According to the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry), the SPOP (Portuguese Society of Pediatric Dentistry) and the OMD (Portuguese Dental Society) the first visit to the dentist should be once the temporary teeth (milk) start to erupt or around the first year, in order to establish an oral health preventive program and to halt any incorrect habit.

The deciduous or milk teeth are essential for the children normal development. Their purpose is to maintain proper aesthetics, phonetics, chewing, breathing, swallowing, space maintenance for the permanent teeth and development of the maxillary and mandible bones.

It is recommended to brush their teeth twice a day (morning and night) with a fluoride toothpaste with at least 1000ppm of fluoride.

Children should initiate the use of dental floss as soon as possible (once there is contact between the teeth) to maintain the space between the teeth clean.

When a good oral health is ensured, the child should attend the dentist’s office every six months. When there is a high risk of dental caries, the child should visit the office more often.

The oral hygiene check-ups are as important as the treatment appointments due to presence of cavities. It is always better to prevent oral health issues than to have to treat them!

Parents should insure a healthy diet with minimally processed food and a reduced intake of sugar (solid or liquid).