Dental Insurance for Toddlers?

[Cheerio]

At what age do kids start needing regular dental checkups? DS is 17 months and I'm trying to decide when he'll need to start going to see if I should add him to our dental insurance plan for next year.

[cjeanette]

My dentist wanted to see them at 3

[whitterbugk]

The recommendation is a visit by 1 year of age and once a year from then on. It's usually done on mom or dad's lap and just involves a quick peek in the mouth. The main purpose is to get the baby used to the dentist so you don't have a 4 or 5 year old who freaks out on his or her first dental checkup.

[auberge]

My dentist said three. He will be 3 in dec. and he is going next month. I will add him next year.

[Deleted]

I just added DS for our plan next year. Our dentist recommended he start around 2.5, which he'll be next year. I probably could have just paid out of pocket for the visit instead of the insurance, but I also got it in case he fell and broke a tooth or something like that. At least some would be covered!

[pamela]

We added DS for this next year. He turns 2 in February, has a full mouth of teeth. I don't know if he'll get a check up this year, but it's a few dollars a month to add him so I want it in case he chips another tooth or something.

[caramia17]

Current recommendations are 1 year or 1 tooth and yearly if they don't have a problem from then on out.

They likely will have you come back with the kiddo and use your lap to help them hold.

They will count teeth, clean, and give you lots of great pointers about how to best brush/floss your kid's teeth at home. It is really great to get them used to the dentist and for you to talk about overall oral health.

Heck, I AM a dentist and I learned stuff.

3 years is the old AAP/AAPD recommendation.