At What Age Should I Start Taking My Son to the Dentist?

Updated on May 31, 2009
K.H. asks from Chicago, IL
11 answers

Hello. :)

My son is 18 months old. I contacted my dentist's office to set up an appointment for him to have his teeth checked and basically start getting him used to the idea of a dentist. :) The office stated that they do not start seeing children until the age of 3. Has anyone taken their child to a dentist earlier? If so, do you recommend anyone on the northside of Chicago?

Thank you for your help! :)
K.

1 mom found this helpful

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M.Y.

answers from Chicago on

I took my daughter when she was 2 and she loved it. I think you're right to start early. Maybe you need a new dentist...the pediatric dentist group on michigan ave is great.
Joanne Oppenheim
Mary Hays
737 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1330
###-###-####

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M.C.

answers from Chicago on

We started with our son when he was a year old. We do to Dr. Sam Parks. He is amazing. You can google him. I can't think of the phone number off hand. He is in the Bridge Port area. Good luck!!

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L.B.

answers from Chicago on

Mary Hayes is a pediatric dentist downtown. 919 N Michigan ###-###-####

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.B.

answers from Chicago on

I started taking my kids to the dentist as early as 1 year old, I take my kids twice a year.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Chicago on

We have taken both children starting at age 1 - they see babies only once per year until after the age of 3 when they switch to every 6 months. I believe it is suggested to go to the dentist at least once prior to the age of 3 when most of their teeth have come in. We go to Joanne Oppenheim at 737 N. Michigan Ave #1330. Their office is set up just for kids, the entire staff is very kid friendly and Dr. Joanne is great with both of my kids! My 4 year old actually loves going to the dentist, and my almost 2 year old has not had any problems with being afraid. Their phone is ###-###-####.

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M.G.

answers from Chicago on

Unless you notice something unusual going on in your baby's mouth, 3 is generally the right age to start. Your son won't remember anything until about it until then anyway. If you find a good dentist, they will be conscientious about treating your son gently and not creating any trauma that may last. That might mean the first time you take him he refuses to open his mouth and you just leave it at that and try again in 6 months.

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K.G.

answers from Chicago on

Books I'd read and our daughter's doctor said to start when my daughter had a few teeth. So we started at a year or so. We see Dr. Cha on North (around Western), and he is GREAT. Really relaxed. -K.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.K.

answers from Chicago on

It is recommended to start your child at the dentist around age 1. I didn't take my guy until he was 2--and then it was basically a chance for the dentist to make sure his teeth were coming in correctly and to get him used to the dentist. I was told to come back in 6 months, but I do not have any qualms about waiting a bit longer than that (unless I notice something wrong).

We went to Dr. Mary Tierny at City Kids Dental in Lincoln Square. She was fantastic! I sincerely wish she could be my dentist!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.S.

answers from Chicago on

K., a lot of dentist would recommend seeing a child as early as 1 yr old, most have some teeth by then, so why not start them early getting used to going to the dentist on a regular basis.

My kids and I go to Dental Dreams, they have many offices in the Chicagoland area (as well as out of state). Check out their Brickyard location at Grand & Fullerton in Chicago... ###-###-####

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

I.H.

answers from Chicago on

My first son saw a dentist at around 6 months after he sprouted his baby teeth. I was on public aid at the time and they deal with a lot of lower income families that perhaps are less informed as to things such as bottle mouth, etc. They said it was to make sure his gums were okay and that they were being cleaned properly after feedings. After a year, we were back on private insurance and I took him at age two to my dentist. As long as the child has teeth I don't get why they would make parents wait until 3? I know the Infant Welfare Society on the NW side takes aid as well as private insurance and they see kids of all ages. Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.K.

answers from Chicago on

I have heard that you should go for the first time sometime between 1 and 2 years old, so I think this is the right time for you and your son! I just took my 2 1/2 year old to his first appointment at Dentistry for Children on Halsted and Willow in Lincoln Park (1721 N. Halsted) - Dr. Kevin Boyd there is FANTASTIC and I would highly recommend him. The number is ###-###-####, and their website is www.dentistry4children.net.

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