First trip to the dentist

How old was your LO when you took them to the dentist for the first time?

We had a visit over a month ago from someone in our HV team regarding dental treatments and looking after C's teeth etc.  She signed him up for the Child Smile programme and said she's make an appointment for him at the dentist.

His appointment is today, but I'm wondering why it's so early - he doesn't even have any teeth yet?    I spoke to my SIL the other day and her LO has 8 teeth now and she's not been to the dentist yet so I'm wondering if it's just going be a waste of time?

I think A was about 20 months. He wouldn't show his teeth the first time but I just wanted to get him used to going. He went just after christmas and again yesterday. He seemed to really enjoy yesterdays appointment and showed his teeth for ages.

Thanks hannah, C is only 25 weeks so I'm sure it's too early but like you say I'm sure it will be good to get them used to going.

Hmmmmmm 25 weeks is very early. Maybe they just want to get him in the system.

sarah came with us at our last check up (she was 8 months) but didn't actually see the dentist. I asked the receptionist andshe said they usually start at around 2.5 yrs but they'll sit her in the chair etc if i take her to my check ups so she is used to it.

I don't think 25wks is too early - I'm guessing you're probably about to wean, if not already, and the dental service will want to start giving you advice about preventing problems in later life - so why not start now? FWIW, I registered C and myself at the same time, probably when he was about 4months, and they were really keen to start seeing him as early as we wanted - partly for the above reasons and partly to get him used to being there and the atmosphere.

The only thing I was recommended not to do was take him if I was having anything more than a checkup, just so he didn't have to sit thro all the noises and stuff. He'll be going back when I go just before he's a year old. I think it's fab!

Hi - I'm a dentist - it's not just to check the teeth but to give you some advice on diet, brushing etc... As you'll be weaning soon/just started, it's really good to get good habits early on regarding snacks/drinks etc... You wouldn't believe what some people put in baby's bottles...

I took A with me at 7 months and the dentist tried to have a look at their gums. She said it was important for her to come with me when I was in the chair so she wasn't frightened by it etc. She has no teeth stlll!

The last time I saw my dentist (week before my due date), he said to just bring the baby along to my next check up and subsequent check ups until he thought it was time for him to have his own appointment. He said it wouldn't take long to have a quick look in his mouth and during my appointment he would talk me through anything I needed to know.

Thanks everyone, I guess it is a good habit to get into.  Also to get myself going too, I have such a huge fear of the dentist but I really don't want to pass this onto C so I'm going to have to be brave and go regular.

maddyt - I've seen a few people with juice in babies bottles, one with fizzy juice, it's frightening really!