Children

Did you know that all treatments (except orthodontics) for children up to the age of 18 are free of charge if parents are insured in the Netherlands.

Baby teeth (deciduous teeth)

It varies greatly at which age children first get their teeth. On average, the first baby tooth erupts between 6 and 9 month. The last primary molar generally appears between 24 and 30 months.

The first changing phase starts around the age of 6, the upper and lower incisors are the first to change. Around the age of 12, the change is complete and the permanent teeth are almost complete.

It is important for the oral health and general health of your child that the baby teeth are well maintained and cared for. Not everyone has the same chance of having a cavity. Even fragile teeth can remain intact with good dental hygiene and a sensible diet! Poor care can cause cavities and gum disease. This can be painful, causing your child to eat worse, not feel well or have difficulty sleeping. Poor care of baby teeth can also adversely affect permanent teeth.

How to properly brush your child's teeth:

• As soon as the first teeth have erupted, brush them with fluoride toddler toothpaste once a day
• Use a toddler toothbrush (never use a brush that is too large)
• Brush the baby teeth twice a day from 2 years old
• Teach your child how to brush their teeth in a playful way and make them familiar with it
• Immediately brush the tips when new teeth start showing
• Note the first permanent molar that erupts at age 6, it is often overlooked
• Encourage children from the age of 2 to brush themselves 
• Until about 9 years old, make sure to polish the teeth after the child is done with brushing theit teeth
• Brush using the scrubbing method, short horizontal overlapping movements
• Take your child to the dentist from the age of 2

The influence of food and drink on the (baby) teeth

Almost all our food and drinks contain sugars and starches. These can be harmful to the teeth. Sticky sweets in particular can cause cavities. It is advisable to let your child get used to a maximum of 7 eating and drinking moments. 3 times a meal and 4 times something in between. Give your child savory rather than sweet things. Dental erosion is wear and tear of the tooth enamel due to the action of acids. Think of soft drinks, sports drinks, fruits and fruit juices.

Sealing

Primary molars and permanent molars have many grooves on the chewing surface. Plaque can easily build up there. If plaque is not removed regularly, cavities can form. To protect the chewing surface of the permanent molars, the dentist can apply a layer of synthetic resin (sealing). This is a white layer that is applied over the chewing surfaces of the molars to prevent cavities from developing. Of course, these molars still need to be thoroughly cleaned!

An accident

An accident can cause a tooth to fall out or be damaged. In such situations, contact the dentist immediately. Try to take all loose pieces of tooth or the entire tooth with you to the dentist. A fallen tooth must be kept moist, preferably in milk. It can also be stored loose in the mouth of the parent/guardian, preferably between the molars and the cheek.