[chen75]

Just wondering when is the best time to take your child to the dentist for the first time? My son is 2 1/2yrs old now.

[BensMom]

Most dentists recommend age 3 unless there are any issues. Your doctor will probably mention it at the 3 year well-check, too.

[JessP]

I was told to start at 1 just to get them used to going. I think we started about age 2. My kids love the dentist now. Course their dentist is way cool and does movies and other fun stuff. I wish mine was that much fun .

[mylene169]

Our Dr. recommends 3. Our state has a Dentist By 1 initiative going on, though I can't see the point if your baby doesn't have teeth (not a problem here, they both got their first tooth at 4 months!!). Kaija went for the first time this spring. They dentist recommended bringing Kolbie this fall to just watch and then next spring when she's 2 she can get a check up too. The first check up is just a ride in the chair, a quick cleaning, the dentist looks for any visible issues and they get a fluoride treatment.

[sandpaper06]

My dentist recommends age 3 as well. Our DS is also 2.5 and is going to go with DH this fall to watch. He'll get a turn in the chair and if he lets them, he'll have his teeth counted and then probably flouride. I don't think they'll really clean his teeth the first time, but if he's agreeable, maybe.

[Twhylite21]

AAP recommends when they get their first tooth. Our pedi recommends at age 1 if they have at least 2 teeth next to each other. You may need to find a pediatric dentist for that age though. I took Lily for the first time at 18 months and she goes every 6 months. The first visit they just counted her teeth and looked at them, but since then they clean them. Violet is going for the first time at 17 months because I have an appt for Lily and myself at the same time.

[mticknor]

My dentist recommends at 6 months...but to me that seems way too early. DS is 6 months and I am not planning on taking him for a while...