Taking small children to the dentists

[gedk]

I wonder if anyone could give me some advice please. My son is 20 months old and only has 10 teeth. At what age do you start taking them to the dentists? I know he is too young at the moment but I just wondered when other parents took their little ones. Also I have to pay privately for my dental treatment as there is a 2 year waiting list at my practice for NHS patients. How will it work as regards my son? - do they have to accept him as a NHS patient as he is under 16 or would I have to find a NHS practice for him? (which will be well nigh impossible!!)

[cliffsdoll]

i think at this age he could accompany you to the dentist and get a feel for the place, meet the dentist and even have a little ride in the chair, the more familiar he is with the dental surgery the more relaxed he will be when his turn comes for check ups. as i believe all children under 16 are entitled to free dental treatment.

[Sparkles3]

Took my son when he was 2 and a half, he was frightened and ended up sat on my chest whilst I was laid back in the chair having my check-up, as he'd been in floods of tears about what was happening to me. Needless to say, didn't want the dentist to look in his mouth. Took him 6 months later and he was very happy to have his teeth checked - but he went first, don't know if that helped.

[boobesque]

i took my son as soon as he got his first tooth, the younger they are the less stressful, never have any trouble with my son and he is now 7, so i would recommend going when you can!

[kick3m0n]

I agree with boobesque. My wee guy got his first tooth at 20 weeks, and came with me to my first appointment afte that at age about 8 months. We now both go every 6 months and, because he is so used to the place, at 2.5 he treats it as a big adventure, and has no qualms about sitting in the chair on his own and opening wide and letting the dentist have a look. They're never too young to go.

No idea what you'd do about the NHS status...all the more reason to ge thim registered with one asap, as the problem will only get worse.

[jmahdavi]

You should now take chikdren to the dentist as soon as they get their first tooth,

Not only does this ensure that you are caring an brushing their teeth correctly, but helps get them used to going to the dentist.

It is especially important now the responsibility for healthy teeth is placed upon pareents and not the dentist.