Tandarts Jan van Galen
Kids
Our dentist devotes special attention to the youngest members of the family. The first visit to the dentist is quite stressful for most children. We would like them to feel comfortable and therefore we focus on explaining everything thoroughly and getting to know each other through play. We take the time to let your child get used to the dentist and the treatments that we perform at the practice.
Most cavities form between the ages of 4 and 21 and therefore it is important to monitor children’s teeth closely. We keep your child’s teeth as healthy as possible by providing the right preventive treatments and a comprehensive lesson on how to brush your teeth properly.
Previous experiences with various dentists were not pleasant. What a relief to have found this practice. The dentists take the time they need, work carefully and give clear information about costs. The best dental practice in Amsterdam West.
Your child’s first visit to the dentist
In order to let your child become used to the dentist and to our dental practice, we advise you to bring your child with you to your own check-ups from the age of 2. The first visit focuses completely on getting to know each other. In this way your child will feel comfortable sooner and it will be easier to persuade your child to sit in the dentist’s chair. When the dentist sees that your child is ready, he will examine the teeth and count them.
Dental treatment for a child
Our dentist specializes in providing treatment for children to prevent dental problems and maintain healthy teeth. The dentist performs almost the same treatment as in adults, but provides a more extensive explanation so that the child knows what is in store for him or her.
Periodic check-ups
Once your child is comfortable with the dentist, we begin performing periodic check-ups. At the check-ups we examine your child’s teeth to see how healthy they are and we count the teeth. Our specialist team also gives advice and tips on brushing teeth and explains the influence of sweets and fizzy drinks on teeth. It all happens in a playful way and in language that the child can understand.
Filling cavities
At the six-month check-ups, the dentist checks whether there are any cavities in the child’s teeth. If he finds a cavity, he explains this to your child and also takes the time to explain how a cavity is filled. In this way we would like to prevent your child becoming afraid of treatment. After the explanation, the dentist starts work and explains everything that is going to happen.
Fluoride
We strengthen your child’s teeth with fluoride. This is the advice we give on brushing with fluoride-containing children’s toothpaste:
- 0-1 years of age: once a day
- 2-4 years of age: twice a day
- 5+ years of age: twice a day with adult fluoride-containing toothpaste
Sealing
The chance of a cavity forming is greatest at the moment that a molar has completely erupted. These new molars have deep grooves in which food residues and bacteria remain. Since teeth brushing is not enough to protect the molars, we apply a sealing layer. This thin layer of artificial resin or fluoride-containing cement forms a shell on the molars.
Braces
Our dentist easily corrects crooked or protruding teeth with braces. This is only possible once all the milk teeth have been replaced by permanent teeth. We fit both fixed and removable braces. The type of braces that we pick for your child depends on the teeth and on your own wishes.
Transition from milk teeth to permanent teeth
The first permanent molars come through in your child’s mouth around the age of 5. Your child will not notice it, because they erupt behind the last molars in the set of milk teeth. For the rest of the teeth, a milk tooth must fall out before a permanent tooth can come through. All the milk teeth will have been replaced by permanent teeth around the age of 13.
Tips for healthy children’s teeth
Child dentistry reimbursement
In most cases, regular dental treatment is reimbursed by the health insurance company for children up to age 18. For example, periodic check-ups. Specialist treatment such as braces and crowns and bridges are not covered by the health insurance company’s basic insurance. Although a number of insurance companies have set a price ceiling since 2023. In order to be certain that the costs will be reimbursed, contact your insurance company beforehand.
My daughter had a cavity in a molar at the age of 4 already. The dentist explained clearly to her that the tooth was ill and that was sad, so he made it better. My daughter found it very interesting.
None of my three children have a problem with going to the dentist. This is because the dentists were nice from the beginning and explained clearly what they were going to do.
Making an appointment for child dentistry
If you would like to make an appointment for your child, call 020 618 0074 and we will be pleased to schedule an appointment for you with our dentist at short notice.