When did you start dental insurance/cleanings

we need to decide now if we want dental insurance for the boys (20 mos old). When did you start? When did they start cleanings?

 

My oldest started going when he got his first group of teeth. The twins went in June. They do a swab cleaning for the little guys. In June when my oldest was three was when they actually used the cleaning equipment that adults use. I wanted them to go early and have a good experience. I hated the dentist growing up. We found a ped dentist that is awesome. We have always had dental insurance for them. We wanted to make sure we had it so if any tooth emergency came up, we had it.

Cari

 

I am an RDH, you should have them seen for sure by 2 years old. It will just be a HAPPY VISIT...but important, so they know how fun it can be. The first appointment is always a fun one. I live in the OC too, in the south part.

 

We started taking my oldest DD when she was 3.

 

I've heard 3. Anything before that is free money for the dentist. :winking0009:

 

Our pedi, and our dentist, both say sometime between 3 and 4.

 

i just went to the dentist this past sat. and asked the same question. they said 3. she said you will read parent magazines that will say as soon as they get their first tooth, but she said that isn't necessary...all they will do is look in their mouth and say "yup, they have teeth". they can't clean them on such a young child...they wouldn't sit still, etc.

she definitely suggested having them come in w/ you around 2 1/2 to see what happens when you get your teeth done, sit on your lap, ride the chair, etc. so when they do go, they will remember it as a "fun" thing.

Lois

 

We just added K&M to my DH's dental plan this month. It was benefit enrollment time.

Our Dentist advised us to wait til they were 3.

Then when day I noticed white spots on Michael's teeth. Well, the Dentist wanted to see him so he came with me when I had my 6 month cleaning. His teeth are fine. No charge for the appointment.

At our (DH &I) next 6 month cleaning, Katherine & Michael came with us. I wanted them to get a feel for the dentist and not be too afraid for when it was their turn. They both sat in the chairs, rode up and down on them and let the dentist poke around. No charge once again.

My plan was to take them to a pediatric dentist but my dentist informed me that he handles children as well. If things don't work out with him, he would refer us to his buddy (pediatric dentist) whose office is right next door.

I'll probably take them for a full blown appointment/cleaning in January as I think that is when the insurance kicks in.

 

I've also heard between 3-4 unless you notice any problems that arise before then.

 

Mine have their first appointment scheduled for January. (They will be 3 at the end of January.)

 

My twinkies are going for the first time tomorrow morning. My oldest son came up for his 6mo cleaning so they said to go ahead and bring the twinkies in too for a "get to know you" visit {at my dentist it's a free visit}. They said for sure, they should be seen by 2yo, but they do like to do a "get to know you" around 18mo so they can take a quick peek and make sure everything is looking good!

 

My ped advised between 2 and 3. Due to the arrival of the twins, she was closer to 3, and we went again today (she's exactly 3 1/2 today). Today she had to sit in the big chair (with me) and they actually cleaned her teeth. She cried (and fought) a little bit but she did really well. Now she's all proud. Got a new toothbrush, stickers and a tattoo ... and the receptionist entertained the twins!

 

The boys had their first visit on their 3rd birthday. Most dentists will tell you to wait until 3, until then, the ped will check at well checkups, and if there is a problem, they will refer the child.

 

My boys have already been to the dentist 3 times..9 months (8 teeth), 15 (16 teeth) months and about two weeks ago. I would do it soon they put a protectant on my boys teeth every time but they do not clean them yet. My pedi said as soon as they get teeth within a few months to take them. Mine sit fine and it takes seconds.

 

I read several places that you need to take them as soon as they have the first tooth but my dentist told me that is much too early and to wait until they are three. Like pp said, until then the ped will check at visits. My girls just turned two so I will probably go ahead and add them to one of our dental plans now so they are covered next year just in case the need arises.

 

We started at 15 months. Our local pediatric dentist recommends starting at 1 year old. We pay a family fee for dental insurance so it doesn't cost us any more to add the kids. Since they are paying for the routine exams, I figure why not follow the dentist advice and start at 1.

 

I have two separate answers. I won't be taking the kids to the dentist until they are close to 3. But, we have had dental insurance on them since last year. The reason is in case of an accident. My sister had a bad fall when she was about 2 and one of her molars cracked. If my parents hadn't had insurance, it would have cost a fortune. So, just like auto insurance, we have it for "just in case." It is a lot cheaper to have the dental plan than it would be to pay a dentist bill!

 

I was told that they don't see them until 4 in my county.

 

We just added the twins to our dental plan and will take them to a pediatric dentist sometime next year when they'll be 3.

DeLana

P.S. I haven't been to my dentist in 3 years :FIFblush: I have a broken tooth, need a crown, and have just been putting it off. I'm more concerned about the kids' teeth (OK, I'm planning to also see my dentist next year! I won't have any problem getting a short-term appointment, all you have to say is "crown" and you will have your choice :lol:

 

My girls are 19.5 months old and I am adding them for next year. My dentist said their first cleaning wouldn't actually be until around age 3, but I figured what if they fall and break a tooth or have some other dental need. So I added them. It cost us $.74/week.

My dentist did say to start bringing them with us to get used to the office, chair, all that. So next round of cleanings for DH and I, we're taking a twin.