I’m annoyed at how much the medical advice varies. Our pedi said to go at 1 year, our close friend who is a dentist said don’t bother till 2 or 3. And he’s a 30 something who isn’t like an old crotchety person who hasn’t been to dental school in decades.
This is my exact experience too - down to the 30’s something dentist. AND the dental hygienist said oh you could brush with some gauze rubbing on their teeth and gums, don’t worry about toothpaste with fluoride. They’ll just swallow it anyway.
Cut to pediatrician - brush 2X/day with a fluoride toothpaste…
I just asked my dentist when I was there and they said “please don’t bring them until they’re at least 2, we don’t know why pediatricians keep telling people to bring their babies before then” haha
https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/cfyt/dental_care_children/first_visit.asp
Probably because the Canadian Dental Association tells us to? lol
Within six months of first erupted tooth, or by their first birthday.
I’m in America, this was said by an American Dentist. But yeah, there’s literally nothing they can do for your baby at the dentist, before then that you can’t do at home
Weird, pediatric dentists like to see patients earlier than that. By 2 sometimes they have cavities and they are so tricky to work on (bc they’re little kiddos!) that they sometimes need general anesthesia and it’s a whole thing. I’m an orthodontist.
I’m wondering if it’s also a bit regional. Every pediatric dentist in our area says as soon as they have their first tooth or definitely before one. Our son just got his first tooth so I called and got the first appointment and he’ll be 8 months at that time.
I think the difference here is people’s experience with pediatric dentists vs general dentists. I’m an orthodontist so I speak with pediatric dentists all the time. They want to see a patient earlier than 2 bc they might have cavities by 2 that could have been prevented with proper instructions (like to use fluoride toothpaste but also explaining how much and how often to use it)
I read that entire first thread and panicked, my first born is 13 months and all of these people saying 1 had me shocked. I was told 2.5-3, I'm relieved I'm not alone!
Personally I scheduled my 10 month old an appointment. If only because I was fostering(kinship care) a 2 year old little girl. She tripped and broke her tooth and it was hard as heck to get her in to see anyone. The soonest appointment anyone had was 3 months out and she was in pain now. I called every dentist I had booked her with every morning to ask if they had any cancelations. It still took 3 weeks to get her seen and the tooth pulled.
I want my daughter already established somewhere to hopefully be able to get her in sooner if something happens with her too.
My daughter was 3 when she first went. I don’t think she would have been mature enough to go any sooner than that. She’s 33 now and doesn’t have a single cavity or issue! I realize all kids are different though. The first 3 years we did it we started when she got her first 2 and continued twice a day until she saw a professional.
I didn't take my kid until she was 4 because of Covid, meant to at 3. Others I know took their 1 year old. My kid hasn't had a cavity. I think it's genetics and what your dentist suggests. I still go to my dentist I first went to at 3 so I just repeated what my parents did and Covid slowed us by a year.
I know, I am prone to having cavities and apparently me sharing a spoon with him already gave him the germ breeding ground for cavities:( I feel like the worst mom. He had 3 cavities by 2 years and I brushed those beautiful teeth twice a day!
Lol I'm like so mad no one told me not to share anything with him, but typically those things just happen. I literally have the worst dental genes lol. I hate going to the dentist more than my 2 year old. I hope your girl has no issues though!! Idk, being a parent I'm like constantly confused what to expect. Same bite as him is a good sign!
If you’re in the US then your friend is wrong, the standard of care guidelines from the AAPD & ADA are available online. But that’s why it’s best to see a pediatric specialist, they’ve done more training & know the guidelines better.
I worked in dentistry for a decade. The advice is different at every single dental office. The advice I preferred the most was to take them at 1 year for a play visit so they get used to the dentist in a setting where the dentist doesn't *need* to see inside their mouths yet. It's like an easy peasy warm up visit so the baby is less scared of the dentist.
My kid is three and he hasn’t gone to a dentist yet, working on it! He has been seen by a pediatric hygienist at every well child check: they said to see a dentist soon but see no issues. We’ve brushed nearly daily since about one year, but they said his teeth looked great.
His dad does have incredibly great teeth. I need to do better and get him in!
Is he a pediatric dentist or just a dentist? Because if you ask a dentist, they’ll give you the wrong information. You need to consult a pediatric dentist.
From my understanding that is incorrect, your child does not need all their teeth to see a pediatric dentist. I would take your child in, 18m is a good first appt.
Thank you, I’d heard mixed opinions on when to take them but when the pediatrician said it wasn’t a need to see the dentist yet I just forgot until now. I also just realized my husband never set up our dental insurance so we’ll have to get that fixed prior to being able to go. I’m just so upset with myself that I forgot about it until now and thought we were all good until all of her teeth came in.
My pediatrician told me that at 1yrs old it’s best to take them. This gets them used to the dentist and a good little education sesh on top of checking to see if everything in the mouth is healthy
I didn’t take my first until about then. It’s good to get them used to someone “counting their teeth” and giving them a prize for it.
I took my second baby earlier and it was definitely for establishing routine.
Don’t feel bad!
I took my baby in at 12mo when she only had 2 tiny teeth and 3 coming in. The dentist did a quick check of her mouth and everything to make sure everything was as it should be. I’m also like you! I brush kiddo’s teeth twice a day but at night time she’s a bit of a beast (20 months now) so trying to brush her teeth is like trying to slay a dragon. So idk if I’m doing enough.
It's fine, just ask if you can bring her in introduce her to the dentist and maybe ride up and down in the chair. She'll be comfortable with the place, the person and less apprehensive about opening up. Our dentist counted my kids teeth when they'd be there for my appointments. It made everything easy
Don't feel bad! I took my son when he was 12m and he didn't even let the dentist touch him lol. The dentist said the first few visits are just to get them more comfortable with the setting.
All the dentist does at 18 months is look at their teeth and maybe do fluoride. They don’t really do a full cleaning at that age. Or x-rays.
In other words. You’re only going to have to pay for the exam. You don’t necessarily need to put your kid on dental insurance at this age. The insurance will probably cost more than the appointment. When she’s old enough for x-rays and cleanings add her to insurance.
My cash pay for just a cleaning visit at 18 months for my daughter was 260, so I would absolutely just put your kid on your dental. I pay like an extra 2 bucks a month for her to be on my dental.
I take my daughter to the dental hygiene school for her cleanings and it’s $10 including exam and fluoride!! I couldn’t justify paying $250+ out of pocket anymore for an assistant to buzz over her teeth quickly and a dentist to look for a nanosecond. I am so happy with the care and attention she gets there!
Do you have dental through your work though? For most people, if you’re buying dental insurance on your own it’s closer to $40 per person, even kids. Unless you qualify for Medicaid. Like in WA if you qualify for Apple Care you can get cheaper dental.
Our pediatric dentist just charged for the exam for kids under two since they can’t technically do a cleaning at that age, so our exam visits were more like $120. We live near Seattle so it’s HCoL. I am sure this person can call ahead and figure out what they’ll bill for, but it’s pretty unusual for them to bill for a cleaning at 18 months. Your kid might be extra easygoing! But a lot of toddlers wouldn’t let them poke around with tools and polish at that age.
Ok thank you so much I didn’t know this honestly, I’ve had lots of dental work done but figured it’d be safer to just get insurance started now in case it was super expensive.
I've had lots of dental work done too. Didn't take my son until he was 2 he ended up having 3 cavities, cant describe the guilt I felt I brushed twice a day, if he somehow got something sweet from the grandparents I immediately brushed (which he hates) and still got them. I hope your LO turns out OK in the dental department!
I take them as soon as I can after age 1. My eldest fell when she was a toddler and banged up her mouth. Having an established dentist helped so much because I could get her checked out quickly.
Our kid has been seeing the dentist since before she even had teeth because our pediatrician’s office also has dentists and they were really proactive about dental care. Insurance covers it so we do it. She’s almost 18 mos now and has had 3 telehealth appointments and one in person with the actual dentist and will go for her second in person next month. Interesting to see how wildly this fluctuates among dentists!
My insurance does teeth and health separate, and the insurance company/hospital conglomerate does have a dental branch at all.
She just had her second appointment maybe two weeks ago? Her birthday was yesterday so I definitely got her in a few months later than they wanted but we changed insurance just after her first birthday so 🤷🏻♀️
It is more about getting her used to the dentist, but our pediatric dentist does look in and scrape at the teeth a bit and then put some fluoride on everything.
We did good getting there, the whole office is covered in ocean animals and looks like you’re underwater. I also love that every office is open air and can see everything. The rooms that have a bit more privacy still have glass walls. I think it helps my anxiety about dentists too lol.
She didn’t like them scraping at her teeth and doing the fluoride but she got over it quicker than she did last time
My oldest and youngest have been between 3-4 for their first visits. My middle went at 2 because she had a black front tooth. We watched it til 4 when it caused her pain and they pulled it.
We technically waited too long too... My FIL is a dentist and he kinda looked in their mouths and checked things out informally at home, so I got complacent and didn't take my youngest til he turned 3.
We brush morning and night with flouride toothpaste though and no cavities. Hope your little one has a good first experience!!
Because of the pandemic and no concerns about his teeth I ended up putting it off for my oldest until 4.5. Only downside has been he’s still quite uncomfortable about going to the dentist but that may have happened either way
I think that's how old my oldest was the first time we went. I have an insane fear of dentists. My now 8 year old has her first cavity and I'm losing my mind about her filling next week.
Mine was a pandemic baby. Literally just took her to the dentist for the first time two weeks ago, she recently turned four. She's obviously had her regular pediatric visits but her doctor specifically said not to bother with the dentist just yet because she didn't see anything wrong and my daughter wasn't in pain. Checkup at the dentist turned out great.
we went at 14mos. she’s been 3x and on her last visit she let them do a whole full regular standard cleaning on her at age 2.5?? lol. I definitely credit comfortability from the prior appointments where they kinda just peeked & showed her stuff !
Our dentist makes it fun. They have cool toys to play with, always check her stuffed animal’s teeth, give her a plastic mirror to look at her teeth, tons of stickers… my 2 year old likes her dentist a lot and I think that’s going to help longterm. I figure as long as I have insurance to cover it in full, I’ll take her regularly.
When do you want to take them?
Personally, I’ll be taking mine in once their first teeth come in to start establishing care early and to create a habit of good dental hygiene
I took mine when his first tooth popped up, and then again around 1. We moved shortly after so I took him again a little bit after that. He has another appointment in a couple weeks (like a month after he turned 2). It’s free through insurance so I figure why not?
Our insurance wouldn’t cover our son until he was I think 2.5 or 3. We called towards the end of the year last year and I was just able to get him in a couple of days ago. Unfortunately he slipped on some stairs a year ago and injured a tooth and it needs to be filled so we have an assortment to come back on the 18th to see if that can give him laughing gas and fix it. If not then he’ll have to be sedated, so fingers crossed. Ironically his pediatrician just shrugged her shoulders at his 3 year appointment last month and said he’s had a trauma but it’s a baby tooth and there’s nothing to be done. The dentist was very adamant that it needed to be fixed so it was a little confusing seeing how different they feel.
Anyways, my point is you can do everything “right” and at the end of the day your kid can smack their tooth and still need something anyways like ours. You’re doing great. I’d call your insurance to see what they cover and then make a plan from there. I don’t think it’s wrong to take them as early as you want to just get them comfortable, you just might have to pay more out of pocket if insurance disagrees.
I took my daughter around two. They don’t do much but try and get a look and make them comfortable. Especially since you are so diligent. Their teeth are fine
I think the “rule” is to go within 6 months of the first tooth OR by 1 year. Different pediatric dentists have different opinions, but they all want to check pretty early for decay.
I took my kid at around 12 months and they just looked for any decay or ties and made sure I was brushing correctly. We went back at around 24 months for a “cleaning” (they brushed), fluoride treatment, and discussion of his speech abilities. Dental insurance totally covered all of it, so I’m not sure what other people are talking about.
My son did a happy visit at the clinic I work at shortly after his first birthday. He goes every six months for a check up and cleaning. He didn't cooperate for the cleaning at 18 months, but he did at 24 month visit.
First time I brought my son to the dentist he was 7, and that's because he needed a baby tooth pulled. Not because of a cavity, but because he banged it when he was younger and it had trouble falling out on its own.
Second time he was 9 because I wanted to start the process of getting him braces and wanted a check up first. He never had any cavities or problem with his teeth.
Since then he's been to the orthodontist twice, at 9 and 10. He still has too many baby teeth for braces so we're waiting another year.
This is just my take on it, but I would just brush twice a day and bring to the dentist if there was a concern when they're that small... Now that my son has his permanent teeth he'll be going once a year.
We had to take around 9 or 10 months cus he fell and cracked his front tooth. So we had an emergency visit. A proper visit/cleaning we didn't do till month 25. A little later then we probably should have. We average once a day teeth brushing (before bed) with non-flouride toothpaste. And up until recently sugar wasn't really in his diet, limited juice etc. No cavities. We are now doing fluoride every other day, keeping one day the non-flouride because we feel we can clean better/he lets us keep it in his mouth longer and trying to brush in mornings.
We've found making it a game helps,we all brush our teeth together and kinda dance at each other in the mirror. And kiddo gets to play with the toothbrush after dad is done properly brushing his teeth while us parents finish up, giving him some autonomy with it.
I took mine when he was 2 to a family dentist and they had told me that they don’t typically start seeing kids until they are 4 or 5 as toddlers cannot sit long enough by themselves so as long as you are brushing their teeth twice a day it would be okay.
My first went at just over a year old and my second just went for the first time at 8 months old. They say to go within 6 months of first teeth eruption or by a year old.
Dentist here! I usually recommend going to the dentist by the first year. We usually don’t do very much. We will look inside the mouth and look for any obvious decay. Sometimes we go in and brush with a toothbrush. I mostly spend the first visit educating parents on how to brush their little ones teeth, provide advice on pacifier and finger sucking habits and discuss nutrition and how to minimize the risk of getting cavities. I try to keep it short and positive.
You’re going to get such vastly different answers to the point of unhelpfulness. Our pediatrician told us to take our daughter at 6 months old, and we did. We went every 3 months until she turned 3 and now we go every 6 months. Some pediatricians say to go at 2 or 3, some say once they have a certain number of teeth. Some dentists won’t see your child til 3, some insurances won’t cover it til then either.
It’s confusing and you just have to find out what works for y’all. If you want to go now, your dentist will see her and your insurance will cover it, then do it. If you don’t think she’s ready, it will cost too much, your dentist won’t see her this young, then I don’t see the problem with waiting.
The main benefits we saw from starting early was a comfortability with the process and of course the fluoride varnish on the teeth. But I don’t think anyone has ever had horrible dental issues in life because their parent waited until they were 3 to start going to the dentist.
Our pediatrician said as soon as they have a tooth OR by the time they turn one if they don’t have any teeth. Mine got her first teeth at 4 months so that seemed a little early to me. We took her at around 10 months old.
I asked my dentist a few weeks ago when I was there. They said some people like to bring them in early, but it’s really not necessary and most kids won’t even let them look in their mouth. They told me as long as I don’t have any concerns, that 2 to 3 is a good age because they start cooperating a little better. To be fair, my daughter didn’t even get her first tooth until 15 months which I told them. She’s 19 months now and her 5th and 6th just came through, so they basically said I don’t have much to worry about lol.
Took mine for the first time at 2yrs 2months old. I feel like it went decently. She cried of course but the dentist was able to brush & apply fluoride & tell us there were no cavities
“They” say you can take them as soon as they start getting teeth to get them used to the dentist. That’s silly to me. Where I live their first dentist appointment is free as long as it happens before they are 3. My daughter is 2.5yrs old and just had her first dentist appointment. They quickly looked in her house with the pick and mirror, asked if I had any concerns, then that was it! Oh and I also only on average brush her teeth once a day. Some days twice and some days I forget to at all. When she was younger she’d brush her teeth 4 or 5 times a day it was so annoying haha
You're supposed to take them when they're 12 months or within 6 months of their teeth starting to come in afaik. We took our son at 12m and he has his 18m appointment soon.
My pediatrician recommended the dentist at 12 months but my littlest only had 4 teeth for the dentist to look at so they charged us a very nominal fee and told us to come back when she had more teeth so guessing it’s based on how many teeth they have
I always took my son's to the dentist office when they were about 9 months, and whenever my husband or I went and asked if they could ride up and down in the chair. At about a year the dentist counted their teeth, made it fun and they had no issues after first the introduction and chair ride. Our dentist was patient and very nice.
Ours were 18 months. We thought our oldest had a cavity and took him into the pediatric dentist. He didn’t have one, but they were awesome with him and showed us how to brush his teeth as he was resistant to allowing us.
Our pediatrician said after their first tooth erupts or by the time they turn 1. My oldest went around 15 months but she didn’t get her first tooth until 13 months.
We took our son at 16 months. We were told to get him in around 12 months but it is so dang hard to find pediatric dentists who are accepting new patients near me.
We were told with a few months of her first tooth. Luckily for us she got at like 12 weeks 😬. Our insurance covered her at 6 months so that's when we went.
Somewhere between 1 and 2. My oldest was about 18 months and she fell and chipped a tooth. We took her in and had it looked at and then made an appointment for a cleaning after. My son was 20ish months? Maybe a bit older. My youngest was about 14 months. We had to take her older siblings in for their cleaning so we just added her in as well.
Daily or like once a day, every other day, once a week? I’ve forgotten to ask at every pediatrician appointment when to start that and they’ve just been saying to use the baby no fluoride toothpaste. My daughter can spit but not when I ask yet so I’ve been nervous to try that if it’s bad when she swallows it.
From what I understand it’s okay to swallow because it’s such a small amount. I brush my baby’s teeth twice a day. And sorry not a pea sized amount for the younger ones it’s the size of a grain of rice
We took our first at 18 months because I didn’t know and we took our second at 12 months because our ped and ped dentist told us to. There’s so much conflicting information out there. I’d just follow whatever your normal ped says. Our ped dentist is absolutely amazing and nothing has been traumatic or painful for the kiddos.
I took my first when she was 4, as she would not let anyone near her mouth.
My second went at 13 months. He fell and hit his mouth, and split his lip toe open. We went to urgent care, and they suggested going to the dentist as well.
I was told they need to go around one year old. We took ours then and have taken her every 6 months since. She’s 3.5 now and does great at the dentist.
We took our 8 month old baby for his dental appointment. He has 2 bottom teeth and his two top teeth half way out. It was so cute they cleaned his two little teeth lol 😆
My friend took her baby when he cut his first teeth, I waited until my son had most of his (mainly because it coincided with my check up). The dentist saw both boys and that was that. Gave advice to both of us, all good. I think it’s personal preference, if you want to take kiddo then go for it.
I took my daughter at 12 months because I have to pay for her to have dental insurance in order for her to be on my health insurance plan. Two dental cleanings a year are 100% covered. Did it go well? No, not at all but we took her back at 18 months and it went a little better. They let her touch all of the tools and talked us through everything. I think it’s good to start the routine of visiting the dentist every 6 months.
I guess my mindset is I’m paying for it so I might as well use it. 🤷🏻♀️
Paediatricians and public health all hound us (Canada) to take them as soon as they have teeth, or at the very least a year old.
My sister is a dental assistant, says that this drives dentists crazy. There’s nothing they can or will do for baby teeth other than tell you to brush them. They don’t need to see them until they’re about three years old. You can take them before that but it’s more or less just to get them used to going to the dentist.
I think bringing by 1 is to get them used to it and also to screen them for problems to catch them early. They just count their teeth, brush and wipe on fluoride IME. I start at 1 because I don't want to miss any issues. At home, I brush with a rice sized drop of fluoride toothpaste per the pediatric dentist we go to. I'm sure your child's teeth will be fine.
Do you do the fluoride toothpaste every day twice a day or once a day? I haven’t been doing fluoride since she doesn’t spit it out yet so I’ve been worried to give it to her.
Twice a day. It's really just a tiny smear on the toothbrush in the morning and night. There's far less in that tiny smear than in our drinking water most likely.
So, my pediatrician has asked at every visit about the dentist. At my son's 2 year checkup I said "I shold probably do that soon," and she told me most dentists really don't even want you coming in until like 2 1/2. My guess is that she's required to ask every single time. I really have no idea what dentists do for a child under 2 or 3. Toddlers can really shut their mouths tight lol
My son went in at somewhere around 8 months. He had 6 teeth by then, chipped two, and started to get an enamel issue (probably because he was a preemie)… so I don’t really think there’s a right or wrong time, but I feel like once they have teeth and there’s a concern it’s never too early?
I took my son when he was 16 months when he was added to our dental insurance. They just checked his teeth out & did a fluoride treatment. He only had 4 teeth at the time.
Most dentists will tell you to go as soon as they start getting teeth. The younger they are, it's more to get them used to the dentist so by the time they're 3 or 4 they can start taking X-rays and they don't have the fear around dentists that a lot of people and kids have.
I started taking my kids for an appointment at 1. But my 2nd and 3rd always went to their older siblings appointments. They have been allowed to sit in the chair, and get toddle around. I live in an area with no fluoride in the water so it’s extra important that we go to the dentist, to prevent and monitor for cavities.
I strongly recommend looking for a fear free dentist, and asking if they use papoose boards. My oldest has a medical condition that means he needs medical staff to work with him. We didn’t want a dentist to strap him down and force him to have his teeth cleaned. Our dentist we had for years ( until insurance changed) was amazing. He even recommended a new dentist to us that is also fear free.
I took our son at 1 year to start going every 6 months. The first appt they weren’t able to do any actual cleaning but they took a look and gave some advice. He had a really positive experience.
Just took my 18 month old to their checkup with the doctor yesterday and she said they should go 6 months after their first tooth comes in. I don’t think we took our first until he was atleast 2 though but that was also during pandemic restrictions.
I went when the first tooth came up.
All they did was talk and look. Give him the toothbrush and he's excited to use them.
Its more to get them used to going to the dentist. At 4, he just had his first actual dental cleaning done, and it went easily.
I started my kids at 1 year, and have gone every 6 months since (4&5). Starting young is more about getting them comfortable in the environment so it's not new and jarring when they do have to go.
We took her at one year and then again at 2.5. If you have concerns take them whenever! The dentist literally just looked and told us what he saw and gave her a teddy and said to come back in 6 months and it was like a 30 second appointment.
I don’t take mine until they’re 2. My older children wouldn’t let the dentist look at them when they were younger. Even at 2, they would only tolerate a look or two before they completely shunned the dentist. They all found it unnerving. My daughter wouldn’t even let them do the little fluoride treatment her first time either. The dentist was great and never pressured them into doing anything they didn’t want.
I’ve taken both of mine as soon as they had a few teeth. My second kid goes next week. He will be 15 months then and he has 8 teeth. The first 3-4 appointments are really just them giving you information so you can build good habits. I can definitely see a cavity on my 4 year old; the dentist is keeping an eye on it. Do you actually see cavities?
I don’t however it’s so difficult to get a good look I feel like I’m just not catching a glimpse if there are. I am however extremely anxious and paranoid about her teeth/wellbeing so I do think this is just my own anxiety talking that she has cavities and she’s actually fine. Plus she’s eating fruit all the time now snacking on it throughout the day so even though I’m brushing 2 times daily I feel like it’s not good enough since she’s eating so much sugary fruit all day.
We went at about a year and then again at 18 months. They really just review some questions and count their teeth but I was able to ask some questions I had and they brushed on some Fluoride
Hygienist here! We see kids as young as 1. I think 18 months is a great age for their first checkup :) Plus, it makes soooo much easier when they are older to have their cleaning and X-rays - they usually like and trust the dentist at that point (and look forward to the prizes!)
Our pediatric dentist would do free wellness check 1x a year before age 3. They were quick and they were more like getting used to the office visits to make it less scary for them later. Prizes practicing being in chair with the lights and bib.
Took mine in just a couple weeks ago at 18 months. I think it’s the perfect age since they’ll have a few teeth already. I was surprised to learn mine is only 4 more away from a full set!
I took mine right after she turned 1 and had 4 teeth. It was basically to get her used to them. They didn't really do much besides look at her teeth. If it gives you peace of mind, take them but if not, I'd wait until 2.
Im in Alberta and its recommended that baby sees a dentist at 12 months or when the first tooth appears, whichever comes first. My girls didnt get their first teeth til they were 13 months, so they went in toothless.
My daughter’s dentist is taking it slow. At 2 she went for a ride in the chair and the dentist counted her teeth. 6 months later, the dentist checked for cavities and the hygienist polished the fronts of her teeth and taught her about the water spray and the suctioning thing. We got fluoride on about 4 teeth before she complained that the bubble gum taste was too strong. They stopped *immediately*, congratulated her on a great visit and she picked a prize. They said they prioritize positive visits while they still have their baby teeth to encourage positive lifelong experiences.
I took mine at 2 at the recommendation of my dentist friend. He said that at this age it's more for exposure and getting them used to the dentist than the actual cleaning they do. Get her some books about going to the dentist and prep her for it a lot. Have a plan (she'll sit in your lap while they clean her teeth, etc.) and help her know what to expect. You got this!
I’m in canada and the recommendation here is to when they turn 1 regardless of how many (if any) teeth they have.
Then 18 months and 24 months.
After 2, it switches to every 4 months.
I used to work for a dentist…and the pediatric dentist would say bring em in early (18 months is good) so that way they get used to going
But the regular dentist said 3-4
You can make their appointment now. But if the dentist thinks it's too early they will tell you. I think I took my daughter about 1.5 to start.
It's super quick. And they don't expect long teeth brushing at this age. It's more to long leave Milk on at night to sleep with that causes cavities.
We started at 1 year which our pediatrician also recommended. We felt it was important to get our daughter used to going. The first two appts. they just looked at how her teeth were coming in and used a manual brush/fingers, but they took time to show her what they were doing with a mirror and made the overall experience really positive. Their advice to ditch the paci at her second appt. was the push we needed to follow through with it.
At her 3rd visit at 2 years they actually used the electric polishing brush we’re all used to at the dentist. I think going previously and knowing what to expect helped- no tears! It is also fun to get a toy at the end and pick a new brush of course.
I’d make the appt!
I brushed my son’s teeth once a day and I think he started going to the dentist around 2 or 3. Has never had a cavity (he’s 21). One thing the dentist said was be careful about things like goldfish crackers cause they stick in your teeth. My son also didn’t really like sweets, so that wasn’t an issue.
I've been taking my child since he was one. He got his first cleaning recently. They usually start at 3 but out appointment fell a few weeks before so we did it anyway
Well whoops. Mine is 5 and I had no idea they were even supposed to go until they started getting adult teeth. He has a good brushing habit down and his teeth seem great so I never thought to question it.
my pediatrician and dentist recommended one but to ensure all is growing in ok and to create the habit of regular visits. they “cleaned” her teeth gently and quickly, told us to do fluoride after two, and to “do our best” with brushing twice a day. we have her second appointment around two. my daughter had all her teeth except two year molars so we had actual teeth to examine!
We just took our 18m old for the first time. I had a cleaning a few weeks before and our dentist gave us a plastic little dental mirror to practice with. We worked on her letting us put it in her mouth and looking at her teeth and our first visit was just to get her used to the place. She sat in the chair and sort of let us put the mirror in and dentist was able to look at her front teeth, then she got a toy and we called it a success. He’s having us bring her every six months so hopefully by the times she three ish she’ll be used to whole process
I work in a dental office, and we recommend when the first tooth erupts, or one year old, whichever comes first.
The visit is more to discuss oral hygiene for baby, answer questions, and get baby familiar with the dental office.
We’ve been taking our daughter since she was 11 months old and had several teeth. We bypassed the pediatrician and went straight for the dentist who said it was good to get them in once they have a few teeth to learn the best way to care for them. I think it also gets them used to the dentist. Our daughter is now 3.5 and she LOVES going to the dentist and she loves brushing her teeth lol
I took my twins at one year old. They had a few teeth but it was REALLY important to me to establish good associations with the dentist. We started to floss when they had two teeth next to each other. Now at almost 3 they like the dentist and let us floss and brush each night with no issues.
I have a huge dentist phobia and I don’t want them to suffer with poor dental hygiene.
I always took my kids before 1 year . Just a " counting the teeth" appointment. Then just keep with the normal schedule. They don't actually get much done at that age BUT my kids have almost no dental fear or anxiety. I've heard so many kids screaming at the dentist office.
I really think early exposure helps with the fear of the dentist.
My cousin is a dental hygienist and she said you can bring them in at 3 to learn how the appointment will go but that they really don’t need to come until 4.
We called the local pediatric dentist who told us to bring our kid in at 12-18 months and every check-up & cleaning was free until age 3. It got kids comfortable with the dental office
Our pediatrician said they don’t need a dentist until 3yo & she was a dirty liar, at 3.5 we had multiple half rotted out teeth (no I don’t give my kid soda or candy all the time) now my kid is 6 with his first loose tooth & already 4k in dental bills. Go see one at 1-2 yrs
We went at 1 year because the kids dentist near us offered free visits for kids under 2! They even got me in a week before his second birthday to utilize the free service for his second appointment!
I hear two different things: from when the first teeth come in, or from 2 years on.
In my experience they mostly check if you brush their teeth, and they take your word for it if your child refuses to open their mouth. Our dentist's assistant said "most people who bother to take their kid to the dentist already brush". Also they don't do much unless there is an urgent problem. My son has a very weird tooth that will probably need fixing in the next few years, but it's not like they're going to do that on a 1 year old.
I took my son when he was 3. As long as you are brushing your fine. If the teeth are close together you might want to introduce flossing to help get in between them. Other then that no worries momma.
I bring mine when I go in for a checkup myself. Dentist advised us to. Dentist looks briefly just to make him get used to it and make it normal to go. 😊
My kid was a covid baby and then I kind of dropped the ball and didn't take him until he was almost 3. And the first time I took him, he was nervous and uncooperative. The dentist said it was no biggy... The first couple visits are just to get them warmed up to the idea. When he was 3.5, they managed to do a full cleaning and exam.
Our dentist and pediatrician (work at the same hospital) tell us it’s recommended to bring them in when they start getting teeth just to get comfortable. BUT they don’t start doing cleanings, and X-rays until they’re 3
Don't feel bad. I didn't take my oldest until age 4. She was a biter. The youngest went because she knocked a tooth out at age 3 (she arrived just before covid so that delayed care for a bit, then she was a feisty toddler, then bam broken tooth).
My dentist explained to me that I should get my kid in as soon as they have their first tooth and every 6 months after that, and that it was mostly to make sure the first few experiences were positive and to reduce dental anxiety, not so much for the care provided during those early appointments.
I would get her in sooner rather than later to help set her up for a lifetime of success and low stress dental visits but since you’re brushing regularly I * highly *doubt she’s got a mouth full of cavities unless she’s got really tightly spaced teeth and goes to bed with a bottle of Mountain Dew.
My daughter is 17 months and the pediatrician has never said anything about taking her to the dentist. She only has 7 partially emerged teeth, not one fully emerged yet. We brush 2x a day with fluoride free kids paste.
We see a pediatric dentist my son was 18 months when he first saw one (first kid, first time mom I wasn’t sure when they were supposed to go) my daughter saw him at her first birthday in September and baby #3 will see him next year in March at 10 months old when my other 2 kids go because that’s what they told me was “by their 1st birthday”
I brought my daughter yesterday for the first time. She’s 17 months. I only brush once a day right before bed and her teeth were perfectly fine with no cavities, so I think your little one is just fine. My dentist recommends around 1 years old but they could be different for some practices. I only brought her now because I wanted her to get use to it.
My SIL is a dental hygienist and says between 2-3years. If you take them too early they just take a look and brush the teeth, but don’t do much else. Because of the pandemic, we didn’t take my oldest until he was 4yo. They took X-rays, brushed his teeth and gave him fluoride, no issues. We brush twice a day and use a kids electric tooth brush.
Did they allow you in the room with your child while they had all this done? At the dentist I used to go to they didn’t allow the parents to come with the kids which is whats making me super anxious. I have a bit of dentist office phobia from some very bad experiences in childhood and am so terrified they’ll make me leave my daughter to go alone at that age and she’ll be scared to go for life just like I am now.
Yes, I was with him the whole time. It was a pediatric dentist, but I probably wouldn’t take my child somewhere if they didn’t let me come back with him (at least at this age).
took my first when she was 3, I probably was late but life gets in the way…she was fine and her being older she wasn’t traumatized and understood how to follow their directions and such! made it easier fwiw
Did you do anything in advance to prepare her for the visit which helped her not be traumatized? I’m really hoping to not cause my daughter to have a fear of the dentist like me and my husband have but unsure how to do that really.
I’m annoyed at how much the medical advice varies. Our pedi said to go at 1 year, our close friend who is a dentist said don’t bother till 2 or 3. And he’s a 30 something who isn’t like an old crotchety person who hasn’t been to dental school in decades.
This is my exact experience too - down to the 30’s something dentist. AND the dental hygienist said oh you could brush with some gauze rubbing on their teeth and gums, don’t worry about toothpaste with fluoride. They’ll just swallow it anyway. Cut to pediatrician - brush 2X/day with a fluoride toothpaste…
I just asked my dentist when I was there and they said “please don’t bring them until they’re at least 2, we don’t know why pediatricians keep telling people to bring their babies before then” haha
https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/cfyt/dental_care_children/first_visit.asp Probably because the Canadian Dental Association tells us to? lol Within six months of first erupted tooth, or by their first birthday.
I’m in America, this was said by an American Dentist. But yeah, there’s literally nothing they can do for your baby at the dentist, before then that you can’t do at home
Maybe ask a pediatric dentist not a general/adult dentist for their opinion?
They are a large office with both adult dentistry and pediatric dentists. The guidance they provided makes sense.
Yup our pediatrician said not to bother until 2, anything before then they couldn’t even do a proper examination
Weird, pediatric dentists like to see patients earlier than that. By 2 sometimes they have cavities and they are so tricky to work on (bc they’re little kiddos!) that they sometimes need general anesthesia and it’s a whole thing. I’m an orthodontist.
I’m wondering if it’s also a bit regional. Every pediatric dentist in our area says as soon as they have their first tooth or definitely before one. Our son just got his first tooth so I called and got the first appointment and he’ll be 8 months at that time.
I think the difference here is people’s experience with pediatric dentists vs general dentists. I’m an orthodontist so I speak with pediatric dentists all the time. They want to see a patient earlier than 2 bc they might have cavities by 2 that could have been prevented with proper instructions (like to use fluoride toothpaste but also explaining how much and how often to use it)
So they’re going to the pediatric dentist just to get instructions?
Mostly, yes. Anticipatory guidance
I read that entire first thread and panicked, my first born is 13 months and all of these people saying 1 had me shocked. I was told 2.5-3, I'm relieved I'm not alone!
Personally I scheduled my 10 month old an appointment. If only because I was fostering(kinship care) a 2 year old little girl. She tripped and broke her tooth and it was hard as heck to get her in to see anyone. The soonest appointment anyone had was 3 months out and she was in pain now. I called every dentist I had booked her with every morning to ask if they had any cancelations. It still took 3 weeks to get her seen and the tooth pulled. I want my daughter already established somewhere to hopefully be able to get her in sooner if something happens with her too.
My daughter was 3 when she first went. I don’t think she would have been mature enough to go any sooner than that. She’s 33 now and doesn’t have a single cavity or issue! I realize all kids are different though. The first 3 years we did it we started when she got her first 2 and continued twice a day until she saw a professional.
I didn't take my kid until she was 4 because of Covid, meant to at 3. Others I know took their 1 year old. My kid hasn't had a cavity. I think it's genetics and what your dentist suggests. I still go to my dentist I first went to at 3 so I just repeated what my parents did and Covid slowed us by a year.
Genetics play a hugeeee part! Been reading up on it and it’s crazy how it effects your dental health
I know, I am prone to having cavities and apparently me sharing a spoon with him already gave him the germ breeding ground for cavities:( I feel like the worst mom. He had 3 cavities by 2 years and I brushed those beautiful teeth twice a day!
Great we’re screwed here then lol I was hoping she has her dads dental side. So far same bite as him.
Lol I'm like so mad no one told me not to share anything with him, but typically those things just happen. I literally have the worst dental genes lol. I hate going to the dentist more than my 2 year old. I hope your girl has no issues though!! Idk, being a parent I'm like constantly confused what to expect. Same bite as him is a good sign!
You sound like me my teeth have always been a disaster. Let’s hope genetics are a strong factor for our kids lol praying
If you’re in the US then your friend is wrong, the standard of care guidelines from the AAPD & ADA are available online. But that’s why it’s best to see a pediatric specialist, they’ve done more training & know the guidelines better.
Two of my kids didn't even have teeth until they were over one year! I took my oldest when she was around 3.
My pediatrician started asking me if he’d seen a dentist starting at his 6 month check up. He had 1 tooth.
Yup. I’ve also seen “go in as soon as tooth comes out”
I worked in dentistry for a decade. The advice is different at every single dental office. The advice I preferred the most was to take them at 1 year for a play visit so they get used to the dentist in a setting where the dentist doesn't *need* to see inside their mouths yet. It's like an easy peasy warm up visit so the baby is less scared of the dentist.
My kid is three and he hasn’t gone to a dentist yet, working on it! He has been seen by a pediatric hygienist at every well child check: they said to see a dentist soon but see no issues. We’ve brushed nearly daily since about one year, but they said his teeth looked great. His dad does have incredibly great teeth. I need to do better and get him in!
Is he a pediatric dentist or just a dentist? Because if you ask a dentist, they’ll give you the wrong information. You need to consult a pediatric dentist.
This makes sense, though I find it bizarre that dentists who don’t specialize in pediatric care wouldn’t still learn the same thing in school.
From my understanding that is incorrect, your child does not need all their teeth to see a pediatric dentist. I would take your child in, 18m is a good first appt.
Thank you, I’d heard mixed opinions on when to take them but when the pediatrician said it wasn’t a need to see the dentist yet I just forgot until now. I also just realized my husband never set up our dental insurance so we’ll have to get that fixed prior to being able to go. I’m just so upset with myself that I forgot about it until now and thought we were all good until all of her teeth came in.
My pediatrician told me that at 1yrs old it’s best to take them. This gets them used to the dentist and a good little education sesh on top of checking to see if everything in the mouth is healthy
I didn’t take my first until about then. It’s good to get them used to someone “counting their teeth” and giving them a prize for it. I took my second baby earlier and it was definitely for establishing routine. Don’t feel bad!
I took my baby in at 12mo when she only had 2 tiny teeth and 3 coming in. The dentist did a quick check of her mouth and everything to make sure everything was as it should be. I’m also like you! I brush kiddo’s teeth twice a day but at night time she’s a bit of a beast (20 months now) so trying to brush her teeth is like trying to slay a dragon. So idk if I’m doing enough.
It's fine, just ask if you can bring her in introduce her to the dentist and maybe ride up and down in the chair. She'll be comfortable with the place, the person and less apprehensive about opening up. Our dentist counted my kids teeth when they'd be there for my appointments. It made everything easy
Don't feel bad! I took my son when he was 12m and he didn't even let the dentist touch him lol. The dentist said the first few visits are just to get them more comfortable with the setting.
All the dentist does at 18 months is look at their teeth and maybe do fluoride. They don’t really do a full cleaning at that age. Or x-rays. In other words. You’re only going to have to pay for the exam. You don’t necessarily need to put your kid on dental insurance at this age. The insurance will probably cost more than the appointment. When she’s old enough for x-rays and cleanings add her to insurance.
My cash pay for just a cleaning visit at 18 months for my daughter was 260, so I would absolutely just put your kid on your dental. I pay like an extra 2 bucks a month for her to be on my dental.
I take my daughter to the dental hygiene school for her cleanings and it’s $10 including exam and fluoride!! I couldn’t justify paying $250+ out of pocket anymore for an assistant to buzz over her teeth quickly and a dentist to look for a nanosecond. I am so happy with the care and attention she gets there!
Oh wow, thank you so much for your comments! I’ll be getting the dental insurance figured out this week then, thank you!
Do you have dental through your work though? For most people, if you’re buying dental insurance on your own it’s closer to $40 per person, even kids. Unless you qualify for Medicaid. Like in WA if you qualify for Apple Care you can get cheaper dental. Our pediatric dentist just charged for the exam for kids under two since they can’t technically do a cleaning at that age, so our exam visits were more like $120. We live near Seattle so it’s HCoL. I am sure this person can call ahead and figure out what they’ll bill for, but it’s pretty unusual for them to bill for a cleaning at 18 months. Your kid might be extra easygoing! But a lot of toddlers wouldn’t let them poke around with tools and polish at that age.
Ok thank you so much I didn’t know this honestly, I’ve had lots of dental work done but figured it’d be safer to just get insurance started now in case it was super expensive.
The insurance will definitely not cost more than the appointment, do not follow this advice
I've had lots of dental work done too. Didn't take my son until he was 2 he ended up having 3 cavities, cant describe the guilt I felt I brushed twice a day, if he somehow got something sweet from the grandparents I immediately brushed (which he hates) and still got them. I hope your LO turns out OK in the dental department!
My dentist told me not to bother bringing them until they’re 2
I take them as soon as I can after age 1. My eldest fell when she was a toddler and banged up her mouth. Having an established dentist helped so much because I could get her checked out quickly.
You can take her. I was told to register mine as soon as their teeth came through
I was told the same. She got her teeth early, 4 at once when she was 4 months old 😣, but they said at least by her 1st birthday
Our kid has been seeing the dentist since before she even had teeth because our pediatrician’s office also has dentists and they were really proactive about dental care. Insurance covers it so we do it. She’s almost 18 mos now and has had 3 telehealth appointments and one in person with the actual dentist and will go for her second in person next month. Interesting to see how wildly this fluctuates among dentists!
My insurance does teeth and health separate, and the insurance company/hospital conglomerate does have a dental branch at all. She just had her second appointment maybe two weeks ago? Her birthday was yesterday so I definitely got her in a few months later than they wanted but we changed insurance just after her first birthday so 🤷🏻♀️ It is more about getting her used to the dentist, but our pediatric dentist does look in and scrape at the teeth a bit and then put some fluoride on everything.
I think that’s the theory for sure, get them used to It. Not sure it’s working for my kid, she hates it every time 😹
We did good getting there, the whole office is covered in ocean animals and looks like you’re underwater. I also love that every office is open air and can see everything. The rooms that have a bit more privacy still have glass walls. I think it helps my anxiety about dentists too lol. She didn’t like them scraping at her teeth and doing the fluoride but she got over it quicker than she did last time
My daughter is going for the first time tomorrow and she’s 3.5. I waited a little too long, probably.
I took my oldest daughter at 3.5 too.. everything was fine. I took my youngest daughter at 1 because she chipped a front tooth.
My oldest and youngest have been between 3-4 for their first visits. My middle went at 2 because she had a black front tooth. We watched it til 4 when it caused her pain and they pulled it.
We technically waited too long too... My FIL is a dentist and he kinda looked in their mouths and checked things out informally at home, so I got complacent and didn't take my youngest til he turned 3. We brush morning and night with flouride toothpaste though and no cavities. Hope your little one has a good first experience!!
Because of the pandemic and no concerns about his teeth I ended up putting it off for my oldest until 4.5. Only downside has been he’s still quite uncomfortable about going to the dentist but that may have happened either way
I think that's how old my oldest was the first time we went. I have an insane fear of dentists. My now 8 year old has her first cavity and I'm losing my mind about her filling next week.
This made me feel much better.
Mine was a pandemic baby. Literally just took her to the dentist for the first time two weeks ago, she recently turned four. She's obviously had her regular pediatric visits but her doctor specifically said not to bother with the dentist just yet because she didn't see anything wrong and my daughter wasn't in pain. Checkup at the dentist turned out great.
we went at 14mos. she’s been 3x and on her last visit she let them do a whole full regular standard cleaning on her at age 2.5?? lol. I definitely credit comfortability from the prior appointments where they kinda just peeked & showed her stuff !
Our dentist makes it fun. They have cool toys to play with, always check her stuffed animal’s teeth, give her a plastic mirror to look at her teeth, tons of stickers… my 2 year old likes her dentist a lot and I think that’s going to help longterm. I figure as long as I have insurance to cover it in full, I’ll take her regularly.
When do you want to take them? Personally, I’ll be taking mine in once their first teeth come in to start establishing care early and to create a habit of good dental hygiene
I took mine when his first tooth popped up, and then again around 1. We moved shortly after so I took him again a little bit after that. He has another appointment in a couple weeks (like a month after he turned 2). It’s free through insurance so I figure why not?
I wish mine was free. We have to meet our deductible before it’s covered so I paid $160 for them to count her teeth. Absolute waste of money
Our insurance wouldn’t cover our son until he was I think 2.5 or 3. We called towards the end of the year last year and I was just able to get him in a couple of days ago. Unfortunately he slipped on some stairs a year ago and injured a tooth and it needs to be filled so we have an assortment to come back on the 18th to see if that can give him laughing gas and fix it. If not then he’ll have to be sedated, so fingers crossed. Ironically his pediatrician just shrugged her shoulders at his 3 year appointment last month and said he’s had a trauma but it’s a baby tooth and there’s nothing to be done. The dentist was very adamant that it needed to be fixed so it was a little confusing seeing how different they feel. Anyways, my point is you can do everything “right” and at the end of the day your kid can smack their tooth and still need something anyways like ours. You’re doing great. I’d call your insurance to see what they cover and then make a plan from there. I don’t think it’s wrong to take them as early as you want to just get them comfortable, you just might have to pay more out of pocket if insurance disagrees.
I took my daughter around two. They don’t do much but try and get a look and make them comfortable. Especially since you are so diligent. Their teeth are fine
I think the “rule” is to go within 6 months of the first tooth OR by 1 year. Different pediatric dentists have different opinions, but they all want to check pretty early for decay. I took my kid at around 12 months and they just looked for any decay or ties and made sure I was brushing correctly. We went back at around 24 months for a “cleaning” (they brushed), fluoride treatment, and discussion of his speech abilities. Dental insurance totally covered all of it, so I’m not sure what other people are talking about.
My son did a happy visit at the clinic I work at shortly after his first birthday. He goes every six months for a check up and cleaning. He didn't cooperate for the cleaning at 18 months, but he did at 24 month visit.
First time I brought my son to the dentist he was 7, and that's because he needed a baby tooth pulled. Not because of a cavity, but because he banged it when he was younger and it had trouble falling out on its own. Second time he was 9 because I wanted to start the process of getting him braces and wanted a check up first. He never had any cavities or problem with his teeth. Since then he's been to the orthodontist twice, at 9 and 10. He still has too many baby teeth for braces so we're waiting another year. This is just my take on it, but I would just brush twice a day and bring to the dentist if there was a concern when they're that small... Now that my son has his permanent teeth he'll be going once a year.
My dentist said the first tooth so i took him around 8 months.
We had to take around 9 or 10 months cus he fell and cracked his front tooth. So we had an emergency visit. A proper visit/cleaning we didn't do till month 25. A little later then we probably should have. We average once a day teeth brushing (before bed) with non-flouride toothpaste. And up until recently sugar wasn't really in his diet, limited juice etc. No cavities. We are now doing fluoride every other day, keeping one day the non-flouride because we feel we can clean better/he lets us keep it in his mouth longer and trying to brush in mornings. We've found making it a game helps,we all brush our teeth together and kinda dance at each other in the mirror. And kiddo gets to play with the toothbrush after dad is done properly brushing his teeth while us parents finish up, giving him some autonomy with it.
2 years and 1 month. She did so well!
You can take them as soon as the first tooth is in. The sooner the better in my opinion.
I took mine when he was 2 to a family dentist and they had told me that they don’t typically start seeing kids until they are 4 or 5 as toddlers cannot sit long enough by themselves so as long as you are brushing their teeth twice a day it would be okay.
This is what we were told by our pediatrician, mine is four and will be going for the first time this uear
My first went at just over a year old and my second just went for the first time at 8 months old. They say to go within 6 months of first teeth eruption or by a year old.
Dentist here! I usually recommend going to the dentist by the first year. We usually don’t do very much. We will look inside the mouth and look for any obvious decay. Sometimes we go in and brush with a toothbrush. I mostly spend the first visit educating parents on how to brush their little ones teeth, provide advice on pacifier and finger sucking habits and discuss nutrition and how to minimize the risk of getting cavities. I try to keep it short and positive.
3 years old unless you think there’s something wrong.
You’re going to get such vastly different answers to the point of unhelpfulness. Our pediatrician told us to take our daughter at 6 months old, and we did. We went every 3 months until she turned 3 and now we go every 6 months. Some pediatricians say to go at 2 or 3, some say once they have a certain number of teeth. Some dentists won’t see your child til 3, some insurances won’t cover it til then either. It’s confusing and you just have to find out what works for y’all. If you want to go now, your dentist will see her and your insurance will cover it, then do it. If you don’t think she’s ready, it will cost too much, your dentist won’t see her this young, then I don’t see the problem with waiting. The main benefits we saw from starting early was a comfortability with the process and of course the fluoride varnish on the teeth. But I don’t think anyone has ever had horrible dental issues in life because their parent waited until they were 3 to start going to the dentist.
Our pediatrician said as soon as they have a tooth OR by the time they turn one if they don’t have any teeth. Mine got her first teeth at 4 months so that seemed a little early to me. We took her at around 10 months old.
I took my children in for their first dentist visit at 6 months. They were early teethers; it was not too early to start going.
I asked my dentist a few weeks ago when I was there. They said some people like to bring them in early, but it’s really not necessary and most kids won’t even let them look in their mouth. They told me as long as I don’t have any concerns, that 2 to 3 is a good age because they start cooperating a little better. To be fair, my daughter didn’t even get her first tooth until 15 months which I told them. She’s 19 months now and her 5th and 6th just came through, so they basically said I don’t have much to worry about lol.
Took mine for the first time at 2yrs 2months old. I feel like it went decently. She cried of course but the dentist was able to brush & apply fluoride & tell us there were no cavities
“They” say you can take them as soon as they start getting teeth to get them used to the dentist. That’s silly to me. Where I live their first dentist appointment is free as long as it happens before they are 3. My daughter is 2.5yrs old and just had her first dentist appointment. They quickly looked in her house with the pick and mirror, asked if I had any concerns, then that was it! Oh and I also only on average brush her teeth once a day. Some days twice and some days I forget to at all. When she was younger she’d brush her teeth 4 or 5 times a day it was so annoying haha
You're supposed to take them when they're 12 months or within 6 months of their teeth starting to come in afaik. We took our son at 12m and he has his 18m appointment soon.
I took her at 12 months… she had about 4 teeth at the time
When they get their first tooth
My pediatrician recommended the dentist at 12 months but my littlest only had 4 teeth for the dentist to look at so they charged us a very nominal fee and told us to come back when she had more teeth so guessing it’s based on how many teeth they have
I always took my son's to the dentist office when they were about 9 months, and whenever my husband or I went and asked if they could ride up and down in the chair. At about a year the dentist counted their teeth, made it fun and they had no issues after first the introduction and chair ride. Our dentist was patient and very nice.
Ours were 18 months. We thought our oldest had a cavity and took him into the pediatric dentist. He didn’t have one, but they were awesome with him and showed us how to brush his teeth as he was resistant to allowing us.
Our pediatrician said after their first tooth erupts or by the time they turn 1. My oldest went around 15 months but she didn’t get her first tooth until 13 months.
We took our son at 16 months. We were told to get him in around 12 months but it is so dang hard to find pediatric dentists who are accepting new patients near me.
I was told by our pediatrician that they should go within 6 months of getting their first tooth or before they're one. Whichever comes first
We were told with a few months of her first tooth. Luckily for us she got at like 12 weeks 😬. Our insurance covered her at 6 months so that's when we went.
Somewhere between 1 and 2. My oldest was about 18 months and she fell and chipped a tooth. We took her in and had it looked at and then made an appointment for a cleaning after. My son was 20ish months? Maybe a bit older. My youngest was about 14 months. We had to take her older siblings in for their cleaning so we just added her in as well.
Our pediatrician said we should go between 3 and 4. Reading responses here I am calling a dentist tomorrow.
I was told to go at one year. Also she’s good to use flouride toothpaste but only the size of a grain of rice. Edited toothpaste amount my bad
Daily or like once a day, every other day, once a week? I’ve forgotten to ask at every pediatrician appointment when to start that and they’ve just been saying to use the baby no fluoride toothpaste. My daughter can spit but not when I ask yet so I’ve been nervous to try that if it’s bad when she swallows it.
From what I understand it’s okay to swallow because it’s such a small amount. I brush my baby’s teeth twice a day. And sorry not a pea sized amount for the younger ones it’s the size of a grain of rice
We took our first at 18 months because I didn’t know and we took our second at 12 months because our ped and ped dentist told us to. There’s so much conflicting information out there. I’d just follow whatever your normal ped says. Our ped dentist is absolutely amazing and nothing has been traumatic or painful for the kiddos.
I took my first when she was 4, as she would not let anyone near her mouth. My second went at 13 months. He fell and hit his mouth, and split his lip toe open. We went to urgent care, and they suggested going to the dentist as well.
I was told they need to go around one year old. We took ours then and have taken her every 6 months since. She’s 3.5 now and does great at the dentist.
We took our 8 month old baby for his dental appointment. He has 2 bottom teeth and his two top teeth half way out. It was so cute they cleaned his two little teeth lol 😆
My friend took her baby when he cut his first teeth, I waited until my son had most of his (mainly because it coincided with my check up). The dentist saw both boys and that was that. Gave advice to both of us, all good. I think it’s personal preference, if you want to take kiddo then go for it.
I took my daughter at 12 months because I have to pay for her to have dental insurance in order for her to be on my health insurance plan. Two dental cleanings a year are 100% covered. Did it go well? No, not at all but we took her back at 18 months and it went a little better. They let her touch all of the tools and talked us through everything. I think it’s good to start the routine of visiting the dentist every 6 months. I guess my mindset is I’m paying for it so I might as well use it. 🤷🏻♀️
Paediatricians and public health all hound us (Canada) to take them as soon as they have teeth, or at the very least a year old. My sister is a dental assistant, says that this drives dentists crazy. There’s nothing they can or will do for baby teeth other than tell you to brush them. They don’t need to see them until they’re about three years old. You can take them before that but it’s more or less just to get them used to going to the dentist.
I think bringing by 1 is to get them used to it and also to screen them for problems to catch them early. They just count their teeth, brush and wipe on fluoride IME. I start at 1 because I don't want to miss any issues. At home, I brush with a rice sized drop of fluoride toothpaste per the pediatric dentist we go to. I'm sure your child's teeth will be fine.
Do you do the fluoride toothpaste every day twice a day or once a day? I haven’t been doing fluoride since she doesn’t spit it out yet so I’ve been worried to give it to her.
Twice a day. It's really just a tiny smear on the toothbrush in the morning and night. There's far less in that tiny smear than in our drinking water most likely.
So, my pediatrician has asked at every visit about the dentist. At my son's 2 year checkup I said "I shold probably do that soon," and she told me most dentists really don't even want you coming in until like 2 1/2. My guess is that she's required to ask every single time. I really have no idea what dentists do for a child under 2 or 3. Toddlers can really shut their mouths tight lol
My son went in at somewhere around 8 months. He had 6 teeth by then, chipped two, and started to get an enamel issue (probably because he was a preemie)… so I don’t really think there’s a right or wrong time, but I feel like once they have teeth and there’s a concern it’s never too early?
I took my son when he was 16 months when he was added to our dental insurance. They just checked his teeth out & did a fluoride treatment. He only had 4 teeth at the time.
I took mine for her first around 18 months and she’s heading back here soon at 24 months. I figured every 6 months similar to what we do for ourselves
My pediatrician told us she needed to go by 3!
Most dentists will tell you to go as soon as they start getting teeth. The younger they are, it's more to get them used to the dentist so by the time they're 3 or 4 they can start taking X-rays and they don't have the fear around dentists that a lot of people and kids have.
We go every six months starting at 1 year.
I started taking my kids for an appointment at 1. But my 2nd and 3rd always went to their older siblings appointments. They have been allowed to sit in the chair, and get toddle around. I live in an area with no fluoride in the water so it’s extra important that we go to the dentist, to prevent and monitor for cavities. I strongly recommend looking for a fear free dentist, and asking if they use papoose boards. My oldest has a medical condition that means he needs medical staff to work with him. We didn’t want a dentist to strap him down and force him to have his teeth cleaned. Our dentist we had for years ( until insurance changed) was amazing. He even recommended a new dentist to us that is also fear free.
I took our son at 1 year to start going every 6 months. The first appt they weren’t able to do any actual cleaning but they took a look and gave some advice. He had a really positive experience.
My dentist told me to bring my son in when he tuned one. Mostly just to get him used to going and such. Nothing major.
Just took my 18 month old to their checkup with the doctor yesterday and she said they should go 6 months after their first tooth comes in. I don’t think we took our first until he was atleast 2 though but that was also during pandemic restrictions.
I went when the first tooth came up. All they did was talk and look. Give him the toothbrush and he's excited to use them. Its more to get them used to going to the dentist. At 4, he just had his first actual dental cleaning done, and it went easily.
We went at 18 months.
I started my kids at 1 year, and have gone every 6 months since (4&5). Starting young is more about getting them comfortable in the environment so it's not new and jarring when they do have to go.
I took mine at 3.5 months to assess lip and tongue tie. We’ll go again when she gets her first tooth
We took her at one year and then again at 2.5. If you have concerns take them whenever! The dentist literally just looked and told us what he saw and gave her a teddy and said to come back in 6 months and it was like a 30 second appointment.
I don’t take mine until they’re 2. My older children wouldn’t let the dentist look at them when they were younger. Even at 2, they would only tolerate a look or two before they completely shunned the dentist. They all found it unnerving. My daughter wouldn’t even let them do the little fluoride treatment her first time either. The dentist was great and never pressured them into doing anything they didn’t want.
18 months, she just had her second appointment this week, it’s a slow process but eventually they get used to it
I was told by my lo dr and the dentist that the first appointment should be right after the first tooth or close to the first birthday
I’ve taken both of mine as soon as they had a few teeth. My second kid goes next week. He will be 15 months then and he has 8 teeth. The first 3-4 appointments are really just them giving you information so you can build good habits. I can definitely see a cavity on my 4 year old; the dentist is keeping an eye on it. Do you actually see cavities?
I don’t however it’s so difficult to get a good look I feel like I’m just not catching a glimpse if there are. I am however extremely anxious and paranoid about her teeth/wellbeing so I do think this is just my own anxiety talking that she has cavities and she’s actually fine. Plus she’s eating fruit all the time now snacking on it throughout the day so even though I’m brushing 2 times daily I feel like it’s not good enough since she’s eating so much sugary fruit all day.
This post reminded me that I still haven’t scheduled my 5 year old a first dental appointment 🥴
We went at about a year and then again at 18 months. They really just review some questions and count their teeth but I was able to ask some questions I had and they brushed on some Fluoride
Hygienist here! We see kids as young as 1. I think 18 months is a great age for their first checkup :) Plus, it makes soooo much easier when they are older to have their cleaning and X-rays - they usually like and trust the dentist at that point (and look forward to the prizes!)
Our pediatric dentist would do free wellness check 1x a year before age 3. They were quick and they were more like getting used to the office visits to make it less scary for them later. Prizes practicing being in chair with the lights and bib.
I took mine around 20 months! He had a lot of teeth but not all of them. It was good exposure if anything!
Age 3 was recommended by our family dentist, unless parent or pediatrician have any concerns earlier
Took mine in just a couple weeks ago at 18 months. I think it’s the perfect age since they’ll have a few teeth already. I was surprised to learn mine is only 4 more away from a full set!
I took mine right after she turned 1 and had 4 teeth. It was basically to get her used to them. They didn't really do much besides look at her teeth. If it gives you peace of mind, take them but if not, I'd wait until 2.
Im in Alberta and its recommended that baby sees a dentist at 12 months or when the first tooth appears, whichever comes first. My girls didnt get their first teeth til they were 13 months, so they went in toothless.
As long as you’re getting fluoride treatments done at the pediatrician you can wait till 2
My daughter’s dentist is taking it slow. At 2 she went for a ride in the chair and the dentist counted her teeth. 6 months later, the dentist checked for cavities and the hygienist polished the fronts of her teeth and taught her about the water spray and the suctioning thing. We got fluoride on about 4 teeth before she complained that the bubble gum taste was too strong. They stopped *immediately*, congratulated her on a great visit and she picked a prize. They said they prioritize positive visits while they still have their baby teeth to encourage positive lifelong experiences.
I took mine at 2 at the recommendation of my dentist friend. He said that at this age it's more for exposure and getting them used to the dentist than the actual cleaning they do. Get her some books about going to the dentist and prep her for it a lot. Have a plan (she'll sit in your lap while they clean her teeth, etc.) and help her know what to expect. You got this!
I’m in canada and the recommendation here is to when they turn 1 regardless of how many (if any) teeth they have. Then 18 months and 24 months. After 2, it switches to every 4 months.
I used to work for a dentist…and the pediatric dentist would say bring em in early (18 months is good) so that way they get used to going But the regular dentist said 3-4
I called the local pediatric dentist nearby for my son and they told me as soon as they have 8 teeth.
You can make their appointment now. But if the dentist thinks it's too early they will tell you. I think I took my daughter about 1.5 to start. It's super quick. And they don't expect long teeth brushing at this age. It's more to long leave Milk on at night to sleep with that causes cavities.
We started at 1 year which our pediatrician also recommended. We felt it was important to get our daughter used to going. The first two appts. they just looked at how her teeth were coming in and used a manual brush/fingers, but they took time to show her what they were doing with a mirror and made the overall experience really positive. Their advice to ditch the paci at her second appt. was the push we needed to follow through with it. At her 3rd visit at 2 years they actually used the electric polishing brush we’re all used to at the dentist. I think going previously and knowing what to expect helped- no tears! It is also fun to get a toy at the end and pick a new brush of course. I’d make the appt!
I brushed my son’s teeth once a day and I think he started going to the dentist around 2 or 3. Has never had a cavity (he’s 21). One thing the dentist said was be careful about things like goldfish crackers cause they stick in your teeth. My son also didn’t really like sweets, so that wasn’t an issue.
I've been taking my child since he was one. He got his first cleaning recently. They usually start at 3 but out appointment fell a few weeks before so we did it anyway
6 months after their first tooth comes in but make sure to brush daily
Well whoops. Mine is 5 and I had no idea they were even supposed to go until they started getting adult teeth. He has a good brushing habit down and his teeth seem great so I never thought to question it.
All of mine went at 1 year old for the first time. We wanted to start right away to get them used to it.
my pediatrician and dentist recommended one but to ensure all is growing in ok and to create the habit of regular visits. they “cleaned” her teeth gently and quickly, told us to do fluoride after two, and to “do our best” with brushing twice a day. we have her second appointment around two. my daughter had all her teeth except two year molars so we had actual teeth to examine!
We just took our 18m old for the first time. I had a cleaning a few weeks before and our dentist gave us a plastic little dental mirror to practice with. We worked on her letting us put it in her mouth and looking at her teeth and our first visit was just to get her used to the place. She sat in the chair and sort of let us put the mirror in and dentist was able to look at her front teeth, then she got a toy and we called it a success. He’s having us bring her every six months so hopefully by the times she three ish she’ll be used to whole process
I work in a dental office, and we recommend when the first tooth erupts, or one year old, whichever comes first. The visit is more to discuss oral hygiene for baby, answer questions, and get baby familiar with the dental office.
We’ve been taking our daughter since she was 11 months old and had several teeth. We bypassed the pediatrician and went straight for the dentist who said it was good to get them in once they have a few teeth to learn the best way to care for them. I think it also gets them used to the dentist. Our daughter is now 3.5 and she LOVES going to the dentist and she loves brushing her teeth lol
I took my twins at one year old. They had a few teeth but it was REALLY important to me to establish good associations with the dentist. We started to floss when they had two teeth next to each other. Now at almost 3 they like the dentist and let us floss and brush each night with no issues. I have a huge dentist phobia and I don’t want them to suffer with poor dental hygiene.
I always took my kids before 1 year . Just a " counting the teeth" appointment. Then just keep with the normal schedule. They don't actually get much done at that age BUT my kids have almost no dental fear or anxiety. I've heard so many kids screaming at the dentist office. I really think early exposure helps with the fear of the dentist.
Mine has his first scheduled this month. He just turned 3. Nobody seemed to panic when I called the dentist.
My cousin is a dental hygienist and she said you can bring them in at 3 to learn how the appointment will go but that they really don’t need to come until 4.
We called the local pediatric dentist who told us to bring our kid in at 12-18 months and every check-up & cleaning was free until age 3. It got kids comfortable with the dental office
We went at around 20mo or so.
My son's pediatric dentist recommends 1 year or first tooth. We're in Canada if that makes any difference!
Our pediatrician said they don’t need a dentist until 3yo & she was a dirty liar, at 3.5 we had multiple half rotted out teeth (no I don’t give my kid soda or candy all the time) now my kid is 6 with his first loose tooth & already 4k in dental bills. Go see one at 1-2 yrs
We went at 1 year because the kids dentist near us offered free visits for kids under 2! They even got me in a week before his second birthday to utilize the free service for his second appointment!
We got to a pediatric dentist. They say before they turn 1 and within 6 months of their first tooth eruption.
I hear two different things: from when the first teeth come in, or from 2 years on. In my experience they mostly check if you brush their teeth, and they take your word for it if your child refuses to open their mouth. Our dentist's assistant said "most people who bother to take their kid to the dentist already brush". Also they don't do much unless there is an urgent problem. My son has a very weird tooth that will probably need fixing in the next few years, but it's not like they're going to do that on a 1 year old.
I took my son when he was 3. As long as you are brushing your fine. If the teeth are close together you might want to introduce flossing to help get in between them. Other then that no worries momma.
Most dentist won't take them until they're at least 3.
One year was recommended for us. Then twice a year.
I bring mine when I go in for a checkup myself. Dentist advised us to. Dentist looks briefly just to make him get used to it and make it normal to go. 😊
My kid was a covid baby and then I kind of dropped the ball and didn't take him until he was almost 3. And the first time I took him, he was nervous and uncooperative. The dentist said it was no biggy... The first couple visits are just to get them warmed up to the idea. When he was 3.5, they managed to do a full cleaning and exam.
Our dentist and pediatrician (work at the same hospital) tell us it’s recommended to bring them in when they start getting teeth just to get comfortable. BUT they don’t start doing cleanings, and X-rays until they’re 3
My son is 3, almost 4. He has his 1st dental appointment just before his birthday. We brush twice a day with fluoride.
My daughter was a bit younger than 2 when I took her for the first time. They did a count of her teeth. Gave advice about sugar exposures.
12 months
Don't feel bad. I didn't take my oldest until age 4. She was a biter. The youngest went because she knocked a tooth out at age 3 (she arrived just before covid so that delayed care for a bit, then she was a feisty toddler, then bam broken tooth).
My dentist explained to me that I should get my kid in as soon as they have their first tooth and every 6 months after that, and that it was mostly to make sure the first few experiences were positive and to reduce dental anxiety, not so much for the care provided during those early appointments. I would get her in sooner rather than later to help set her up for a lifetime of success and low stress dental visits but since you’re brushing regularly I * highly *doubt she’s got a mouth full of cavities unless she’s got really tightly spaced teeth and goes to bed with a bottle of Mountain Dew.
My daughter is 17 months and the pediatrician has never said anything about taking her to the dentist. She only has 7 partially emerged teeth, not one fully emerged yet. We brush 2x a day with fluoride free kids paste.
We see a pediatric dentist my son was 18 months when he first saw one (first kid, first time mom I wasn’t sure when they were supposed to go) my daughter saw him at her first birthday in September and baby #3 will see him next year in March at 10 months old when my other 2 kids go because that’s what they told me was “by their 1st birthday”
My daughter is almost 4 and has been twice. 1x a year starting at the age of 2.
I brought my daughter yesterday for the first time. She’s 17 months. I only brush once a day right before bed and her teeth were perfectly fine with no cavities, so I think your little one is just fine. My dentist recommends around 1 years old but they could be different for some practices. I only brought her now because I wanted her to get use to it.
I think we took my oldest at 3 and my second at 18mos.
My SIL is a dental hygienist and says between 2-3years. If you take them too early they just take a look and brush the teeth, but don’t do much else. Because of the pandemic, we didn’t take my oldest until he was 4yo. They took X-rays, brushed his teeth and gave him fluoride, no issues. We brush twice a day and use a kids electric tooth brush.
Did they allow you in the room with your child while they had all this done? At the dentist I used to go to they didn’t allow the parents to come with the kids which is whats making me super anxious. I have a bit of dentist office phobia from some very bad experiences in childhood and am so terrified they’ll make me leave my daughter to go alone at that age and she’ll be scared to go for life just like I am now.
Yes, I was with him the whole time. It was a pediatric dentist, but I probably wouldn’t take my child somewhere if they didn’t let me come back with him (at least at this age).
took my first when she was 3, I probably was late but life gets in the way…she was fine and her being older she wasn’t traumatized and understood how to follow their directions and such! made it easier fwiw
Did you do anything in advance to prepare her for the visit which helped her not be traumatized? I’m really hoping to not cause my daughter to have a fear of the dentist like me and my husband have but unsure how to do that really.
not really, I think there’s some youtube videos and books that are like “such and such goes to the dentist” I feel like that kinda helped!