Your child's first dental appointment: when to book and how to prepare

A child's first dental appointment should not wait until pain develops. An early visit allows development to be assessed, parents to receive guidance and the child to become comfortable in the clinical setting before a problem arises.

When should the first appointment take place?

The recommendation to attend by the first birthday is preventive. At this age, the appointment is mainly an opportunity to examine the mouth, assess the risk of tooth decay and discuss brushing, fluoride, diet, dummies, thumb or finger sucking, and injury prevention.

There is no need to wait until all the baby teeth have come through. On the contrary, early guidance helps correct habits before they cause disease. After the first visit, appointment intervals are based on individual risk rather than a single rule for every child.

Why is it important to examine baby teeth?

Baby teeth allow children to chew and speak, and maintain the space needed for permanent teeth. Decay can progress to pain or infection and affect eating, sleep and wellbeing. Early treatment generally allows simpler interventions and a less demanding experience for the child.

Having no complaints does not necessarily mean there is no disease. Early lesions may not cause pain, and some areas are difficult to inspect at home.

What happens at the first visit?

1. Talking to parents or carers

Information is gathered about general health, medicines, pregnancy and birth where relevant, diet, hygiene, dummy use, sucking habits and any symptoms.

2. Getting used to the surroundings

The language used and pace of the appointment are adapted to the child's age. Young children may be examined on their carer's lap. The aim is to gather clinical information without turning a preventive appointment into a negative experience.

3. Examining the mouth

The teeth, gums, tooth eruption, bite, soft tissues and signs of decay or injury are assessed. Additional tests are used only when clinically indicated.

4. Prevention plan

Carers receive practical guidance on brushing technique, fluoride toothpaste, the amount of toothpaste, diet and the recommended date for the next examination.

How to prepare your child

• Explain that the dentist will look at and count the teeth, using simple, truthful language.
• Avoid words such as 'pain', 'needle' or 'it will not hurt', which can create a negative association before the visit.
• Do not use the appointment as a threat or promise excessive rewards.
• Where possible, choose a time when your child is well rested.
• Bring information about medical conditions, allergies, medicines and previous dental experiences.

Home care from the first tooth

Portugal's Directorate-General of Health recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a suitable soft toothbrush. Until children have sufficient dexterity, an adult should brush their teeth or finish the brushing for them. How often sugary foods and drinks are consumed is just as important as the amount: repeated exposure throughout the day increases the risk of tooth decay.

A bottle containing sugary drinks should not be left in the mouth during sleep. Water is the usual choice between meals. Confirm the amount and fluoride concentration of toothpaste appropriate to your child's age and risk.

When not to wait for a routine appointment

Seek an assessment for pain, swelling, fever associated with a dental problem, a change in tooth colour, a cavity, difficulty eating or an injury. A permanent tooth that is completely knocked out is an emergency: hold it only by the crown, do not scrub the root and contact a clinic immediately. A baby tooth must not be put back in.

Quick questions from parents

Can a child develop tooth decay even without eating sweets?

Yes. Many foods and drinks contain sugars, and the frequency of consumption, hygiene, fluoride and individual factors influence risk.

Should appointments be every six months?

Not always. The interval is set by the dental professional and may be shorter or longer depending on the risk of decay, development and treatment needs.

Can Cheque-Dentista be used at Clínica Prisma?

Clínica Prisma participates in Portugal's Cheque-Dentista scheme. Use depends on having a valid voucher and on the procedures covered under the applicable rules. Bring the document or issue details for confirmation.

For an individual assessment, see the page on paediatric dentistry at Clínica Prisma.