Totally agree, starting early makes a huge difference. My niece had her first dentist visit around 1 year old—mostly just counting teeth and getting familiar with the office. Now she's 4 and actually looks forward to going...wish I'd had that experience growing up, haha.
"wish I'd had that experience growing up, haha."
Same here... I'm actually going for my first dentist appointment next week (long overdue, I know), and honestly feeling pretty nervous. Maybe if I'd started as a toddler, it'd feel more routine now? Guess I'll find out soon enough.
Haha, I feel you—my parents didn't take me until I was like 12, and by then I had a cavity the size of Texas. Honestly, earlier visits might've saved me some cash (and anxiety) down the road... good luck!
"Honestly, earlier visits might've saved me some cash (and anxiety) down the road..."
Yeah, that's exactly what I'm worried about... Does anyone know if there's an actual recommended age from dentists or pediatricians? Like, is waiting until they have teeth fully in too late, or is it more about getting them used to the dentist early on? I'm a first-timer myself (I know, embarrassing), and I really don't want my kid dealing with the same dental anxiety I've got now.
I totally get the anxiety thing—my parents waited until I was like 4 or 5, and by then I already had cavities and a serious fear of dentists. From what I've read and heard from my own dentist, they usually recommend the first visit around the first birthday or when the first tooth pops up, whichever comes first. It's mostly about getting them comfortable early on, not so much about actual dental work at that age...wish my folks had known that back then, haha.
