Kids and the Dentist

I like preparing my kids for new experiences.  Before both of my kids went to their first cleaning they came with me and/or my husband to our cleanings.  I also bought a book called Going to the Dentist.  That book has been so helpful.  I read it before each dentist trip now.  If anyone happens to be interested in the book, you can find it here: https://a6273.myubam.com/p/280/going-to-the-dentist-mini

My son began going to the dentist for a cleaning and check up when he turned three.  He did not get his first tooth until he was around 16 months old and overall did not get his two year molars until he was almost three, so I was content with waiting to bring him in, especially since he was good about letting his Daddy and I brush his teeth each night.  On that note, he does enjoy brushing his own teeth, but he knows his Daddy or I get "a turn" as well, to make sure a thorough job is done.

My daughter on the other hand got her first tooth earlier (right before turning one year old).  She has also been more attached to pacifiers, so I wanted to bring her in after she turned two to make sure everything looked good.  I am so glad I brought her in earlier.  She is the "do it herself girl" so it can be harder to have her let us brush her teeth.  It is mood dependent.  Thankfully she is also what I like to call "my mirror baby".  She will do what I do and she will continue a routine after the first time.  So she actually reminds me, when I forget, to get the floss out for her, after her tooth brush is put away.

My son has done really well for his cleanings.  For the first two cleanings he had the same hygienist and she worked really well with him.  He sat in my lap through his cleanings and he listened and opened his mouth as needed; he was a quiet, model patient.  At his most recent check up this summer he was able to sit in the chair without me and just held my hand during the cleaning.

My daughter just had her first cleaning and she also sat in my lap for it.  She followed in her brother's footsteps and did well.  However, she has a horrible overbite.  Her bottom teeth had not grown in to match the top teeth and so the hygienist and dentist both recommended to get rid of her pacifier right away.  That is another story, but needless to say it gave me the push I needed and she stopped using the pacifier that same day.

Each trip, my son and also my daughter now, has been given their choice of tooth brush and toy reward for doing such a great job.  And did I mention my kids love the toy area in the waiting room?  So all in all our trips have been very positive and have helped reinforce to my kids the importance of brushing and taking care of their teeth.

Singing off...we like clean teeth
Gina

What age does your dentist and pediatrician recommend having your children begin regular dentist cleanings and checkups?