To not take 7 m/o to the dentist?

[SeaweedAndSandDunes]

He's got his first tooth through today, and the health visitor made a big fuss about taking him to the dentist as soon as one appeared during his 4 month check.

But DS will barely let me look, and I can see him getting very upset at a dentist trying to hold his mouth open.
AIBU to not take him until he's a toddler? It just seems a bit unnecessary.

YANBU. I understand they want to get children into feeling this is a regular thing and not to be afraid but at 7 months I feel it's completely unnecessary. About 18 I took of mine and neither have any fear.

I took my 5mo and the dentist doesn't look in the mouth. They just use a finger and feel round the gums.

It's about getting them used to a situation and environment.

It's just to get him used to regular visits to that environment. The dentist isn't going to expect him to be opening wide for a good look just yet.

I've taken my 21 month old twice and it was a total waste of time. There's no way she remembers from one visit to another either so I don't really understand the getting used to it thing.

Our dentist won't register them until they are 3 but they are encouraged to be part of the family visits from little.

I've taken my DS with me to my appts every 6 months. It's only at my last appt a few weeks ago that DS has actually let the dentist look at his teeth for the first time. He's 3.5.

My SIL is the dental nurse there so has had him registered since he was born and previously our dentist just asks me if there are any problems, how many teeth etc. The appt before last I thought would be a success but he refused, so was quite pleased and praised him loads this time.

It's up to you but can't do any harm taking him with you or other family members.

DS had his first pair of teeth at 4 months. I asked the dentist what age was best for his first checkup and she recommended around 1 year. Oddly enough when I recently called to book an appointment for him the receptionist was sniffy about it, saying "I hope you can guarantee he'll actually open his mouth" and only accepted the appointment when I said we were just doing as advised by the dentist!

My dentist told me that he won't see ds until he is 12 months. And even then, its not a proper appt, he said he doubts he would be able to get ds to open his mouth anyway, its just to get them introduced to the dental room.

Our dentist told me 3 years old. Absolutely no need for a baby. What are they going to do? Clean his tooth?

I thought dentists looked after problem teeth and check ups exist to check for problems that we might not be aware of. There should be absolutely no problems with a tooth that has just come through so your HV is being ridiculous. What possible advantage would be gained from a dentist feeling a baby's gums? And as others said regarding getting used to it, if they only go to the dentist every 6 months, they are hardly likely to remember from one appointment to the next.

I used to take DS with me when he was a toddler and he would sit and watch but the dentist didn't even suggest looking at DS's teeth till he was about 4.

Our dentist said around 3 years too. At DD's 2.5yr check, the HVs told everyone that it was now time to start thinking about taking our children to the dentist so that seemed in line with what he had recommended. We'd talked a lot about the dentist in advance, read some books, watched Peppa at the dentist (!) and it was all fine - went swimmingly. 7 months seems crazily early, I don't think I'd bother!

I took DD with me to my check-ups from when she was very tiny. By the time she was old enough to need her teeth checked she was used to the dental environment and more than happy to hop up on the chair for a check up.

This was the advice given by every dentist I ever worked for.

I think mine started going at about 18 months. Cant see much point at 7 months old.

Mine told me not to bother bringing him until he's 18 months at least, and even then just to sit in when I'm having an appointment so that he can see that there's nothing to worry about. I think your HV might have been a bit over zealous about it.