Dental care designed around your child’s development
Children’s dental care at Tandartspraktijk Mathenesse is provided by general dentists, not a pediatric dental specialist. Age, development, cooperation and current dental findings determine the appropriate examination, advice or treatment.
What you can expect
- Care provided by general dentists
- Individual dental assessment
- Guidance for parents in English
- Concerns discussed before treatment
General dental care rather than specialist pediatric dentistry
Children’s dental care at Tandartspraktijk Mathenesse is provided by general dentists rather than a pediatric dental specialist. A recognised pediatric dentist has additional specialist training and often treats children with complex needs. Most children can receive routine care from a general dentist. Current findings determine whether another care pathway should be discussed.
At what age should a child visit the dentist?
General guidance recommends bringing a child when the first tooth appears. An early visit can help the child become familiar with the setting and allows parents to ask about brushing, eating and drinking habits and dental development. Early attendance does not guarantee that dental fear or tooth decay will never occur.
Dental development and individual intervals
The dentist can assess teeth, gums, visible decay, oral hygiene, eruption and development as cooperation allows. The appropriate follow-up interval depends on age, development, oral-hygiene findings, cavity risk, previous treatment and what the dentist finds at the current examination rather than one fixed schedule.
Your child’s first visit
The dentist adapts explanations to the child’s age and situation. Pace and scope depend on cooperation and clinical need, and not every treatment can necessarily be completed in one visit. Avoid promising that absolutely nothing will be felt.
Share information and concerns
The parent or caregiver shares relevant health information, symptoms, concerns and previous dental experiences.
Meet the dentist and have an examination
The dentist examines the teeth, gums and dental development as cooperation allows, explaining what is proposed in language suited to the child.
Discuss findings and the next step
The dentist explains findings, home care and any appropriate follow-up to the child and parent. Further care depends on the examination, cooperation and clinical need.
For additional information about support with dental fear, read our support for dental anxiety.
Dental treatments for children
Treatment is selected according to age, development, risk and cooperation. Parents receive a clear explanation and can ask questions in English.
The examination
The dentist considers teeth, gums, oral hygiene, eruption, reported pain or sensitivity, existing restorations and individual risk factors. Symptoms such as pain, sensitivity or a visible spot do not establish a diagnosis; examination determines what advice or treatment may be appropriate.
Oral-care guidance
Advice may cover brushing with age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste, parental brushing support and eating and drinking habits. These habits influence the risk of decay and gum problems but do not guarantee a cavity-free mouth.
Treatment scope
General dentists can assess and treat many routine dental concerns in children, including fillings when clinically appropriate. Not every child or condition can necessarily be treated within the practice. For severe pain, swelling, persistent bleeding, a broken tooth or dental trauma, contact the practice and consult the emergency dental care instructions.
Questions about tooth position or development
Discuss your questions with our dentist. After an examination, the dentist explains the appropriate next step and whether an assessment by an orthodontist may be needed. Ask the practice which care is available in-house and when another care provider would be involved.
Costs and reimbursement
Dutch basic health insurance covers much routine dental care for patients younger than 18. Not every procedure is automatically covered. Orthodontics, crowns, bridges and implants are important examples requiring separate consideration. Covered routine care for children generally does not use the compulsory deductible. Check current policy conditions with your insurer.
For an explanation of estimates and invoices, see our dental tariffs and payment information.
Is a referral required?
No referral is needed for routine dental care from the general dentists at Tandartspraktijk Mathenesse. If findings suggest that another care pathway may be appropriate, the dentist can discuss the next step without this page promising a particular specialist or referral arrangement.
How can parents prepare a child for the dentist?
Describe the visit in simple, neutral language and explain that the dentist will count and look at the teeth. Avoid promising that nothing will be felt, because an unexpected sensation can damage trust. Parents can bring a young child to their own check-up first, helping the practice become familiar before an individual appointment.
Dental care for families in Rotterdam
Tandartspraktijk Mathenesse provides general dental care for children at Mathenesserweg 19B, 3027 HD Rotterdam. New patients and families can register online or call 010 437 0595.
