At what age should you take your toddler to his/her first dental checkup? I always thought around 4 or 5. But with all these tooth decay I've been hearing about I'm not too sure. How old was your kid?
Thank You
2007-02-19 05:27:35 · 9 answers · asked by Hyatt A 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
My daughter is a 1 year 2 months old. She has been brushing since she was about eleven months. She has her first dentist appointment coming up. I read that they should get a check up at a year to evaluate teeth and gums. I think it's on a yearly basis unless there is any tooth decay. Be sure to prepare your child, we know how scary it can be to go to the dentist!
2007-02-19 05:39:04 · answer #1 · answered by Butterfly 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My son is 12 months, and he had his first appointment last week.
I called the pediatric dentist office to ask just that same question (if you look at my profile, you can read the responsed I got to posting this question here and in the dental health section a few weeks ago), and they said anytime after their first birthday they like to see them, and then they'll have appointments every six months, just like an adult. That way, they can see thier teeth before they have a chance to get cavities or anything.
And also, if your baby's teeth have problems, like no enamal, for example, then they can get treated early. My brother's molars don't have any enamel on them and all had to be capped before they rotted out of his head. He was two at his first visit, and all of them already had cavities.
If you ask a regular, adult dentist, they may tell you that they don't see kids until they're at least 3 or 5 or whatever magical cutoff age they've made up, but according to a different dentist that I asked, they only do that because they don't feel like struggling with a crying toddler. He said that all dentists are certified to see all teeth, but some just don't want to be bothered with little ones.
2007-02-19 06:42:25 · answer #2 · answered by Queen Queso 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They say age one, whether or not they have teeth
http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/babycare.asp
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
http://www.familiesonlinemagazine.com/child-development/first-dentist-checkup.html
A baby's first tooth is one milestone that should lead to another - their first dental checkup. While most parents make baby's first visit to the pediatrician priority, many do not realize how early a visit to the dentist should take place.
2007-02-19 05:37:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took my 2 eldest daughters to the dentist at about 2 1/2 to make sure their teeth were well developing.
My youngest daughter and son went to the dentist at about 3 3 1/2
2007-02-19 05:41:20 · answer #4 · answered by arcticraven77 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter just had her 1st checkup at 3 1/2. Her dentist said that was a good age unless you suspect problems. Good luck.
2007-02-19 06:11:41 · answer #5 · answered by Wendy B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dentist had us bring our son in between 3 and 3 1/2 years old.
2007-02-19 05:35:10 · answer #6 · answered by Heather Y 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took my daughter at 39 months. These also helped because they were able to tell me what side of the mouth she was brushing her teeth better and what side I needed to help her more on.
2007-02-19 05:33:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They say when they start getting teeth. It's up to you as a parent though. Just make sure you brush your childs teeth and not them. Mine went when they were 7 or so. They were fine.........no problems at all! I have 3 kiddos...............
2007-02-19 05:32:33 · answer #8 · answered by stuffyluvbug 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
3 years old at the latest.
2007-02-19 05:34:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋