That sounds early, and during those first visits almost nothing happens. That is the whole point. A two-year-old who sits in the chair once, looks in a little mirror and goes home with a sticker learns something important: this is not a scary place.<\/p>\n
If the first visit only happens once there is a cavity, that first experience is immediately a treatment. That is a much heavier introduction, and the anxiety that comes with it often lasts for years.<\/p>\n
At VLIJT in Eindhoven we treat children from the age of two. Up to eighteen, dental care is covered by the Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering<\/em>), so there is no deductible and no personal contribution.<\/p>\n Usually very little, and that is deliberate.<\/p>\n We let your child look around first.<\/strong> The chair goes up and down, the lamp goes on, they get to hold the mirror. Everything that is about to happen, we show first.<\/p>\n Then we count the teeth.<\/strong> Literally counting out loud. For your child it is a game, for us it is a first check.<\/p>\n If something needs attention, we look further.<\/strong> And we discuss it with you, not over your child’s head.<\/p>\n A first appointment is short. We would rather do two brief, pleasant visits than one long one where patience runs out.<\/p>\n Yes. And it is one of the questions we are asked most often.<\/p>\n Anxiety in children rarely comes out of nowhere. Usually something has happened, or the child picks up on a parent’s tension. That second one happens more often than people think.<\/p>\n What helps:<\/p>\n We work in small steps. If looking inside the mouth does not work today, it will work next time. That is not a failed appointment, that is the build-up.<\/p>\n The essentials are simpler than the shelf full of products suggests.<\/p>\n Twice a day, two minutes.<\/strong> In the morning and before bed. The evening one matters most, because the mouth produces less saliva at night.<\/p>\n Brush after them until around age ten.<\/strong> Children only develop the fine motor control for thorough brushing around that age. Until then your child brushes, and you go over it afterwards.<\/p>\n Fluoride belongs in the routine.<\/strong> Use children’s toothpaste with the amount of fluoride that suits their age. Do not rinse with water afterwards, that washes the protection straight away.<\/p>\n Watch the snacking, not just the sugar.<\/strong> The more often something goes into the mouth, the more often the enamel is under attack. Seven small snacks a day does more damage than one sweet treat.<\/p>\n Do not wait for the next check-up if you see:<\/p>\n With a knocked-out permanent tooth every minute counts. Keep the tooth in milk or in your child’s cheek, not in water, and call us straight away.<\/p>\n We are based at Strijp-S and treat children from the age of two. What that means in practice:<\/p>\n From what age can my child see a dentist?<\/strong> From around the age of two, as soon as the first teeth come through. At VLIJT children are welcome from that age.<\/p>\n Is children’s dental care covered in the Netherlands?<\/strong> Yes. Dental care for children up to eighteen is covered by the Dutch basic health insurance. Orthodontics, so braces, is not included.<\/p>\n Can I come into the treatment room?<\/strong> Yes. For some children it is calming, for others it is a distraction. We look together at what works best for your child.<\/p>\n How often should my child have a check-up?<\/strong> Usually twice a year. For children with a higher risk of cavities it can be more often, and we agree that per child.<\/p>\n My child is genuinely very anxious. Is it still worth coming?<\/strong> Especially then. We start with an introduction where nothing has to happen. That is often the fastest route to a child who does dare.<\/p>\n Do you speak English at the practice?<\/strong> Yes. Our team treats a lot of international families in Eindhoven, and appointments, explanations and paperwork can all be handled in English.<\/p>\n The best first dental experience is one where nothing exciting happens. The earlier you start, the greater the chance your child will find the dentist ordinary rather than frightening.<\/p>\n Has it been on your list for a while? Now is a good moment.<\/p>\n Want to know more?<\/strong> Read about children’s dentistry at VLIJT<\/a> or register your child<\/a> for a first appointment.<\/p>\nWhat happens at the first visit?<\/h2>\n
My child is anxious. Is a visit still a good idea?<\/h2>\n
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Brushing: what is actually necessary?<\/h2>\n
When should you come sooner?<\/h2>\n
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What to expect at VLIJT in Eindhoven<\/h2>\n
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Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
In closing<\/h2>\n
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