First Visit to the Dentist

Call around (esp. pediatric dentists) and see how much they charge for cash payers, it may not be as much as you think since they just look at the teeth. They don't even do cleanings until 3 or 4. But at least they're keeping an eye on things.

I took my son for the first time when he was 3. We just told him we were going to count his teeth. He did great. They were even able to take x-rays. My sister works for a really great dentist, Dr. Kathy Jacobson. She is a mother and is great with kids. She is on Gilbert and Guadalupe. Her number is ###-###-####.

I asked our pediactric dentist that my oldest 2 go to and they say not until they are 3. If you see something that doesn't look right then obviously before that to avoid any problems.
There looked like there was a tiny dark spot on my 20 month old's tooth so I made an apt for her..of course I ended up having to cancel it because she got sick. Now it looks like the spot may have gone away so it may not have been a cavity after all so I may not reschedule, I don't know yet. It isn't easy to get a 20 month old to cooperate (especially with a stuffy nose and associated cough in my case).

Our dentist advised not worrying about it until they are three. They won't be able to sit still before then anyway.

You have some time so maybe you'll get coverage in the meantime? Otherwise you could always go to a university that has dental programs-they are always looking for people to exam for class credit, etc. And a professor is always present.

A local dental school is a great idea. I have friends that have crappy coverage that go to the school. sometimes you have to wait a while at the appt, w/c may be hard w/ two LO'. Do I think it's bad if you decide to wait?__No.

My husband and I had our appointments last week and asked our dentist. He suggested that we bring him in for a visit right after his third birthday unless we had any concerns, which we don't.

He suggested last year that we make sure that our little one brushes EVERY night and then no juice, milk or really anything but water after that b/c it will just sit on his teeth. He also suggested that we take a look in his mouth once-in-a-while and just check out his teeth.

So far, so good, but we did schedule him a "big boy" visit for the week after his birthday.

I took our dd at 16mo she did great. the dentist is just looking at the teeth counting them making sure that there is no sign of decay or cavities. He did do a little floride treatment nothing big and brushed them. Since you dont have insurance make an appt to have a consult with the dentist to meet and talk over the fact you do not have insurance usually if you pay cash they will give a really good discount. I myself at one point did not have insurance and the dentist only charged me $60 for a cleaning and $100 if I need xrays also. It never hurts to ask most will work with you they would rather have you pay what you can than avoid and have major probs down the line.

You'll get many different answers here. Since we have dental insurance my kids went when their first tooth sprouted. They don't do much, just wipe it off and inspect the mouth but for me it wasn't about anything more than making my kids comfortable with dental visits. They are 5 and 8 and LOVE going to the dentist. Xrays aren't an issue and you know how uncomfortable those things can be they put in their mouths. If you can't go when they are babies, I wouldn't sweat it - but be a good role model and start them young with brushing (no toothpaste) just getting used to the toothbrush and then start flossing once you have teeth that are touching.

My aunt is a dental hygienst and told me that there is really no need for a child to see a dentist until they are 3. My son is 2 and I have not taken him yet. He is crazy and I know if I bring him to the dentist now he wouldnt sit AT ALL. Even at the Doctors, she had to chase him around the room just to get his heart beat. I make sure my son brushes twice a day and I look to see any possible developing cavitites. I went to dential hygiene school for a yea r(dropped out after the year), so I kinda know how to look for a cavity, lol. I am planning on taking him to his first dental appt when hes 3.

We took my son at 3, and my daughter was 20 months. He freaked out, she thought it was fun.... In our case I think our son would have done better if he had gone earlier, but I don't know that there is any need to go before 3.

For us to take the kids to the dentist without insurance would cost $200 - $400 a kid just so you have a rough estimate.

My pediatrician said it wasn't needed until 3 years of age, unless I noticed discoloration or any problems. My son is now 1 1/2 and has 16 teeth - we brush twice a day.

We took our kids at age 2 or 3. They always came with me to my appts. and sat in a chair in the same room, so they kinda knew what it was about. At the first appt. they just had them ride in the chair and showed them the instruments and x-ray equiptment. We've never had dental insurance either, so we just pay cash/credit card. Call around and check for rates to see who has good prices.

Our dentist says after your child turns 3 unless you suspect there is a problem (if you can actually see tooth decay). Our previous dentist didn't want to see kids until they were 4.

My dentist say 3-4 yrs unless there is a problem as long as they will let you brush their teeth.

My oldest went at 2 and my youngest 1.

I just took my son at 4 and he did GREAT... He understood what was going on.. I made it like it was a really fun place to go (plus he got a toy afterwards for being so good)...... For me personally, I wanted to take him a little later so he understood more what was going on.... AS LONG as you don't see any signs of cavities, don't feel bad for not taking them yet....

I just took my just-turned-3yo for the first time. I can't imagine how they expect a younger child to follow directions and not be terrified of the sharp instruments they use!