. He would freak out over just being weighed and having his temp. taken. He's hardly ever sick so it's not like he's been there too many times or had traumatic things (besides shots) happen to him at the Dr.'s office. Within the last couple of months he's been doing a lot better and even wanting us to take his temp at home. My advice is to talk it up and play Dr. and dentist at home. Hope this helps. PS. If the water you're giving you child doesn't have fluoride in it they will also want you to give your child prescription fluoride drops. If your child is getting too much fluoride already, that could be causing the discoloration. You might need to find out if your water is already fluoridated.

Little about me: I'm a SAHM of a 3yr. old boy and another due any day now! I've been married to my wonderful husband for almost 6yrs.

Take him to the dentist NOW. When my daughter brushed her 2 yr. old son's teeth she noticed a slight discolor on them. She thought it would go away. Then we noticed that he cried sometimes when he chewed his food. We took him to a dentist specializing in very young children, and he told us that his top 4 teeth were very bad,(only showed on the backside of the teeth), and in xrays. His top 4 teeth had to be surgically removed. Hopefully your child's teeth are not that bad. When something is wrong with the teeth over time it can spread to the other teeth and hurt his health.

Hi there--I am a dental hygienist. You should take your 2 year old to the dentist anytime. I'd recommend a pediatric dentist. I would advise never telling him anything there is going to hurt-you'd be surprised how many little tiny kids I see who tell me that they think it's so much fun to go to the dentist. Honestly!!
Also, it is recommended that kids be supervised while brushing until age 8. (!!!)

It's a good idea to take your child to the dentist as soon as he has teeth - or at least by one. Until the dental appointment, take a clean piece of gauze and wipe your childs teeth after each meal/bottle. Also, never let either of them fall asleep with a bottle. The fluid left in the mouth can cause tooth decay. I prefer pediatric dentists too. Good luck!

My oldest had discoloration on his teeth when he was little and they weren't cavities. The dentist said they were most likely caused from antibiotics. Anyway, I didn't take my children to the dentist until they were 5 because they wouldn't sit still and were afraid. My daughter's first visit was tramatic because they were gruff with her and then she passed out. OOPS! Not what I wanted for the first time visit. But for my 4 children, I just waited until they were a little older although I think it was recommended for me to take them in around 2 or 3. When they are real little like that, they usually just check them out and have them "have fun" in the chair going up and down. When my daughter got "spooked" at the dentist, they just took gauze and "wiped" her teeth. Of course, I wasn't impressed with them...and never went back to them. You could ask your pediatrician about it too. They always checked my kids' teeth when I took them for check-ups. Good luck!

You might be surprised what a pediatric dentist can get kids to do. The first time I took my son who was 2, I was so amazed! We see Dr. Johnston at East Valley Pediatric Dentistry at Higley and the 202 in Gilbert. I love them over there and so does my son.

When my daughter was 2 1/2 I noticed that she had some cavities. She is also afraid of the Dr, so I was like I don't want to scare her, but I knew something had to be done right away because it can affect your adult teeth in the long run.

I took her to one pediactric denist (I did not like them at ALL!) It was like East Valley Pediactric dentitry or something like that. After the exam, which I may add was even a horrible expierance for me. I found out she was going to need quite a bit of work, which they suggested IV sedation. Which I agreed with that, but not the price.
(This dentist had me sit in the chair and have her lay on my lap and she screamed and fought)

So I took her to another dentist. I found the best dentist ever, His name is Dr. Quackenbush. He does really well with children, The exam expierance was A LOT better, My daughter didn't cry once. Which is really huge because she hates strangers, men, and Drs. HE suggested the same thing IV sedation, but it was about a grand cheaper.

(this dentist had me sit in a chair, and have her on my lap facing me, then he sat in another chair and had her lay back and put her head on his knees, and we asked her to open big and we had NO problems with this)

I was nervous but when the time came, he did great. Everything was perfect, and my daughter actually talks about the dentist. She didn't find it "Scary"

Im not sure where you live but if you could travel or even if it is close (about 20 minutes away from me) I would suggest go there. The office is very kid friendly, they have a big tree house, and it is all forest themed.

He actually even told me that I could bring my son in (hes 1) when I bring my daughter in and he would give a quick look just to make sure everything was ok at no charge. How super nice!

1534 E Ray Rd Ste 121
Higley, AZ 85236
Ph: ###-###-####

I hope I helped

i didnt take my son until he was 6 but because of money. have you thought of making an appointment for you and take him with you so he could see that it isnt a big deal? just a suggestion! good luck

P. it is recommended that children see the dentist by one so it is definitely time. Is there a reason that he is so afraid of the doctors( ie. frequent surgeries, many illnesses, etc) I find in my practice that parents sometimes feel the need to prepare their young children for the dental visit-however they generally do more harm than good. Most children do fine with the dental visit when it is not for pain or a problem. Unfortunately parents wait until the kids have a cavity and then bring them in. If he has a "fun" first visit he can actually look forward to coming. Many of my patients love coming to the office as the visit is easy and they can get a toy out of the toy box. Make an appointment for a check up and don't do any preparation or share your fears or anxiety with him and he should be fine. Good Luck
PS I am a dentist in Gilbert and we would be happy to see him. You can call ###-###-#### if you would like to schedule. K. Jacobsen

Both of my kids went when they turned three. Make sure they let you stay with him. There is no reason to make him go alone, unless you won't do well back there. We see Dr. Brenke at Kids R Cool Children Dentisty (75th Ave & Union Hills)

We took my son for the first time when he was three to Dr. Johnson, at East Valley Pediatric Dentistry off of Higley and the 202. He and his staff were great. They made my son feel at home, he loves going there. They have a great facility with video games, toys, books, and movies. My son ended up having a couple small cavities. They offer laughing gas, so the child is fully relaxed for any procedures. The only draw back is some insurance companies may not cover the cost of the gas. It is recommended that you take your child to the dentist around 2 or 3. If you are interested, here is the dentist's website: http://www.kidstoothdr.com/

P.,

I would take him as soon as possible. Make sure you take him to a pediatric dentist. My son is now 5 and has had some problems with his teeth. He has also had a severe reaction to the injectible medications they use to numb him with. We are using a local dentist here and while she is not a pediatric dentist she really takes her time with me and my son. Fortunately my son is great, the dentist loves him. But I think talking to them about what to expect really helps even at 2 years old they understand alot more than we give them credit for. My son will be having some more work done on his teeth soon and we have been referred to a pediatric dentist in Tucson. We have spoken on the phone and he seems wonderful. Let me know if have any other questions. You can email me direct ____@____.com

Hope this helps!
B.

P., I actually just asked that question of my dental hygienist last week. She recommends bringing them in between ages 1-2 if for nothing else to get them use to the fact that we go to the dentist 1-2 times a year. She said that they don't really do too much at the first visit when they're that young other than sit them in the chair, show them around etc. However she also said that on some occasions she does have little ones who will let her polish their teeth. She also told me that infants/toddlers have so much more saliva in their mouths when they are that age that they don't usually have too many dental issues because the saliva keeps the bacteria/plaque in check. If you're worried, I would follow my instinct and bring him in. If you want a wonderful dentist, I'd be happy to recommend our. It's called Provinces Dental on Ray & McQueen (the Safeway shopping center). I see Dr. Jenkins and my hygienist is Wendy. Their number is ###-###-####. Good luck!

P.,
First you need to brush his teeth for him. Children under the age of 6 usually don't get the concept of good brushing. My boys would brush as fast as they could, just to get it done. My oldest still does it and he is 8.
I manage a prosthodontic office, which specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Unfortunely here in our practice we see all ages, and most have had bad hygiene habits as children which leads to problems when they are adults. We recommend that kids (with teeth) see a dentist as early as possible so they can become familiar with the setting. Children should be seen by a Pediatric Dentist. This type will ensure a kid-friendly atmosphere and should help with anxiety. If you live near Tucson, AZ, we send all of our pediatric patients to Laila Hishaw, DDS. She is amazing, and a mother of 3, so she understands your anxiety as well as your childs. I would stay away from any of the dental chain offices. We have not found success with their staff. Most of the dentists at these practices move frequently and you won't find consistency.
Your child's first visit with be for them to meet the dentist, count teeth, and if they are comfortable they might have a cleaning. They should assess any problems your child has, but no treatment should be done on the first visit!! This will only create a terrible image for your son/daughter, and they won't want to return. If you child happens to need work, ask about sedation. Your child won't remember, and this will also help with future anxiety.
I hope this helps you. I can ensure you that it does get easier, but you need to start early. Another tip would be for you to take him with you to your next hygiene visit. Explain to him what's going on and that you are ok. As he gets older he will see that you are fine therefore he will be fine.

Hi P.!

I used to be a dental assistant when I was first married (over 12 years ago!), so I have some experience with what you are talking about.

I think it would be a good idea to take your son to the dentist now. Just make sure it's a pediatric dentist! Make sure it's with people who are trained to work with kids and are capable of handling fear and anxiety with them. I take my kids to West Valley Pediatric Dentistry, and they have been fantastic! My now 4 year old just had his 3rd visit -- he was 2 1/2 when I first took him. I have a 9 and 7 year old too.

The discoloration on your sons teeth could be just that -- harmless discoloration. However, it could also be caries, which are the beginnings of tooth decay in infants and children...baby cavities. It's better to make sure now than later should they get worse. Then he would need serious intervention to save those teeth!

It's great that you are helping your son with his brushing! He is still too young to do a good enough job on his own. My 7 year old still occasionally needs help, and that's perfectly normal! Maybe try getting your son a crest spinbrush -- something that cleans a little better than just a manual toothbrush. Let him pick it out himself and make it something special! Try brushing your teeth with him at the same time and make it fun. Let him brush yours a little bit, then you take turns.

I have always been somewhat of a toothbrushing nazi with my kids, but we have always made it fun and rewarding! Each one of my boys got their first teeth in their fourth month -- and that's when I started brushing them! They all have great teeth and have no issues when it comes to brushing or going to the dentist.

Maybe to get a better look at his teeth, pretend to play dentist (or doctor) and let him be the doctor first. Have him check your ears, your nose, your eyes -- then your mouth. Open really wide and have him try to count all your teeth. Then reverse the rolls -- you do the same to him -- then get a good look at those teeth to make sure it's nothing more than discoloration. Even if it is, I'd still consider getting him into the dentist as soon as you can. The last thing you want is for those teeth to decay and become a serious problem. Talk about trauma!

Good luck and happy brushing!

A.

Hi P.,

When my 5 year-old daughter was 2 years old, she was terrified of getting immunizations until she was about 4 or so and experienced the same with the pediatric dentist on the first two or so visits. She overcame the fear when she saw her little 3 year-old brother calm and cool on his first visits at age 2. They both love getting the new toothbrushes, stickers, and prizes each time they go.

Here's a reassuring story...my daughter's bottom two teeth were recently loose due to two new teeth growing behind them. Had never seen that before! She was such a trooper when the dentist pulled ALL BOTTOM FOUR to make room for the two bigger ones. Two of them had roots intact and all she said was "Ouch" once. She's definitely come a long way!

I definitely brush both my kids teeth due to good brushing practices and ability to observe any problems with their teeth early. I will probably get my 5 year-old to brush her teeth every other day by herself until she starts Kindergarten this Fall. She should be ready to brush twice a day from then on.

If you don't already have this book, I recommend Dr. Suess's The Tooth Book. It really helped convince my kids how important it is to go the dentist.

You should take him to the dentist at a year old...I would go to a pediatric dentist...ours is great, my daughter went for the first time at the age of 2 1/2, the first time they pretty much just brush the teeth and look around. After going 2 times my daughter went back by herself and did not cry, they will usually cry the first time, totally normal and the dentist and assist are used to it!! Ours has video games and tv's, plus at the end they get a coin and can get a toy...I can can give you the name of ours if you are interested...let me know! (he is awesome!!!)

When my boys were young, I would let them pick out there own tooth brushes. Now they have so many to choose from. Now they even have kids tooth past that tastes great (bubble gum).
Also now there are special dentists that specialize in kids. My sons saw one while they were young and have no problem going to the dentist. Even now. It made my life earier.

My son had all of his teeth by age one, and we started taking him then. He did great when they did his teeth and didn't make a fuss, but as soon as they started on mine he had a fit and started crying and didn't know what they were doing to mommy!! It was so cute, lucky they were very patient and they had DVDs players in every single room, so they put a kids movie on in another room and gave him a ballon.

Every time we go back he knows he gets to watch a movie. I think you just need to make sure you take him to a pedicatric dentist and prepare them.