When should a child be taken to the dentist for the first time?

Answer 1

I like it when Mom or Dad start to bring the child into the office at age about 2 years old. They do NOT get in the chair at that age unless they really want to. Most children will have a natural curiosity and ask for a turn in the chair by the time they are 3-3½ years old and this is the right time to get started on dental visits.

I tend to push it a little by age 4 and really insist by age 5. You can't let them get this old without at least getting a good examination.

My rule of thumb is that I just don't want to be the FIRST stranger that the child has encountered to provide them with any kind of personal services, but I also don't want them to be in total control about when they think it is time to start cooperating.

Of course, if you see or suspect any dental problems, you must go as soon as you notice something that needs a professional evaluation.

Having said all that, though, the American Dental Association has just come out with the position that a child should be seen at the first birthday! It is the "Dental Home" program and it is now the official ADA policy.

"The goal of the new brochure is to get all of our ADA members who are general dentists on board with the dental home concept and its establishment with the first dental visit by age 1," said Dr. Lindsey A. Robinson, vice chair, Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations. "Increasingly the evidence suggests that early intervention can lead to successful prevention of dental disease, reduced cost of providing care, and ultimately the elimination of pain and suffering for children."

http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/adanews/adanewsarticle.asp?articleid=2389

I guess it is time to re-evaluate my position.

Answer 2

Children should be taken at about 3 years of age. They need to get familiar with the dentist, hygienist and all the new surrounding along with dental treatment. The parent should be teaching the child to brush and they should be checking to make sure it was more than just a play time for them. We try to make their first visit a fun one so they enjoy coming to see us and we encourage brushing and flossing at home that makes them want to do their home care well.

When mine were very young (around 2) we would take them to the dentist with us for our cleaning, they became familiar before it was there turn in the chair. The dentist and hygienist were always showing them the instruments and our teeth, then the dentist would always ask to see theirs which they happily displayed knowing that behaving during our procedures (while watching on our laps) always ment a trip to the toy box for them.

Any way to make a child excited about seeing the dentist is great. Most parents don't realize when they discuss dental treatment in front of, or around small children, they may express pain and horror stories that the child hears and that instills a fear of the dentist and treatment in the child that could have easily been avoided. So be cautious of what you say and how you say it for your child's benefit of a life time of dental treatment that they enjoy rather than fear. Hope I've been of some help and good luck.

Answer 3

Our office recommends a first dental exam and cleaning between the ages of 2-3 yrs. But we like to see children as soon as they have teeth, just to check and make sure everything is healthy.

Any tooth, no matter the age of the patient, has the potential to get cavities.

In some sad cases, by the time we see a child at 2 or 3, they already have a mouth full of cavities as a result of "baby bottle syndrome". This is a result of putting babies to bed with a bottle, which then drips milk on their teeth over hours, and the flow of saliva decreases, allowing the sugary substance to linger for the teeth for extended period of time . This can also happen in slightly older children from mis-use of a sippy cup. Having a toddler constantly sipping on the cup is just as bad, and does the same type of damage as the bottle dripping all night. Every time you reintroduce sugar into the mouth, it in effect "super charges" the bacteria.

The last few websites are images of bottle decay.
(I work at a pediatric dental office)

Answer 4

My daughter took her son to the dentist, just to see what it was all about,Her dentist sat him in the chair and told him what she was going to do, then she told him how important it was to brush and gave him a sticker and a brand New Toothbrush, He was 4 at the time. She wanted to get him used to it,so the dentist worked with her. He's 9 now, and doesn't mind going to the dentist.

Answer 5

I personally would take my child to the dentist when they are 3 years old. Younger then that, and I can guarantee they would not sit still, nor understand what the dentist wants of them.

Answer 6

We usually recommend 3 or 4. Our office offers "fun visits". It's when you bring the child into the office, show them around, show them the chair and the toothbrush we use. If they seem interested or cooperative, we try to do a cleaning, if they're not interested, then we tell them they did great and give them all kinds of fun prizes.

Answer 7

Usually it is at age three where your child should be checked by a denitist, UNLESS...there is a problem, discoloration, trauma, or extensive decay. see the link on child's first dental experience listed below

Answer 8

3 years old

Answer 9

as soon as all the teeth are in
and make it an enjoyable trip
so they are willing to go back
again when work is needed to be done
you should also start your child brushing his/her teeth as soon as the first ones come in

Answer 10

3 or 4 when he or she get teeth.