Parents ask us the same two questions all the time: “When should I bring my child in for the first time?” and “Am I doing this right?” Both are excellent questions, and the answers might surprise you.
The first visit: earlier than you think. The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing — whichever comes first. We don’t expect to do much at this appointment. The point is to get your child comfortable with the chair, the smells, the sounds — so that future visits feel like a routine, not a stressful event.
Brushing from day one. As soon as the first tooth appears (usually around six months), brush it twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1,000 ppm fluoride. From age three, move up to a pea-sized amount and 1,350 ppm. Children under seven should always have an adult supervising or doing the brushing — small hands genuinely can’t reach the back teeth properly until then.
The sugar conversation. It isn’t about the amount of sugar so much as the frequency. A single sweet treat with dinner does far less damage than sipping juice or grazing on biscuits throughout the day, because every sugar exposure starts a 20 to 40 minute acid attack on enamel. If you’re going to give sugar, give it in one go and follow with water.
Fissure sealants — the unsung hero. When adult molars come through (around age 6 and again at 12), we can apply a thin protective coating to the chewing surface. It takes ten minutes, doesn’t require any drilling, and reduces decay risk in those teeth by up to 80%. If your child is eligible, ask us about it.
Teenage pitfalls. Hormones, energy drinks and orthodontic appliances combine to make the teenage years high-risk for both decay and gum issues. Keep up the six-monthly check-ups, even when your teenager rolls their eyes about it.
Making the visit a positive one. Children take their cues from us. If you’re nervous about the dentist, your child will pick up on it instantly. We recommend talking about appointments matter-of-factly, avoiding loaded words like “pain,” “needle” or “drill,” and treating the trip as a normal part of the routine rather than a special event. Our team is trained in child-friendly communication, and we always allow extra time so younger patients can take the chair at their own pace.
Book your child’s check-up today. We promise to make their visit one they actually look forward to (we have a remarkably good sticker collection).