Children · Tips
At what age should your child first see the dentist?
The first appointment can take place as soon as the first teeth appear, and at the latest around the age of 2 or 3. The earlier the visit, the easier it is: your child discovers the practice without being in pain, and parents receive advice suited to their child.
How to prepare for the visit
- Talk about it simply, without making a drama of it or promising that “it won't hurt”.
- Choose a time when your child is well rested, preferably in the morning.
- Let us know when you book if your child is anxious: the first visit can simply be a chance to get to know the practice.
Brushing by age
- Brush your child's teeth twice a day from the very first tooth.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste suited to their age: a smear for the very young, then a pea-sized amount as they grow. The dentist will tell you which toothpaste is right.
- Help with or check brushing until your child can write well, often around the age of 7 or 8.
How much does it cost?
- For under-19s, consultations and routine care are reimbursed by compulsory health insurance. With a dentist contracted with INAMI/RIZIV (Belgian national health insurance), there is in principle nothing left to pay for this care.
- At Maison du Sourire, all the dentists are contracted and the practice uses third-party payment (tiers payant): you have nothing to pay or advance for this care.
Key points
- First appointment from the first teeth, at the latest around the age of 2 or 3.
- Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste suited to your child's age.
- Routine care reimbursed for under-19s.