[The first visit to the dental care practice].

Abstract

During a child s first 1,000 days, many important events take place, such as the eruption of its first tooth, taking its first bite, learning to brush its teeth and the first visits to a dental care practice. This article discusses the factors influencing a child s oral health during this crucial period. It offers oral care providers guidelines for young children s first visits. It is essential for oral care providers to be able to recognize disorders among this patient group and to treat these, when necessary. In addition, during a first visit, parents questions are answered and subjects like non-nutritive sucking, eating habits, oral hygiene and other risk factors for early childhood caries (ECC) are raised. By supporting the parents and making them aware of the importance of oral health from birth, oral care providers can play an essential role in establishing a solid foundation for a healthy future.