How old was your LO when you took them to the dentist for their first visit?
I have heard conflicting views on what age to take them. Some say 2 (to a pediatric dentist) and some at 4.
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I took my LO at 2 yo based on her pediatrician's rec. Some parents actually do it earlier, like at 1 year or 18 months.
We have been through two pediatric dentists so far. I say, choose one that has really good reviews from parents. It makes a huge difference. Our current pediatric dentist now is SO patient with my LO (who has a fear of the dentist). She has really taken her time to help LO with that. I think that's very important since our LOs are now so young when they first go.
Now in large part due to our new dentist, DD really enjoys brushing her teeth more and sometimes she reminds ME that she needs to floss! She used to hate oral hygiene much more when we went to the other dentist. This new one makes it really fun for kids.
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Everything I've been reading lately encourages the first visit should be by 1 year old. At my son's 1yr appointment, his pediatrician recommended the same. Mostly it is to start a good dental history, take the fear out of going to the dentist, and establish good dental hygiene. We just took my son earlier this week and will start going every 6 months just like we do for ourselves.
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I took my DD at 1 year since that is the recommendation that I got. The visit helped increased her interest and willingness to brush her teeth.
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Ill do whatever my doctor recommends. I trust him, and I have no baby experience prior to lo so I like to ask a professional who has tons of experience with this stuff.
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The rec I got is 2 yrs.
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I got the two year recommendation, but we still haven't taken DS1. Seriously, I'm more terrifyed than he probably will be. How exactly do you get a toddler to sit in a dentist chair and willingly let a stranger stick weird metal tools in their mouth?!
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so interesting to read your comments! i wonder too how they get into LOs mouth when i also struggle brushing her teeth. My LO will probably freak! Then again, i may be plesantly surprised. oh the nerves of a mom!
For those that already went, did they have to sedate them? or is that a myth? What did you do to prepare your LO before visiting the dentisit?
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@Katm558: @umlo: i think finding the right dentist is key. we found an excellent one who made her feel right at ease. at her first visit she was only 15 months and a lot more wary of strangers than she is now. but somehow he made her so comfortable that she followed him into the exam room and into the chair no problem. she opened her mouth and let him do his thing. it was truly amazing. haha, i sound so dorky but i am still in awe, thinking back to that visit! no sedation necessary.
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@umlo: I'm pretty sure pediatric dentists don't routinely sedate for general teeth cleanings... If you know of one who does, I would steer clear! Ped dentists do sedate however for extensive dental work like filling in multiple cavities, root canals, etc... There was an article in the NY Times recently about it that I'd recommend reading. It really shed light on how important preventative dental care is to avoid sedation in young kids.
Try to find someone who is really great and patient with kids... one who works on them on becoming willing participants. Our new ped dentist totally let my DD "play dentist" for like 30+ mins on a stuffed animal with a full mouth of teeth, using the same instruments they use just so she could be comfortable about getting her teeth cleaned. It was pivotal, I think, for my DD who hated her prior dentist visits.
To prep her, we bought a book about it and when brushing her teeth, we'd talk about it too.
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We did first visit at 1 year old, and every 6 months since then. Just like any person with teeth!
DEFINITELY DO NOT WAIT until 2 or 4 years old!
A friend waited until 3 yo and it turned out her son had a condition where his enamel was very weak- not having any treatment meant that by 3yo he was riddled with cavities and had to go to the hospital to be put under for all the dental work to be done.
Here's the Times article NYCaliMama mentioned:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/health/rise-in-preschool-cavities-prompts-anesthesia-use.html
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