Couldn't agree more with this. My grandkids started going to the dentist pretty early—around their first birthdays, I think—and I've noticed it made a huge difference in how comfortable they are with dental visits now. Funny enough, my own parents never took me until I was about five or six, and by then I'd already had a cavity or two...not fun at all.
Honestly, getting them used to the dentist's chair early seems to take away some of that fear factor later on. Plus, when you start young, brushing and flossing just become normal routines rather than chores or something stressful. Sounds like you're doing everything right—keep up the good work!
"Honestly, getting them used to the dentist's chair early seems to take away some of that fear factor later on."
Totally true. My folks waited until I was around four, and by then I was convinced dentists were basically villains from cartoons... drills, scary masks, the whole deal. 😂 Starting early definitely helps kids see dental visits as no biggie. Plus, it sets up good habits before they even realize they're "habits." Wish my parents had gotten that memo sooner—might've saved me a filling or two!
I get the logic behind starting early, but honestly, taking a baby who's barely got teeth yet to the dentist seems a bit overkill to me. My parents didn't take me until I was around five, and I never really had any dentist anxiety. Maybe it's more about how parents frame the experience rather than just starting super early? Like, if mom or dad acts chill about it, kids usually pick up on that vibe. Plus, babies at one or two aren't exactly forming lasting memories of dental visits anyway... I mean, sure, good habits matter, but brushing at home and making dental care feel normal day-to-day probably counts more than an early dentist trip. Just my two cents though—every kid's different.
"Maybe it's more about how parents frame the experience rather than just starting super early?"
Totally get where you're coming from. My sister took her little one at around 1, and honestly, it was mostly just a quick peek and some friendly advice—nothing intense. But she said it helped her feel more confident about brushing routines and stuff. I think you're right though; kids definitely pick up on our vibes. If we're relaxed, they're usually chill too. Guess it's about finding what feels right for your family...and hoping they don't inherit our sweet tooth habits, lol.
We did something pretty similar with our oldest. Took him around 18 months, and honestly, it was mostly just a quick look, counting teeth, and the dentist giving us some tips about brushing and diet. Nothing major. But I do think there's something to the idea of framing it positively. With our second kid, we waited a bit longer—around two—and by then she'd heard her brother talk about the dentist so much that she was actually excited to go. She thought it was some kind of fun adventure, lol.
I guess my point is, it's not necessarily about going super early or waiting longer, but more about making sure the experience feels normal and relaxed. Kids really do pick up on our attitudes. If we treat it as no big deal, they usually follow suit. And yeah, fingers crossed about the sweet tooth thing... my youngest already has a serious cookie radar, haha.
