Specification of the service
Prevention is increasingly a central theme in our lives, covering areas such as health, allergies and road safety. The maxim "Prevention is better than cure" has never been more relevant, and is reflected in our daily habits to maintain health and safety. This includes everything from choosing a healthy diet and exercising regularly to measures to avoid allergies and accidents. But what about oral health prevention? It's time to discuss the importance of prevention in dentistry. Prevention in oral health begins even before conception, with a well-attended pregnancy contributing to the child developing healthy, straight and cavity-free teeth. Neglecting prevention can affect a child's sleep, diet, quality of life and school performance, with problems that can persist into adulthood.
For parents-to-be, pregnancy planning is recommended, including medical appointments and taking folic acid, which is essential for the healthy development of the baby's mouth. Visiting the dentist for a check-up before and during pregnancy is crucial, as hormonal changes can increase the risk of gum problems, but not necessarily tooth decay or calcium loss.
A baby's oral hygiene should start early: at the first feed, the tongue and all the intra-oral mucosa should be cleaned. At the age of two, a visit to the dentist is vital to assess the child's oral health and apply sealants to the molars to prevent cavities. This procedure is painless and can be covered by the National Health System.
The first set of teeth, although temporary, is crucial for the healthy development of a child, influencing chewing, speech, and jaw growth. Brushing should be done with a small, soft toothbrush, using fluoride toothpaste. It is important to avoid nighttime bottles with sugar and to start using fluoride and dental floss early to prevent cavities.
About pacifier use
Although a pacifier can be a source of comfort for the child, its use should be limited until the age of three to avoid occlusion and oral development problems.
Parental involvement
Until the age of nine, parents should supervise brushing and flossing, setting an example for their children. Regular dental check-ups, every six months, are essential to maintain the child’s oral health, allowing for early interventions and avoiding more complex treatments in the future. This preventive approach in dentistry not only ensures healthy development from childhood but also instils oral hygiene habits that should last a lifetime, promoting a future generation with better oral health, free from cavities, problems, toothache, crooked teeth, postural issues, poor school performance, and ultimately, a better quality of life.
cheque-dentista
The dentist voucher is part of the National Oral Health Promotion Program (PNPSO), an initiative of the Ministry of Health aimed at facilitating access to dental care and promoting oral health among different age and social groups in Portugal.
Don't miss this opportunity to ensure the well-being and oral health of the whole family! This program reinforces the importance of prevention and continuous oral health care, regardless of age. See your dentist and find out how to use your dental voucher to maintain a healthy and happy smile.
From 2 to 6 years: Entitled to 1 dental voucher.
From 4 to 18 years: Access to different dental vouchers.
Organised as follows:
At 4 years: 1 voucher for sealing 4 teeth.
At 7 years: 2 vouchers for care of the first molars.
At 11 years: 2 vouchers for care of the premolars.
At 13 years: 3 vouchers for care of the second molars.
At 16 years: 1 voucher for a check-up.
At 18 years: 1 voucher for a check-up.
Pregnancy Check: Provided by the family doctor to pregnant women covered by the National Health Service, this dental check aims to guarantee the oral health of mothers-to-be.
Elderly Check: Aimed at beneficiaries of the solidarity supplement for the elderly, this check is made available by the family doctor, emphasizing the importance of oral health in old age.
