At what age do we start taking them to the dentist?
Hello everyone. My Ds#1 is just over 2 years old and I have noticed that his bottom gums are a little red and seem slightly inflamed. I was wondering if this is too young to start taking him to the dentist. He has all his teeth except for his 2 year molars.
I keep telling dh to brush his teeth really good and to brush up and down, not across (dh puts him down at night most of the time). I am going to start brushing his teeth myself once everyday as well just to be sure it's being done properly.
I am worried he already has some mouth "issues" with the red gums. When did you start taking your dc's to the dentist?
Answers:
At DS 3 year doc appointment they said to start taking him to the dentist, but if you think your child might have a problem, call a dentist and have it checked out
Answers:
Usually they suggest 3 years old. We just took DS. I was concerned because he had some dark spots on his teeth. Dentist just took a look, they didn't clean them or anything. Said his teeth were stained AND he had a lot of build up. And yes, there was some inflammation. I'd been using baby tooth and gum tooth paste -- concerned with him swallowing regular flouride toothpaste. Well apparently it wasn't doing the trick cleaning his teeth. I switched to regular toothpaste -- just a pea size amount and was amazed at how much of that staining and build up I got rid of. If you're concerned, take your child in for a quick peek at his teeth. Otherwise, try to increase the brushing to twice a day and increase the time. I usually brush DS's teeth, then hand him the toothbrush and have him brush for a little bit.
Answers:
My son has his first check up at age two; everything was fine so they told me to bring him back in a year. At age three he had x-rays and began 6-month check ups. I say sooner is better preventative medicine. I have a friend who is having to pay for her son to have two root canals, under general anesthesia, because no x-rays where taken and two cavities caused the teeth to break in half. I have seen his teeth end the discoloration is so light that I can see why she did not realize it was cavities. Also as far as "baby" toothpaste goes.... Our dentist says it is a waste of money, because of no fluoride. He says as long as you use a very little amount, kids toothpaste with fluoride is better. The benefits far out weigh the risks. That is what I have used on my younger child since she was 6 months old.
I keep telling dh to brush his teeth really good and to brush up and down, not across (dh puts him down at night most of the time). I am going to start brushing his teeth myself once everyday as well just to be sure it's being done properly.
I am worried he already has some mouth "issues" with the red gums. When did you start taking your dc's to the dentist?
Answers:
At DS 3 year doc appointment they said to start taking him to the dentist, but if you think your child might have a problem, call a dentist and have it checked out
Answers:
Usually they suggest 3 years old. We just took DS. I was concerned because he had some dark spots on his teeth. Dentist just took a look, they didn't clean them or anything. Said his teeth were stained AND he had a lot of build up. And yes, there was some inflammation. I'd been using baby tooth and gum tooth paste -- concerned with him swallowing regular flouride toothpaste. Well apparently it wasn't doing the trick cleaning his teeth. I switched to regular toothpaste -- just a pea size amount and was amazed at how much of that staining and build up I got rid of. If you're concerned, take your child in for a quick peek at his teeth. Otherwise, try to increase the brushing to twice a day and increase the time. I usually brush DS's teeth, then hand him the toothbrush and have him brush for a little bit.
Answers:
My son has his first check up at age two; everything was fine so they told me to bring him back in a year. At age three he had x-rays and began 6-month check ups. I say sooner is better preventative medicine. I have a friend who is having to pay for her son to have two root canals, under general anesthesia, because no x-rays where taken and two cavities caused the teeth to break in half. I have seen his teeth end the discoloration is so light that I can see why she did not realize it was cavities. Also as far as "baby" toothpaste goes.... Our dentist says it is a waste of money, because of no fluoride. He says as long as you use a very little amount, kids toothpaste with fluoride is better. The benefits far out weigh the risks. That is what I have used on my younger child since she was 6 months old.