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Tooth Time!
Taking Your Preschooler to the Dentist By Shel Franco
When my son turned 2, I called my family dentist to schedule an appointment.
"How old is your child?" the receptionist asked.
"He's 2-years-old," I replied, feeling a bit guilty.
"Two?" she asked. "Oh, I'm afraid that's a bit too young. Dr. Bruckner doesn't usually see children until they are at least 3." I hung up the phone in a fit of relief. To be honest, I wasn't ready to deal with a whining toddler in a dentist's chair.
But then, I visited a friend. She filled me in on all the happenings with her 12-month-old. Imagine my surprise when she mentioned their first trip to the dentist.
I couldn't believe that a dentist would want to see a 12-month-old. I mean, what could this person possibly find in a baby's mouth? At 12 months, my boys were more gums than they were teeth. Besides, I always figured baby teeth just didn't count.
Yet, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) says, "Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between 6 and 12 months of age."
This news can be startling, especially if your 3-year-old has never seen a dentist. But the fact is, many parents, haven't heard about or don't follow the AAPD's recommendations.
Before you call around to every office in town, you might want to know the differences between a general dentist and a pediatric dentist.
