I know that we have had this conversation before, but I forgot at what age a child should go to the dentist. If I remember right, I think that it is 2. Rylee is only 19 months, but if the age is 2, then I want to start looking for a dentist for her soon. She only has 5 more months until she is 2. It is going to FLY BY.

By My2cuties on Thursday, June 30, 2005 - 12:53 pm:

I thought it was 3.

By Kittycat_26 on Thursday, June 30, 2005 - 12:54 pm:

Our dentist said 3 and even then it's just to look and count teeth.

By Sunny on Thursday, June 30, 2005 - 12:55 pm:

My kids were 3 when I took them to the dentist for the first time. It was a "get to know" you visit and involved the dentist talking with the kids, counting their teeth, and showing them how to use a tooth brush.

By Rayanne on Thursday, June 30, 2005 - 01:40 pm:

Ok, that sounds better to me. I was wondering how well Rylee would do at 2 anyways. I am glad that it is 3.

By Tonya on Thursday, June 30, 2005 - 02:42 pm:

Timmy started going when he was 2 and the Dr told me when they get teeth they should be checked after they get 6 in their mouth. My Dr said if the dentist tells you know then tell the dentist yes. If they are drinking and eating normal foods of any kind they need their teeth checked every 6 months.

By Mrsheidi on Thursday, June 30, 2005 - 02:45 pm:

When do you start brushing their teeth?

By Heaventree on Thursday, June 30, 2005 - 05:01 pm:

Heidi,

We started brushing his teeth as soon as he got them. If we stop for a few days, they get all yellow. Someone said this is from all the milk. Anyway, it helps with his breath.

Does Connor have bad breath?

Also you guys, by Optomistrist (sp?) said 6 months old for eyes, then every year after that.

Has anyone had their kids eyes checked?

By Andi on Thursday, June 30, 2005 - 05:05 pm:

3 is the age we started. But you need to start brushing them as soon as they have teeth.

I usually let Taylor Chew on a toothbrush while we are waiting in line someplace, that cleans them and she loves how it feels. But I only let her do this if she is buckled into her stroller or a shopping cart otherwise she could get hurt.

By Feona on Thursday, June 30, 2005 - 05:10 pm:

We did two. If you have insurance why not? Get them used to it.

Ask for advice in brushing teeth. fluoride

By Kernkate on Thursday, June 30, 2005 - 06:49 pm:

I always cleaned their teeth as soon as they appeared. 3 was when they went to the dentist.
As far as the eye doctor,my kids went when they were school age.

By Emily7 on Thursday, June 30, 2005 - 06:52 pm:

I have always cleansed my kids gums before they even had teeth. Then at the time that they started teething I used baby toothpaste.
I had to take ds to the dentist at 15 months for a chipped tooth & he told me that they needed to be seen around 2 1/2 3.

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, June 30, 2005 - 09:51 pm:

I took mine, when they were three.

By Frasersmama on Thursday, June 30, 2005 - 11:25 pm:

I thought it was three. My dd has more than 6 teeth, but good luck having a look at them. We started brushing as soon as the first one broke through, and never used baby toothpaste, just regular old Crest with fluoride (just not any of the whitening, tartar control, or hot ones with scope or baking soda).

By Imamommyx4 on Friday, July 1, 2005 - 01:01 am:

I was getting my teeth cleaned when dd was about 2 1/2. She was sitting on lap watching and wanted to have the 'tooth tickler' tickle her teeth. So as soon as the dental hygienist was done with me, we put her in the chair and she played with dd, tickled her teeth a little, counted them and made a big deal, told her to open as big as a crocodile but dd wanted to do a unicorn. The hygienist made it a lot of fun and it is not a pediatric office. DD is 4 and looks forward to going. But I think 3 is the usual recommendation that I see in most places.

As soon as the first tooth came in I started using one of those finger cot toothbrushes with a little of the Oral B teddy bear toothpaste (no flouride) on whatever teeth were there.

By Amyk on Friday, July 1, 2005 - 06:31 am:

For those who need to take their child before age 2 - be sure to ask ahead of time if you can go back for the exam with your child. Some dentists do not allow you to go back - SOME DO! So be sure to inquire before setting an appt. I didn't feel comfortable letting my 16mo go back with strangers and be restrained for an exam w/o me present (he had nursing cavities - ugh) - anyway - I found a dentist that had no problem with me helping to hold him during the exam.

By Boxzgrl on Friday, July 1, 2005 - 11:09 am:

We are advised to start at 4 unless there is an issue to address. DD brushes her teeth 3 times a day (thanks to her sitter).