Your Child's First Dental Visit UK 2026: Complete Parent's Guide

Last updated: January 2026. This guide reflects current NHS guidance and 2024/25 statistics on children's dental health in the UK.

Taking your child for their first dental visit is an important milestone. Yet official figures show that 43% of children in England haven't seen an NHS dentist in the past year, and many parents are unsure when to book that crucial first appointment.

This guide covers everything you need to know: when to go, what happens during the visit, how to find an NHS dentist, and how to keep your child's teeth healthy from day one.

When Should Your Child First See a Dentist?

The NHS recommends taking your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear, or before they are 12 months old — whichever comes first.

"Take your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear, or before they are 12 months old." — NHS, Children's Teeth

Most babies get their first teeth around 6 months, so this is a good time to start thinking about booking an appointment.

The Dental Check by One Campaign

The Dental Check by One campaign, launched in 2017 by the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) in partnership with NHS England, encourages all parents to bring their child to a dentist by their first birthday.

The campaign has support from:

• Royal College of GPs
• Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
• British Dental Association
• Institute of Health Visiting
• Oral Health Foundation

Why Early Visits Matter

The statistics make a compelling case for early dental visits:

Early visits help prevent these outcomes by:

• Identifying problems before they become serious
• Providing guidance on proper brushing techniques
• Building your child's comfort with the dental environment
• Giving you personalised advice on diet and oral hygiene

How to Find an NHS Dentist for Your Child

Finding an NHS dentist that accepts new child patients can be challenging, but there are several options.

Use the NHS Service Finder

Visit the NHS Find a Dentist tool to search for dental practices near you. You'll need to contact practices directly to check if they're accepting NHS child patients.

Good news: Unlike GP surgeries, dental practices have no catchment area restrictions. You can register with any practice that's convenient for you, regardless of where you live.

Registering Your Child

When you find a practice accepting new patients:

• You may need to complete a registration form
• Bring proof of identity (passport or birth certificate for your child)
• Bring proof of address if requested
• Registration is completely free

Tip: If you're already registered at a practice, ask if they can also register your child as an NHS patient.

If You Can't Find a Dentist

If you're struggling to find a practice accepting NHS child patients:

1. Contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) — they manage dental services in your area and may direct you to available practices
2. For emergency dental care, call NHS 111

What Happens at Your Child's First Dental Appointment

The first visit is designed to be short, gentle, and stress-free. Here's what to expect.

Before the Appointment

You'll complete a form with your child's details and medical history. This helps the dentist understand any specific needs.

During the Examination

The dentist will:

• Examine your child's teeth, gums, and jaw
• Count any teeth that have appeared
• Check that development is progressing normally
• Look for any early signs of decay or problems

Position options: Your child can sit on your lap, in your arms, or in whatever position is most comfortable. Don't worry if your baby doesn't stay still — this is completely normal.

"Simply getting a child to open their mouth for a dentist to look at their teeth is useful practice for the future." — British Society of Paediatric Dentistry

Advice You'll Receive

The dentist will provide guidance on:

• How to brush your child's teeth properly
• Which toothpaste to use and how much
• Diet and sugar recommendations
• When to return for the next check-up

How Long Will It Take?

First appointments are typically short — often just 10-15 minutes. The focus is on getting your child comfortable with the dental environment rather than lengthy examinations.

Preparing Your Child for Their First Visit

A little preparation can help make the experience positive for everyone.

Tips for Babies and Toddlers

• Visit the practice beforehand if possible, just to familiarise them with the environment
• Bring them to your own appointments so they can see that dental visits are normal
• Keep it simple — don't over-explain or build it up too much
• Bring a comfort item like a favourite toy or blanket

Tips for Older Toddlers (2-3 years)

• Read books about visiting the dentist — many children's books cover this topic
• Play dentist at home — count their teeth together or let them "examine" a toy's teeth
• Use positive language — avoid words like "pain", "needle", or "hurt"
• Stay calm yourself — children pick up on parental anxiety

What to Avoid

• Don't bribe with sweets — this sends mixed messages about sugar and teeth
• Don't threaten with the dentist as punishment — you want them to feel positive about visits
• Don't dismiss their concerns — validate any worries while reassuring them

Is Dental Care Free for Children?

Yes. All NHS dental treatment is completely free for children under 18 in England (or under 19 if in full-time education). You don't need to show proof of income or benefits.

What's Included Free of Charge

What's not covered: Cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening are not available for children on the NHS.

Free Dental Care in Other UK Nations

Parents Get Free Care Too

If you're pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, you're entitled to free NHS dental treatment. You'll need a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx).

Building Good Dental Habits at Home

Prevention starts at home. Here's the official NHS guidance on caring for your child's teeth.

When to Start Brushing

Begin cleaning your child's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears — typically around 6 months old.

Brushing Guide by Age

Key Brushing Tips

• Brush twice daily — last thing at night and at least one other time
• Brush for 2 minutes using small circular motions
• Cover all surfaces — front, back, and chewing surfaces
• Spit, don't rinse — rinsing washes away the protective fluoride
• Supervise until age 7 — children lack the dexterity to brush properly alone

"If you rinse after brushing, the fluoride won't work as well." — NHS, Looking After Your Baby's Teeth

Fluoride Varnish

From age 3, your child should be offered fluoride varnish application at least twice a year. This protective treatment is applied by the dentist and helps prevent decay. Younger children may also be offered this if the dentist thinks they need it.

Sugar Guidelines

Sugar is the main cause of tooth decay in children. The NHS recommends limiting sugar intake:

Tips for reducing sugar:

• Avoid sugary drinks — offer water or plain milk
• Don't add sugar to foods
• Check labels on baby foods (many contain hidden sugars)
• Limit dried fruit as a snack (it sticks to teeth)
• Never put sweet drinks in bottles

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should a baby first see a dentist?

The NHS recommends taking your baby to the dentist when their first teeth appear, or by 12 months old — whichever comes first. Most babies get their first teeth around 6 months, so you can book an appointment from this age.

Is NHS dental care really free for children?

Yes. All NHS dental treatment is free for children under 18 in England (under 19 if in full-time education). This includes check-ups, fillings, extractions, and even braces if clinically required. You don't need to prove eligibility.

What if I can't find an NHS dentist accepting children?

Contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB), which manages dental services in your area. They can direct you to practices with availability. For urgent problems, call NHS 111 for emergency dental advice.

How often should children visit the dentist?

NICE guidelines recommend children visit the dentist at least every 12 months. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits (every 6 months) depending on your child's needs.

What age can children brush their own teeth?

Children should brush their own teeth from around age 7, but parents should supervise to ensure they're brushing properly. Before age 7, parents or carers should brush the child's teeth for them.

When should children start using fluoride toothpaste?

From the moment the first tooth appears. Use a tiny smear of toothpaste with at least 1,000ppm fluoride for children under 3, increasing to a pea-sized amount from age 3.

Is tooth decay in children preventable?

Yes. Tooth decay is entirely preventable through regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugar intake, and regular dental check-ups. Despite this, 22.4% of 5-year-olds in England still have tooth decay.

Taking the First Step

Booking your child's first dental appointment is one of the most important things you can do for their long-term oral health. Early visits establish good habits, catch problems before they become serious, and help your child feel comfortable with dental care throughout their life.

Remember:

• Book by age 1 (or when first teeth appear)
• NHS care is free for all children
• Keep visits positive — first appointments are short and gentle
• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Limit sugar to protect developing teeth

Ready to find a dentist for your child? Use our search tool to find family-friendly dental practices near you that are accepting new NHS patients.

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Sources:

• NHS - Children's Teeth (Updated June 2025)
• NHS - Looking After Your Baby's Teeth (Updated April 2025)
• Gov.uk - Oral Health Survey of 5 Year Old Schoolchildren 2024 (Published February 2025)
• Gov.uk - Hospital Tooth Extractions 2024 (Published February 2025)
• Dental Check by One
• Royal College of Surgeons - Dental Statistics