First dentist appointment?

[Pinky]

When did you first take your child to the dentist? What did they do at the first appointment. I've read that we are supposed to take them during the first year, but my daughter still only has 2 teeth with 2 coming in so I can't see the point just yet.

[zag95]

We took DD to the dentist in August 2010- she was 2.5 yrs- it went pretty well given her fear of things in her mouth (due to her cleft lip and palate related surgeries)

[Simon]

Ds1 visited around 20mo-2yo. He didn't have many teeth at 1yo. For instance, I don't think his 2yo molars came in until 3.5yo.

At our dentist, the 1st visit is all about introducing the experience and helping the kid feel comfortable. They meet the dentist and hygenist, sit in the chair (ride up and down), see and touch the tools, wear the bib, etc. For the actual exam, Ds1 sat on my lap then leaned back and we laid his head in the dentist's lap. The dentist said, its fine if he cries because we'll get a good look. Ds1 is a super calm/compliant kid and he cooperated well when asked to open his mouth. The dentist used one of those scrapter thingy tools and out loud counted Ds1's teeth (very, very slowly) while touching each one with the pick (so he got to feel it in his mouth) and then he scraped a bit of plaque off at the same time. The whole thing lasted 15min (maybe a bit more) but they were only in Ds1's mouth very briefly. The 2nd visit was similar and they have gradually lengthened.

Ds2 has many more teeth and is on meds that make me worry a bit more about his dental health so we're taking him in at 18mo. Plus, we love our dentist so I feel confident that it will be a good experience.

[veronica]

2.5 for each. We found that most pediatric dentists insisted on 1 and our pediatrician said it was fine to wait til 3, so we sort of averaged it.

We ended up going to my regular dentist. He doesn't see kids that young, on a regular basis, but he has been treating my family and I since he finished dental school and he loves DC's. He is also gentler than our local ped. dentist, so it works out wonderfully!

[LMPC]

We went right at 2 yo. Like PP's said, it was all about acclimating DD to the experience, and little actual dentistry was done. He looked at her teeth and did a quick swipe of the fluoride (since we are on well water without any in it)...and we were on our way. When she goes in a few weeks, I believe there will actually be a little cleaning done. Our ped dentist has an open floor plan and all the kids are in there together. It didn't work for one of my friend's kids but my DD loved the idea of watching other kids get their teeth cleaned.

[Roni]

I took dd1 for the first time at kind of a young age because she smashed her mouth on the coffee table. I forget how old she was, but I think less than 2. Dd2 was three, I think, & they found the beginnings of all sorts of cavities between her teeth. So, dd3 will go sooner & will start flossing sooner!

[SnuggleBuggles]

Our ped dentist wanted btw 18-24 months.

Beth

[ashleybama24]

My 18 mo has 16 teeth and our pediatrician said the local pediatric dentists asked for parents to wait until age 3. He said the kids really won't readily open their mouths before then and there isn't a point especially if they are brushing daily.

[bubbaray]

Here, dentists recommend the first appointment at 12m. It was around 16m for DD#1 and 12m for DD#2. They go every 6m. The first few visits are to count teeth, check placement, look for problems, etc. I think the first cleaning/treatment was around age 2.5 or so? They go to a pediatric dentist.

DH does the dentists visits mostly, so I'm a little vague on what goes on.

[lil_acorn]

our dentist recommended to wait until 3 years. At the appointment they "count" the teeth, make sure they're in good shape and give them a polish & floss

[HonoluluMom]

DD went around 9 months old, when she first started getting teeth. I wanted to find out from the pediatric dentist what I should be doing (as far as brushing, when to start flossing, what products to use, sippy vs. straw vs. open cups, etc.) and to introduce DD to the dentist. The dentist just looked in DD's mouth as she sat in my lap. DD goes every 6 months and follow-up has included visual inspection and counting teeth. The dentist said he won't be doing any cleaning/dentistry for a while.

[firemama]

We will be bringing DD to our dentist. I don't find it necessary to go to a pediatric dentist, but that is just my personal opinion. My hygenist recommended bringing her when she is 33 months-ish old.

And regarding dentists, I will NEVER be getting an x-ray of my mouth unless it is absolutely necessary. My chiropractor said dentists and hygenists know what cavities and tooth decay look like, and they do not need an x-ray to see it. So there is no reason to use it on young children. If they have cavities, they will see them. The only time it might be necessary is when their adult teeth are coming in, and if there is an issue with their bite or teeth growing in crooked and into other teeth. Then it is okay, so they can figure out how to correct the problem.

Yes, you are covered by a blanket, but NOTHING is protecting your brain. Radiation is getting into your brain. She also said the worst places for radiation to permeate are your thyroid and gonads. Your thyroid is in your neck, so it is getting into your thyroid. I am sure your dentist will tell you there is no danger in getting an x-ray, but that is because they make $$$$ off of this. Another follow the money trail...

[mytwosons]

My very trusted dentist had me start to bring my boys around age 1 to my appointments. They feel kids often feel the dentist has a weird smell, different noises, and can be sensory overload. So, bring them early to get them acclimated. They would get a "chair ride" and teeth counting as early as they were willing, but I was never charged until they were old enough for a full cleaning. IIRC, regular cleanings and exams started around age 3.

[sweetsue98]

My DDjust turned 1 and has a dentist appointment in a few weeks. I chose to go to a pediatric dentist but I think a general practioner is fine too. My pediatrician recommended DD see a dentist at age 1. I am in dental sales as well so another reason to go:rotflmao: a pediatric dentist will check to make sure all teeth are developing properly, get kids familiar with the dental office, and show parents how to brush and floss their teeth.

[ncat]

We took DD at 3 and will probably take DS at 3. We are planning to take DS with DD next week so he can watch the process.

[american_mama]

>>> My chiropractor said dentists and hygenists know what cavities and tooth decay look like, and they do not need an x-ray to see it.


Well, I'll be argumentative here. What about cavities between teeth that can't easily be seen? Cavities that make a visible hole are at a pretty severe stage - what about before that? Is a chiropractor at all qualified to say how easy or hard it is for a dentist to find cavities? A blanket rejection of dental x-rays seems extreme in my view.

[MissyAg94]

3 years old.

[bubbaray]

Well, I'll be argumentative here. What about cavities between teeth that can't easily be seen? Cavities that make a visible hole are at a pretty severe stage - what about before that? Is a chiropractor at all qualified to say how easy or hard it is for a dentist to find cavities? A blanket rejection of dental x-rays seems extreme in my view.


:yeahthat:

I don't know what qualifies a chiropractor to provide an opinion on dental x-rays.

[goldenpig]

I first brought DD at age 2.5 to the pediatric dentist. She got a checkup and we got instructions on brushing and flossing. It's great because ever since then she has been great at dental hygiene (she reminds me if we forget to floss her teeth!). She uses the Reach flosser (like a toothbrush) and Act Kids fluoride rinse every night. We brought her back at 3.5 (she got a cleaning) and brought 1 year old DS for his first visit as well. Actually it was good to bring him that early because he already had 12 teeth at 12 months! They were surprised at how many teeth he had. She told me to start using the real toothbrush for him and floss as well. I had a lot of cavities growing up and I'm hoping to avoid that with them by helping them take better care of their teeth.

[firemama]

:yeahthat:

I don't know what qualifies a chiropractor to provide an opinion on dental x-rays.

That's okay. I trust her, her explanation makes complete common sense, and that is all I care about. :)

Did your dentist explain all the dangers and side effects of getting dental x-rays? Or do you just trust and never question them because they are a dentist? Is he/she a radiologist too?

[smilequeen]

That's okay. I trust her, her explanation makes complete common sense, and that is all I care about. :)

Did your dentist explain all the dangers and side effects of getting dental x-rays? Or do you just trust and never question them because they are a dentist? Is he/she a radiologist too?

So, her explanation made sense to you and that's all that matters. It's accuracy, not so much right? Because she's WRONG. Well, when you are talking about dental xrays, a dentist is definitely more educated than a chiropracter. Believe it or not. Your chiropracter never took a class on dental radiography. Doesn't have an xray machine in her office to take such xrays. Doesn't know how to diagnose a cavity or read an xray of a tooth. If you trust her that is wonderful, but when it comes to the information she is giving you about diagnosing dental caries, she is 100% WRONG.

There are actually plenty of cavities that we CAN NOT see without an xray. In fact, some of the most common cavities in kids now are the cavities that happen in between the teeth. These CAN NOT be seen without an xray until they are quite large. At that point we are usually looking at a pulpotomy (baby tooth), root canal (adult tooth), or an extraction. We can see cavities in the grooves on the occlusal surface of a tooth or on the smooth surfaces near the gumline (the other 2 common places for cavities) without an xray. We can not accurately assess depth without an xray. The enamel surface of teeth is quite hard and the dentin layer underneath is softer. A cavity can appear small on the enamel and become quite large in the dentin. There are other things we can assess with xrays besides cavities as well. But what do I know, I'm just a dentist actually qualified to tell you these things. You believe whatever you want to believe.



Anyway...we see kids at our office as early as 1. Kids that young we'll assess how the teeth are coming in. I'll look at the enamel to see if there are any defects. We'll talk about diet, genetics, hygeine. We'll have an assessment of risk for getting cavities later on and any extra measures a higher risk child might need to take. We don't typically do cleanings until 2.5-3. It depends on the child. I only take xrays if I need them (higher risk kid, teeth that have contact) and only on older kids (minimum 3 years old unless it's an emergency).

A low risk child is probably OK waiting until 3. However, as a rule 1 is a good age. Not all dentists (even pediatric) are good at working with 1 year olds, so you'll still see 3 as the most common reccommendation. Studies show that kids who come in earlier are more comfortable and have fewer cavities though.

[wimama]

That's okay. I trust her, her explanation makes complete common sense, and that is all I care about. :)

Did your dentist explain all the dangers and side effects of getting dental x-rays? Or do you just trust and never question them because they are a dentist? Is he/she a radiologist too?

Interesting reasoning.

Not all x-ray machines emit the same amount of radiation. X-ray machines designed to X-ray large body parts emit more radiation than most x-ray machines used to X-ray teeth or feet. Do you avoid all other potential sources of radiation? Like flying on a airplane and using a cell phone? As a specialist myself, I trust a specialist like a dentist to be much more knowledgeable than a general radiologist on reading dental x-rays. I have had many patients with x-rays read negative by general radiologist come into my office with serious injuries I can see on X-ray. Oh, and you can cover up you thyroid easily to prevent radiation to your thyroid.

[firemama]

What she actually said was getting x-rays every 6 to 12 months is unnecessary exposure to radiation. Especially on young developing children. I overexagerrated and said I would NEVER get an x-ray again. What I really mean is I will get one if my dentist feels it is necessary to look at a problem area more closely. Then I will allow it. But I haven't (knock on wood) had a cavity in years because I take really good care of my teeth. So I do not feel a yearly or bi-yearly x-ray is necessary.

I will agree it finds cavities between teeth. And I am not doubting your capabilities as a dentist. I still value my dentist's opinion. But I have to question everything ANY doctor tells me and/or prescribes me. Especially with the casual use of pitocin. But that is a whole other topic. Just because a doctor says you should do something, or says you should take a medication, does not mean you have to follow 'doctor's orders.' That is why so many people get second and sometimes third opinions. There are a lot of crooked doctors out there. On the other hand I will also say, to make it fair, there are a lot of crooked patients out there taking advantage of the system. It is a difficult part of life. You have to take control of your own health and look out for yourself. And you have to remember doctors are making money off of your ill health, and they are being wined and dined every day by the pharmaceutical companies. Seriously. I know someone who owns a catering business and her clientele is pharmaceutical companies. She is very wealthy and owns multiple properties. I am just pointing out that this is another follow the money trail...

My chiropractor is a doctor. She is trained in radiology because chiropractors do take x-rays. They are working with the spine after all. But she also said she does not need an x-ray to figure out how to adjust me.

[BabyBearsMom]

Anyway...we see kids at our office as early as 1. Kids that young we'll assess how the teeth are coming in. I'll look at the enamel to see if there are any defects. We'll talk about diet, genetics, hygeine. We'll have an assessment of risk for getting cavities later on and any extra measures a higher risk child might need to take. We don't typically do cleanings until 2.5-3. It depends on the child. I only take xrays if I need them (higher risk kid, teeth that have contact) and only on older kids (minimum 3 years old unless it's an emergency).

A low risk child is probably OK waiting until 3. However, as a rule 1 is a good age. Not all dentists (even pediatric) are good at working with 1 year olds, so you'll still see 3 as the most common reccommendation. Studies show that kids who come in earlier are more comfortable and have fewer cavities though.


I wish we were local so I could bring my DD to you! DD is 1 and has 9 teeth already and we are debating on when to bring her. I can't really see her agreeing to open her mouth, she has a lot of stranger anxiety right now. What would constitute a kid being "higher risk"?

[mommylamb]

:bag Maybe I'm a bad mom, but I only just took DS for the first time last week. He'll be 4 in just over a month. He didn't have any cavities though, although, come to think of it, the dentist didn't give him x-rays. But, his teeth are still pretty spaced apart.

Anyway, I really liked the dentist. She's a pediatric dentist and did a great job making DS feel comfortable. He went into daycare that day and told all his friends how much fun it is to go to the dentist. As someone who has a fear of dentists, it was nice to know that he was going to at least start off with a positive experience.

[smilequeen]

Well, this is what you actually said, which is what I was responding to. If this is what she said, she is wrong.




And regarding dentists, I will NEVER be getting an x-ray of my mouth unless it is absolutely necessary. My chiropractor said dentists and hygenists know what cavities and tooth decay look like, and they do not need an x-ray to see it. So there is no reason to use it on young children. If they have cavities, they will see them. The only time it might be necessary is when their adult teeth are coming in, and if there is an issue with their bite or teeth growing in crooked and into other teeth. Then it is okay, so they can figure out how to correct the problem.



And you aren't questioning me personally. But you are using a chiropracters opinion to determine that dentists just want to make money off of you and take all sorts of unneccessary xrays. Do you ask your dentist what she thinks of your chiropracter? Would you take her advice on that? Your dentist wouldn't be anymore qualified to tell you how to get chiropractic care than your chiro is to tell you how to get dental care. She couldn't read my xrays and I couldn't read hers. Heck, my radiologist friend couldn't read a dental xray. We're all specialists in our specific fields.

Questioning is good, but blanket statements aren't. And medical professionals giving advice outside of their scope of practice is quite poor practice.

[firemama]

And regarding dentists, I will NEVER be getting an x-ray of my mouth unless it is absolutely necessary. My chiropractor said dentists and hygenists know what cavities and tooth decay look like, and they do not need an x-ray to see it. So there is no reason to use it on young children. If they have cavities, they will see them. The only time it might be necessary is when their adult teeth are coming in, and if there is an issue with their bite or teeth growing in crooked and into other teeth. Then it is okay, so they can figure out how to correct the problem.

Yes, you are covered by a blanket, but NOTHING is protecting your brain. Radiation is getting into your brain. She also said the worst places for radiation to permeate are your thyroid and gonads. Your thyroid is in your neck, so it is getting into your thyroid. I am sure your dentist will tell you there is no danger in getting an x-ray, but that is because they make $$$$ off of this. Another follow the money trail...


Well, this is what you actually said, which is what I was responding to. If this is what she said, she is wrong.



And you aren't questioning me personally. But you are using a chiropracters opinion to determine that dentists just want to make money off of you and take all sorts of unneccessary xrays. Do you ask your dentist what she thinks of your chiropracter? Would you take her advice on that? Your dentist wouldn't be anymore qualified to tell you how to get chiropractic care than your chiro is to tell you how to get dental care. She couldn't read my xrays and I couldn't read hers. Heck, my radiologist friend couldn't read a dental xray. We're all specialists in our specific fields.

Questioning is good, but blanket statements aren't. And medical professionals giving advice outside of their scope of practice is quite poor practice.

Yes. Thank you for pointing that out. I understand how this board works. I posted. Other people nicely and simply pointed out that a blanket rejection of x-rays is a little extreme. I also said (as I pointed out above) that I would if it were necessary. And you posted your view point. Since your post felt like such an attack on me and my opinion, I decided to post this reply:

""What she actually said was getting x-rays every 6 to 12 months is unnecessary exposure to radiation. Especially on young developing children. I overexagerrated and said I would NEVER get an x-ray again. What I really mean is I will get one if my dentist feels it is necessary to look at a problem area more closely. Then I will allow it. But I haven't (knock on wood) had a cavity in years because I take really good care of my teeth. So I do not feel a yearly or bi-yearly x-ray is necessary.

I will agree it finds cavities between teeth. And I am not doubting your capabilities as a dentist. I still value my dentist's opinion. But I have to question everything ANY doctor tells me and/or prescribes me. Especially with the casual use of pitocin. But that is a whole other topic. Just because a doctor says you should do something, or says you should take a medication, does not mean you have to follow 'doctor's orders.' That is why so many people get second and sometimes third opinions. There are a lot of crooked doctors out there. On the other hand I will also say, to make it fair, there are a lot of crooked patients out there taking advantage of the system. It is a difficult part of life. You have to take control of your own health and look out for yourself. And you have to remember doctors are making money off of your ill health, and they are being wined and dined every day by the pharmaceutical companies. Seriously. I know someone who owns a catering business and her clientele is pharmaceutical companies. She is very wealthy and owns multiple properties. I am just pointing out that this is another follow the money trail...

My chiropractor is a doctor. She is trained in radiology because chiropractors do take x-rays. They are working with the spine after all. But she also said she does not need an x-ray to figure out how to adjust me.
I replied back to correct myself and admit that I overexaggerated. But I also was nice enough to admit you were right too.""

The way I see this board is it is an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come here and talk about the joys and sometimes woes of parenthood. This board is so much more than that and allows us to talk about anything on our minds. I feel like it has enriched my life and opened up my mind to so many new things, and made me even more opened minded about other people, and have learned to value their opinions. The reason I have this opinion about x-rays is this:


Now I understand that not everyone believes in chiropractors. I don't care. To each their own. But I wonder if I were religious and if I posted that I would not be getting x-rays because it was against my religion, if you would have responded in the way you did. Would you have let it slide? Or was I being ridiculed for my opinion because I listen to my chiropractor? And you still haven't responded what radiation does to the brain. Or are you avoiding that question? This board is about expressing yourself and your point of view. And this is mine.

[arivecchi]

Firemama, I am sorry you have had rough medical experiences and I am so sorry to hear about your dad :hug:, but you will be challenged and corrected on this board when you post information that is not correct. It is not really a matter of opinion. Dentists will know a whole lot more about dental xrays than a chiro ever would. Smilequeen is actually a very even-keeled poster and a dentist to boot so she is just correcting information that directly affects her and her profession.

In any event, kids do not get x-rays every six months. They get them every couple of years or if the dentist suspects there is a problem.

To the OP, we took DS1 when he turned 3 and DS2 will be going when he turns 3 as well.

[vdrake71]

Their first "official" appt was when they were 3. I took them with me before that and the dentist would talk to them and play a kid "tooth" movie.

[smilequeen]

Now I understand that not everyone believes in chiropractors. I don't care. To each their own. But I wonder if I were religious and if I posted that I would not be getting x-rays because it was against my religion, if you would have responded in the way you did. Would you have let it slide? Or was I being ridiculed for my opinion because I listen to my chiropractor? And you still haven't responded what radiation does to the brain. Or are you avoiding that question? This board is about expressing yourself and your point of view. And this is mine.

Well....
1. I actually know some great chiropracters. I've used one. I refer to a few. I believe in them when they practice within the boundries of chiropractic.

2. If you said you didn't believe in dental xrays that would be quite different from saying that we don't need them to see cavities and that we are just taking them to follow a money trail. One is a belief. One is misinformation. I only care to correct misinformation.

3. I am not ridiculing you but I am pointing out that your chiropracter is incorrect AND overstepping ethical boundries by giving out misinformation r.e. healthcare that is not in her scope of practice.

4. You didn't actually ask me what radiation does to the brain. You posed some hypotheticals well before I joined this thread. Based on your posting I doubt that my answer would satisfy you. There is no scientific evidence that low dose dental xrays would have any effect on the brain. However, since radiation effects are cumulative, it makes sense to minimize exposure to only what is neccessary. And that depends on the specific person and history.

I'm sorry you've had such bad experiences and I'm very sorry I made you feel attacked. All I wanted to do was correct some gross misinformation.