first dental appt?

[dandelions2]

At what age should a child have their first dental appt? I asked my daughter's pediatrician and he had no idea. I have read in some books that when your child has 8-12 teeth they should have their first appt, my daughter has 12 and more on the way soon, but she's only 13 months. There is no way she would sit still and open her mouth for the dentist. Does anyone know when is a good time?

Patti

[GruppieGirl]

My wonderful dentist told me the first dental appointment should be at age three. Earlier if there are any problems.

We do however make it a point to take our dd to all of our appointments. She LOVES going to the dentist and sees it as a positive things. We even play dentist at home.

[dandelions2]

Thanks! I'll have to ask my dentist if it's ok to bring my daughter along for my appts. That sounds like such a great idea.

Patti

[lilyka]

We just took our dd to her first dental appointment (way to late) and we just got her really pumped up about it. She had a great time even though it hurt a little. She felt so special to get all that attention. i would say find a place that will do the exam while your child sits on your lap and avoid places that won't let you stay with your child and put big scary movies in fromt of them.

[simonee]

check this thread, with its own links by smilemomma

first appt (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37544)

[dandelions2]

Thanks for the link!

[Ava]

I am so relieved to find this thread! I know feel a bit more prepared for when my baby gets her first teeth. I really didn't know a thing about dental care before I started lurking here. Thanks everyone!

[CK'sMama]

I took DS for his first appt at 10 months, however I had decay concerns because he had brown stains on his 2 front teeth. (He had 8 teeth at the time). Anyway, it turned out to just be staining and plaque and the hygienist scraped it right off. He did great letting the hygienist scrape his teeth and he let the dentist take a look as well. The whole thing took less than 10 minutes.

I used to think it was unnecessary taking such a young baby (like under 2) to the dentist but after having a scare about cavities and decay I definitely think it is a good idea to have a check up when they are about one, unless they only have one or two teeth.

I will take DS every six months now. He has perfect teeth so far and I want to make sure they stay that way. I would rather take him every 6 months from an early age for a 5 minute check than take him at 3 or 4 to have major dental work done, KWIM?

[CK'sMama]

double post.

[snshinenor]

Wow!! 10 months!! I'm impressed!! I took my 2 1/2 daughter to her first dental appt last month and it was a nightmare. She was screaming so loudly she had all the little ones in the lobby freaked out about seeing the dentist. but I think when she goes back in 6 months it'll be better (I hope). It also took my son some time to get used to it. Our dentist is so good with childred. He sings to them during the examination and there is a tv on the ceiling above the examing chair so when they can watch cartoons.

Melanie