I don’t remember the exact date I went to the dentist for the first time. However, my first dentist memory is forever branded in my mind because I needed two fillings. I freaked out. I remember crying and protesting. The dentist grabbed my face and told me to calm down, so he wouldn’t injure me with the Novocain needle. I’m pretty sure I was in elementary school already when this happened.
Texas Health Steps, which oversees how often children in state custody are seen by medical professionals, sets the first dental visit at six months old. I took the last infant in our care at six months before she had any teeth.
Jessie was nine months old when she came to live with us. Her first dental visit with me was when she was a year old. She went to the dentist at a year, year-and-a-half, and two years.
I went to the dentist today for my check-up. I have not been as diligent with my six-month appointments as I have been with hers. My teeth are paying the price. I am happy that Jessie started early and is in a good routine of going to the dentist.
My new dentist is a family dentist. While I’d prefer a pediatric dentist, I really like this one and think he’ll do well with Jessie. I asked about his treatment of toddlers. Unless I suspect that there’s something wrong, this dentist doesn’t see a need to bring children in until they’re three years old. I think earlier is better.
Another foster child who was in our care would have benefited from early intervention. She wasn’t yet two when I took her to the dentist. She needed many fillings and some caps. In addition, she needed to be sedated for the procedure.
My experience is that toddlers aren’t excited about teeth brushing. Having a dentist look for problems and put fluoride on their teeth early is valuable.
How old was your toddler when he first went to the dentist? Do you prefer to wait, or is earlier better?