Dentist - Detroit, MI

I work at a dental office and we strongly recomend to have parents bring their children in around 1 or 2,not to be seen, just to get the "feel" for the atmosphere. We find that if the child sees Mom or Dad and they're having "fun" that next time they'll be excited! (And it's also familiar)
Good luck and keep brushing those chompers!

My oldest didn't see her first dentist until she was pre-school at 4, and they came to her. Just a program they have I guess. My personal dentist says that they start seeing them about 4 1/2 to 5. Seems a little old to me, but I can't imagine her sitting still long enough before that. I also know that neither one of my girls cut their first teeth until they were nearly 1. The doctor wasn't concerned about that, said that the longer it takes to come in, the stronger they are. I think that 14 months is really to early though!!

Personally I think it's a waste of money to see a dentist before the adult teeth come in! I'm old school though. 1 yr. old seems too young, I think my grandkids were about 3.

Our dentist said not until he was 3.

Hi C., I work for a pediatric dentist, not a dentist that says they specilizes in pediatrics. There is a difference, a true pediatric dentist/specialist, goes to school an extra 2 1/2 years longer than a regular dentist that says they specializes in children. My dentist recomends age 1. It is a quick knee to knee, then they talk to you. Its to make sure you're doing the right things to PREVENT tooth decay. Its alot easier to brush your childrens teeth, than have them get fillings, crowns or extractions. We see a huge number of bottle rot, at least 2 cases a week, to the point the front 4 teeth have to be extracted. And thats before a child is 2, so waiting until 3 does no good. Most kids dont get decay, but if your child has bad bacteria in their mouth, everything you can do at home helps. We don't clean a one year olds teeth, its more of an education for parent visit. And you will get yourself established in a dental office, in case your child has an accident at home falling, bumping or chipping a tooth, you'll know what to do and where to go. General dentist don't see one year olds. We are trying to get them on the same page, slowly but surly they are coming around, more and more are helping with the education side of dentistry to parents, as are pediatricians. Your general dentist hygenists are ususally good to ask questions to as well. Our hygenists are very well informed on childern and how to educate parents, its our jobs. I'm an assistant, so all I see is decay, and it breaks my heart having to work on scared kids. I try and relax them the best I can. No child loves to get fillings but we make it as easy as we can. We do what we have to, to make the appointment the best for them. Sometimes its not pretty, but we have to and will get the job done. The best thing you can do is prevent. We will help by educating you, we only see kids every six months, its a parents job to prevent decay. Good luck to you.

I just asked my dentist that question. He said that we should wait until our son is between 2 and 3 (he's 8 months now). He had made a very good statement- (what 1 year old will let you in thier mouth?) Hope this helps.

My Dentist saw both my kids at around three--I went by his suggetion. I wish I would have taken them sooner. Check with your insurance if they will pay and your Dentist will see them, take them now!!

GL:)

your child should see the dentist as soon as the first teeth appear. most insurance will not cover till age 3- this is y most dentist won't take them till then. Look for a pediatric dentist in your area, there are some good ones that are specialized in the little kids. My DD went at 2 years old, she should have gone sonner-lucky me her teeth looked great :)

Mine was well under two. He was apprehensive but followed the dentist's instructions. When I was told to hold him down and pry his mouth open to brush his teeth (I was assured he would cry a little but he'd get used to it) I looked for a different ped. Dent. He's been going to my own dentist (not a ped.) since he was 2 and he loves it.
My dentist told me to have someone see him around or after one, after teeth were starting to come in. It was primarily a tutorial for me on how to care for his teeth and what to look for to prevent bottle rot and such. As you can tell, I threw my son's first dentist's advice about holding him down right out the window and taught him how to do it by demonstrating on myself and then helping him brush his own teeth. By the time my son was two, it was right before the "I DO IT MYSELF!" phase so I was able to show him before he insisted on being autonomous. I still watch him and sometimes do it little brushing after he's had his chance, but mostly he does a great job.

Mine went with *me* to the dentist, and then they got to sit in the chair and the hygienist would start with counting their teeth and making it fun, and she would go as far as they were comfortable. At 3 yo my son would only do a toothbrush still, but at 18 mos, my daughter let her do the polisher and everything! Granted, I was going to a very holistic dental office and they let me keep my kids with me and really involved then at every stage.

I started taking my oldest two kids to the dentist when they were 3. Many dentists won't see a child until 3. They will, of course, if there is a problem that you notice or an emergency like a tooth falling out early. As long as you brush their teeth and floss if their teeth are close together, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

Our dentist says 3, my daughter will go in October. If you are worried about something some dentist will allow you to bring your child with you to your appt. We did this and ours looked at my daughters teeth, when she would let them, just to assure us there was nothing wrong.

Mine were at least 3 and were fine!!

I started taking my chilren when they were 2 years old. If you are brushing good I see no need to go earlier.

Hi,
I am a Dental Hygienist and i was just at a seminar Friday on Infant Oral Health. It is true for them to start going at age 1. What they will do is a knee to knee exam. Check for caries and determine if child is at high, medium, or low risk for cavities. Then they will put a fluoride varnish on the teeth to help protect them. Also they will discuss with you about many topics to help protect your child from the risks of cavities. There is way too many infants with decay who don't go to the dentist till it is too late. Seeing 2 year olds with severe decay that have no chance on being saved. Our goal is teach the parents and prevent this from happing. Preventative care is so much cheaper and easier on the child then waiting till there is a problem. One of the big things is JUICE. It has so much suger in it. Don't ever let your child sip on anything but water all day.

Hi C..
At one year old I think it would scare them more than do them good. My kids started going to the dentist at 2 1/2 for there fun visit (the dentist just showed them how fun his office is, riding in the chair, picking out a cool tooth brush ect.). And at 3 they went for there first cleaning. Chech with your dentist on the age they recommend.

My daughter was 3 and she was terrified! Her teeth were perfect thank God!

Hi C.,

My daughter will be 2 next month and I'll be taking her in August for her first appointment. I consulted with my dentist around her first birthday and they suggested waiting until she's at least 2. Her first visit is really just a "getting to know you" visit and getting her familiar. So I think waiting until 2 or 3 would be perfectly fine.

My best,
A. A.

C.,
I was told by a dentist to wait until my son could sit still for a hair cut. He is 27 months and has not been to the dentist yet. I probably won't be able to take him till he is almost 3. J.

My son's birthday is in October. I took him to the dentist for the 1st time this January - after his 3rd B-Day. I've always been very vigilant with my son's oral care. They hygenist was very impressed with my son's teeth - kudos to me. :-) At 3 he wouldn't sit in the chair by himself. I laid in the chair, and he laid on me - if you need a visual I have pictures. :-) I'd say that as long as you are brushing teeth and wiping gums after meals or at least twice a day you should be OK. Keep the juices down to a minimum (4 oz a day) and diluted w/water (I still do this w/my 3 yr old) and avoid sugary foods your babies teeth will be fine until they are 3 or 4. I would like to add that the year before I took him to the denitst he went to both of mine and my husbands visits to become familiar with the dentist office and what the hygenist does when she cleans teeth. My office also is very involved w/kids. They put on roller skating parties, costume parties and have a kids day where parents can bring kids to see the office (like an open house) and have clowns/face painters/etc. I'm lucky that they are so kid friendly.

I've found that every dentist will tell you differently. I took both of my kids to the dentist between the ages of 1 & 2. Some dentists say to come back when the child is between 2 & 3; my current dentist says my 2-1/2 year old's next visit will be at 4 years old. I would call the dentist office and find out when they suggest you bring your children. Also, definitely make sure that the dentist you choose is patient and friendly with kids. First impressions, last a lifetime, I've found. I learned a lesson when I took my daughter to my dentist whom I learned may have been good with adults, but not with kids. It scared my daughter, so I ended up going elsewhere, because she was freaked out to when having to visit that particular dentist. After a few tries and word of mouth, I finally found a dentist that was great with kids and it worked out well.

Good Luck,

MC

I am a Dentist and see many children in my practice. I have always advised parents to have their children be seen before age 2. This allows the child to become familiar with the environment and start a relationship. It is also an appointment that allows me to give a dietary consult to the parents. I also cover oral hygiene instructions. Sippy cups, pacifiers, thumb sucking, and the tooth fairy are common discussions. Hope this helps. Dr. P. www.smilecare-dental.com.

I spoke with my dentist about it, and he said that as long as you brush their teeth and understand not to put them to bed with a bottle and take them to their regular checkups at your pediatrician, than it can wait until they are three. The dentist before they are one is mostly for the parents to know how to take care of their teeth as they come in. Until they are 3 or so, they won't understand or appreciate someone's hand in their mouth and you can do just as thorough job of cleaning their teeth at home as a hygenist can since they can't use that special toothpaste or anything yet (the baby would swallow it).

I remember being confused about this, too. I called some pediatric dentists in the area, and they told me age 3 is a good time. I think that if there are concerns you or your pediatrician would notice then you would would take your child to a dentist before age 3.

hi C., i am a dental hygienist. we advise parents to get the kids checked around 1 year old. this appointment is just to make sure the teeth look healthy, and also to give the parents oral hygiene instruction. a yearly check/exam is good till they will sit still long enough to actually get them cleaned.

I took my son to the dentist when he was 1 1/2 based on the recommendation of my dentist. For the first visit, they just wanted to get him used to cominig. They didn't polish his teeth at that visit. During his second visit, they were actually to polish a little.

Our 2 dentists said to us aged 3 or 4 depending on how you think your kids can handle them in their mouths counting teeth and a quick polish if they'll let them.

I started taking mine as soon as they were born, they just sit in the stroller when I get mine done, this is just to get them used to being there, and it does not make for a relaxing trip, but by the time they were 2 they were willing to get theirs done at the regular dentist. I would suggest that when you get them done, you go first with your teeth, so they can watch, and then they go with the same person. There are some great pediatrict dentist around for really little ones and make sure that your dentist/hygienist has a lot of patience. Ask them and if they say wait till they are 3 or 4, that's a sign they may not be real patient with the little ones.

Hi C.,

My dad and sister are both dentists and I work in their office two days a week. There is a new Michigan Dental Association campaign promoting that babies have their first dental exam at 1 year old. This exam is more to educate parents about dental health for children and to get children comfortable with the dentist than anything else. Some dentists waive the fee of the exam for their first visit. As many others have commented, most kids don't get their first cleaning until 2 or 3.

C.,

My oldest went somewhere around 2 but my youngest started going around 18 months. I don't have any regrets either way. It's good to get them used to the dentist, equipment, etc. so they don't freak out when they are older. You might want to check what your insurance will cover. The pediatricians will tell you they don't need to go till 2 years and the dentist will tell you as soon as they have teeth. It's a judgement call.

We go to a Pediatric Dentist in Ann Arbor. Let me know if you want the info.

Good Luck.

K.

My dentist said 3 for girls and 3 1/2 to 4 for boys unless there is a problem. His explanation was that that is when they can understand what is going on and can follow directions well. He also recommended having them come and watch during our cleaning and exam so they can see everything and know it's alright.

Definitely get them in now. I waited with my first until he was three, that is what all the "other moms" had said to do, so unfortunately, I listened. When I took him to his first appointment, we found out that he had seven cavities in his back teeth due to "deep pits". I guess they run in my family, I don't have them, but my grandfather did. The dentist said that the bacteria are out of reach when they have them. He needed a bunch of work done on his teeth.

My second son was about eight months old when this was going on and so I asked the dentist (a pediatric dentist), when he should start being seen and he said that as soon as they start getting teeth. They didn't do cleaning or x-rays, just a check to make sure that teeth were coming normally and healthy. I am glad I did! My sister took my niece as soon as she got her third tooth, the dentist said that he wants to see her every six months.

I found this from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry:

Q. When should my child first see a dentist?

A: "First visit by first birthday" sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.
http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/babycare.asp

Honestly though, isn't it worth the trip to make sure that your babies have healthy teeth?

I just asked my dentist last month when my baby should go. He said around 2-3 or if something out of the ordinary comes up before then. He said just to use a really soft brush without toothpaste for now.

My dentist is in practice with a pediatric dentist and after having my daughter I inquired about when she should begin seeing the dentist. They both recommended that she start at 1 year of age. Typically kids will already have at least 1 tooth by then and as soon as a tooth shows up they have need for a dentist. He did tell me though that the early appointments are mainly centered around educating the parent and getting the child used to the experience of being in a dentist chair, so that when it does become more of a real appointment they don't have as much apprehension.

Hi,

I have a friend that is a dental hygienist and she said kids should come in when they have teeth that are touching each other. Hope this helps.

My daughter was 2 years old when she first went to the dentist. I would recommend, when that time comes (I was always told 2-3 years old), that you also take them to a pediatric dentist. The one I went to was GREAT! All the chairs and equipment were smaller, the room and people are super kid friendly.
Hope this helps.
S. : )

Good Morning C.,

They really don't need to go in before 2 or 3 but I did with both of my kids. I think it's important to make sure all of their teeth are coming in properly, with enough room. And to get them used to seeing a dentist, they can be very scary at first! I would definatly use a pediatric dentist, they just work so much better with young kids and sometime let them help with things so the child thinks it's fun.

Good Luck,
S.

We use Dr.Payne in Grand Rapids if that helps:)

i asked my dentist when i should bring in my son & he said at age 3! i was a bit shocked cause i read in magazines that they should go at 1 or 2.
the next time i go (in oct.), they said to bring him with me (he'll be 28 months then) so he'll know what to expect for his visit.

I don't think I took my son until he was 3. It doesn't make too much sense to me to take them before they have teeth. You might want to check with your dental insurance to see when they can be added to your policy. It might be cheaper for you to wait.

Dr. Ronald Earnest in Brighton is very good with kids. So is all his staff.

Hi C.,

I have a 2 1/2 yr old son and 13 month old daughter. I still haven't taken my son b/c our dental plan doesn't cover it. It's funny to get this email b/c I just went out with some moms from a mom's group and only one of us had taken her son to the dentist. We just make sure to brush his teeth well, only one glass of juice per day and only water at night. There is no way that my son would have stay still for the dentist. If there is a problem, go. Otherwise, your babies are probably fine. *C.

Somewhere between 2 and 3 years old.

I was just at the dentist 2 weeks ago for my cleaning and I was asking about this. I have a 9 month old with 8 + teeth already and my dentist said it's not too early to see him at about 9-12 months. He said that back when he finished dental school it wsa age 3....they would just let whatever decaying happen and then fix it. But now they say why not start before the decaying occurs and then not have to fix it. He said that the first appointment is mostly for the parent and is really just talking about how to care for the little teeth and a good diet and flouride and stuff like that. And a quick look at the little teeth too of course! This is just what my dentist said, I trust him but of course you don't have to! :)

3. That is when my pediatrian recommonded we go.

I took my child just a week ago for the first time and he's 3 1/2 yrs. old. Everything went well and the dentist didn't say anything about getting him in sooner, etc. I did take him to a pediactric dentist, which helped us both be more comfortable.

hi C.,

My kids go to a pediatric dentist. She told us that going to the dentist before age 3 is nothing but an extra bill for you. The only reason you might want to go earlier is if there is obvious tooth decay (it happens with the best of care some times) or some sort of emergency.

Right now - I would stick to teaching them good habits and hope they stay in them. : )

K.

Hi C.-

I am a dental hygienist. It is recommended that kids have their first dental appointment at age 3. The kids will understand what is going on, and if good oral hygiene habits have been done at home, it is a pretty simple appointment. For now you should brush your kids teeth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste made for infants/kids at least twice a day. Also, limit juices and sweets.

Our dentist didn't want to see our son until he had his full set of baby teeth....he went for the first time when he was 3.

I waited until my son was 4. That's what his dentist recommended. It worked out well - he was old enough to know what to expect, and he loves going to the dentist. I was afraid to take him too early in case he was scared and didn't understand what was going on. Good luck! =)

If I were you, I'd take your children now. By 16 months, my daughter needed two tooth extractions, and two root canals. Now, my 18 mo old son just had two cavities filled. They've got horrible enamel! If I had listened to my own dentist, I would have waited until age 3. He told me that the baby teeth fall out anyway so what's the big deal? BAD ADVICE! The baby teeth can have a big impact on the permanent teeth. Pediatric Dental Center in Warren is an outstanding practice. Dr. Sonal Shah is my favorite, but the others are great too. Getting them used to it early is good too. My daughter despite all she's been through, absolutely loves going to the dentist and brushing her teeth. Your children's teeth are probably completely fine, but I'd get them checked anyway to prevent any expensive and painful problems!

i took my little boy at 15 months. all he does is check for decay and color of gum tissue. and i think the bite. nothing else. he went again in march. checked same things. better to do it early. then cane help prevent any more problems IF there are problems. that way too your child feels comfortable.

My children didn't go until they were about 2-3 years old. Most dentists won't start seeing children til about 2-3 years old.