Pediatric Dentistry

According to the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry), the SPOP (Portuguese Society of Pediatric Dentistry), and the OMD (Portuguese Dental Association), a child’s first pediatric dental visit should take place when the first primary (baby) teeth erupt, or at the latest by the child’s first birthday. This allows for the establishment of a preventive oral health program and the early identification of potentially harmful habits.

Consulting a pediatric dentist is important for establishing good habits from an early age. The professional will teach proper brushing techniques, helping to prevent problems or detect them early. Children have different needs than adults, and it is essential that dental visits are a positive experience, reducing fear and anxiety.

Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, are essential for children’s development. They play a key role in aesthetics, speech, chewing, and maintaining space for permanent teeth, influencing jaw growth, breathing, and swallowing.

It is recommended to brush teeth twice a day (morning and night) with a fluoridated toothpaste containing at least 1000 ppm of fluoride. Flossing helps clean the spaces between teeth and should begin as soon as possible, ideally once a day (as soon as teeth start to touch).

Oral hygiene and check-up appointments are just as important as treatment visits. Prevention is always better than treatment.

Parents should encourage a healthy diet with low consumption of sugary and processed foods and drinks.

Ideally, when a child has good oral health, they should be seen every six months. In high-risk situations for cavities, this frequency should be increased.