Babies First Dental Appt

my dentist recomends not going in until at least age 3. Yours seems young to go. The first appointment should only be to get the child accostomed to the office and tools, not an actual cleaning or x-rays. Our dentist explained each instrument and demonstrated how they work and what each one does. She counted all their teeth (really a visual exam) to make sure they were all there. Then I had a cleaning and they got to watch me. Unless it is necessary, i would wait. You don't want her to get scared and set up a bad experience. She's young to understand everything.
They sell little fingertip tooth brushes you can use and toddler toothpaste. Also wiping teeth off with a damp cloth will help keep them clean.

Hi there.. My daughter is going in for her first dentist visit next month also. except that she is 2 1/2. We were told that it isnt necessary to take them to the dentist till they are between 2 and 3, and have had their teeth for a year? Each dentist/ ped is different though. Some of the pointers our dentist gave us to prepare for the first trip is.. 1. Talk about the dentist a lot. 2. find books or programs about first trips to the dentist. 3. practice play dentist have her lay down open and close her mouth, and let the doctor tickle her teeth. The more you get her at ease the easier it will be come the day. The dentists will try their best to keep her calm and such because they want it to be a pleasurable experiance if not they will grow to fear it. Good luck!

Hi J.,
Our pediatric dentist advised us the first visit should be when the baby has the four front teeth on the top and bottom. That is what we did. She was probably about eleven months old. Now she is 23 months and has gone twice. It works out very well-I place the baby in my lap and the dentist sits across from me-then I lay her back and he does the entire exam that way. It is a very child friendly environment and all three of my children have been at ease going to the dentist.
I hope this is helpful.
K.

I took my son to a pediatric dentist when he was around 14 months old because he had fallen while walking and hit his cheek on a table. When I looked in his mouth, his gum on that side looked bloody and a tooth I hadn't seen before was exposed. I thought maybe he had hurt himself and actually cut the gum, but it turns out it just looked that way because of the tooth coming in. They had me sit in the chair with him on my lap to help keep him still. They had lots of toys and a TV playing right above him to try to distract him. Even though he still fought them looking in his mouth, it was over fairly quickly and all in all it was a pleasant experience. He even wanted to stay longer to play with all the toys in the waiting room.

I have not heard of taking a child to the dentist that young, unless there is an issue. If you must, then be sure to go to a pediatric dentist who is used to working with children. They will be able to guide her (and you) through the exam.

Hi J..

Well, I think first you have to take them to a good, child friendly office. Do you have one? If not, i know of an awesome one in the area. Second, I think that we have to be realistic with our little ones when they go to the dentist. You may not accomplish all that needs to be done while there. The idea is to make sure that they don't have any major cavities and that they are getting all of their teeth. When I took my little one to the dentist, they weren't able to do x-rays or a cleaning, but they were able to make sure that there weren't any cavities and they counted his teeth. They even gave him some flouride. The dentist also mentioned that the flouride in normal tap water is very good for the children's teeth. I learned something new that day! Let me know if you'd like the referral. This office is amazing...the staff is great and it's a verrrry clean office.

Depends on the dentist. If you have one that deals with children than he/she should be great. They will have a quick look in the mouth, count her teeth and then a quick clean (nothing like how we get cleaned) they put some stuff on a tool and clean each tooth, getting all the plaque off. Nothing to worry about, very quick and painless. She may protest but again, it is so quick. Keep going back for check ups and she will eventually enjoy them. Both of my kids love going to the dentist but then they've never had any dental problems. I'm sure if they had, maybe that would be different.

Also, mine started going when their first tooth sprouted. Not because they really needed to go but because it was covered under insurance and I always thought it would be a good idea so they wouldn't have a fear of going.

M.

Hi J.,

I just took my son to his first dental appt. last week and he did really well. Although he's 5, I think it helped him understand that someone was going to take a look at his teeth. During his visit, they took X-rays, they polished them, and the dentist counted his teeth. He kinda got freaked out when the chair moved up and down. He moved a little during the X-rays, so I think taking a younger child may be a bit more difficult. If I were you, I'd wait until she can understand and is able to sit still, somewhat =)

Hi J.,
Where did you read this? My pediatrician told me to take my son to his first dentist appt at 3 years. Your child sounds way to young both physically and mentally to go to the dentist, I would reconsider.

My son is 2 1/2 and I've been just now considering taking him to the dentist. I was told that any time earlier it's harder on them and really no reason to? I'm curious to see other's response also....

C.~

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