We like to meet children when their first tooth arrives, or by their first birthday. There’s rarely anything to fix at that age. The point is to make the dentist a familiar, slightly boring place long before anything needs doing.
On the day
The first visit takes about ten minutes. Your child can sit on your lap or ride the chair up and down. We count their teeth with a small mirror, check their gums and talk to you about brushing, teething and drinks.
How to prepare
- Talk about the visit in a matter-of-fact way, the same as a trip to the shops.
- Avoid words like “hurt” or “brave”, which suggest there’s something to fear.
- Book a morning slot when your child is usually at their best.
Brushing at home
Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste for under-threes and a pea-sized amount after that. Help with brushing until about age seven; most children can’t manage the back teeth on their own before then.
Spit, don’t rinse. Leaving a little toothpaste on the teeth keeps the fluoride working.
Most family insurance plans cover children’s check-ups, and we keep after-school slots for younger patients. If your child has additional needs, tell us when you book and we’ll plan the visit around them.
