When was the first time you took your LO to the dentist? My pediatrician recommended that as soon as he gets his first set of teeth, we should take him to a pediatric dentist. But a few friends of mine recommended we go later so as not to traumatize him.
We still haven't taken him but plan on doing so in a month. I'm so nervous! Anybody have any experiences they can share?
pomegranate / 3008 posts
We plan to get a list of pediatric dentists from our pediatrician and go around 1 year. Supposedly at that age typically the first visit is not really a normal dental checkup but to help show the kid around and keep it from being scary in the future.
coconut / 8299 posts
@pelikila: Oh really? Darn, I should've taken him earlier then. A friend of mine took her daughter at 2 years and she said it went really well. They played a Disney movie and let her pick her choice of toothpaste flavor and she really enjoyed the dentist visit, probably because she was older and was able to "comprehend" what was going on. I'm still nervous though! My LO isn't the easiest toddler to manager. yikes
grapefruit / 4049 posts
I think we first went when DD was 2 yo. I can't remember too well, but that's my best estimate. We have a wonderful and patient pediatric dentist... but my DD cried/screamed starting from the second they called her name to go in the room, so I don't have any good advice. Maybe it is good to go early. She's almost 4 now though and things were a bit better at our last visit last month. Our ped dentist said all her patients DD's age have anxiety like she does, but I think she was just saying that to make me feel better. I have a friend who's DD is the same age, and she does so well (supposedly). I have bought DD toys and books about going to the dentist... that could help. Good luck!
coconut / 8299 posts
@nycalimama: What did they do at her appointment? Clean her teeth/check for cavities? I don't know how the dentist will be able to keep my son sitting in the chair for very long. He's so active!
grapefruit / 4049 posts
@banana: yup all her visits so far have gone this way: open mouth and look for cavities with a mirror tool, brush teeth, polish teeth, apply fluoride vitamin (no eating/drinking for 30 mins after).
GOLD / wonderful coffee bean / 18478 posts
I took my LO at 15 months and it was great! We also have a wonderful pediatric dentist so I'm sure that made a big difference. He knew just how to approach her and make the experience fun. She sat in my lap on the chair since she was still so little but she allowed him to do all the usual dentist stuff. He did check her for cavities, brushed her teeth, and tried to floss (don't think that went too well though).
coconut / 8299 posts
@andrea: Did she squirm at all? My LO is sooooo active and doesn't really like to sit still. We tried getting his hair cut and we literally had to leave in the middle of it because he was totally screaming. I'm so nervous that it'll be like that too.
persimmon / 1147 posts
Although I don't have kids, I actually just asked my husband this (he is a dentist) and he said you start when they get their first teeth, or around age 1. It's not a full cleaning or anything traumatic, but just instead a check up on things and to make sure the teeth are coming in correctly. The pediatric dentist my husband is partner's with has video games, movies in the ceiling, you name it to make the experience a stress free one.
GOLD / wonderful coffee bean / 18478 posts
@banana: i was really surprised my LO sat still because she doesn't do that either but this dentist hypnotized her or something! i think you need to get a good referral to one of these dentists who really know how to charm the kids. my LO normally doesn't like strange men either but she was fine with him. haha.
hostess / wonderful honeydew / 32460 posts
Honestly, I'm not sure if I'm going to take LO to the dentist. My sisters and I never went to a pediatric dentist as an infant/toddler and we have perfectly fine oral health.
grapefruit / 4554 posts
I work in a general dental office, and a LO's first cleaning is usually when they turn 3. However, when they get their first tooth, that's when they will come in for a quick check and get used to the office. And if your comfortable and they (the office) accepts children into their practice, there is no reason for you not to take them to your practice.
cherry / 149 posts
I started my daughter right around a year. A friend waited until 2 and it turned out her son had a defect with his teeth, was riddled with cavities, and needed to have the dental work done at the hospital with sedation!
That was enough for me to take her sooner, than later, just to make sure all was well.
It wasn't a dental exam like adults get- just a look, no cleaning or anything. My daughter was fine with it.
coconut / 8299 posts
@mommacommaphd: My cousin's daughter had a similar thing with her teeth. She didn't go until around 2 1/2 and ended up having to get silver crowns on her teeth and was sedated too. Poor thing. I plan on taking my LO to the dentist next month (21 months). Kind of late but we've been brushing his teeth twice a day thoroughly and avoiding sweets so hopefully he'll be ok!
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