Ask:
When did you first take your kids to the Dentist? Mine is 18 months and I can't imagine her letting a stranger stick anything in her mouth. She'd probably shove it right back in their mouth. What do you think?
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My dentist says 3 years old (as does the American Academy of Pediatrics - I think). My older son has his first appointment scheduled for this September. I'm not looking forward to trying to get him to sit still AND keep his mouth open!
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My pediatric dentist says around age 3 is the best time to start.
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Oh good. so we're only half way there. I still have enough time to get her to behave. She barely lets the dr give her a check up, and shots? FORGET ABOUT IT
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Our dentist also says three. My dd just turned three this week but the past few years every time my ds or I have gone dd always wants to sit in the chair and get her teeth checked too. The dentist lets her and says that it will be good since she will be used to it once she really has to get her teeth cleaned.
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I am a hygienist, well I was in my former life. Actually you should go at the age of 1 ,and that is what the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommend. Now at that age realistically all you can do is look and make sure erruption patterns are normal. I copied the following from their website!
Dental Care for Your Baby
Q. When should my child first see a dentist?
A: "First visit by first birthday" sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.
Q. Why so early? What dental problems could a baby have?
A: The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (also know as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Your child risks severe decay from using a bottle during naps or at night or when they nurse continuously from the breast.
The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.
If your dentist is recommending age 3 I think maybe they arent' comfortable treating small children.
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Yep, ONE is the right age...we just got this confirmed, actually!! I have taken mine as young as 21 months..and she did GREAT. She was less scared than the three year old....and has happily gone back since!
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I understand that by age one is the best answer but truth is most dentists where I am won't see kids before age 4. I bugged my dentist from the time my son was 2 to see him. He finally gave in at about age 3.5 and had a regular visit. I recommend when you do take them to take them to your visit to watch what happens and then have their visit scheduled for a day or two later so it's still fresh in their mind. I HATE the dentist but go regularly since its the right thing to do. The best acting I've ever done in my life was pretending I was enjoying the visit while my DS was watching!
Take your kids at age 1 if you can find someone who will examine them - otherwise bug your dentist to see them as soon as you can.
Lou
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A childrens dentist will see them at one. When ds went for the first time, all he would do is let them look and that was a battle.
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thanks all of you