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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.
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