When Should a Child First Visit the Dentist? UK Parents' Guide

Last updated: December 2025. This guide follows NHS and British Society of Paediatric Dentistry recommendations.

When Should Your Child First Visit the Dentist?

The NHS recommends that children should visit the dentist as soon as their first teeth appear - usually around 6 months of age, but certainly by their first birthday. Early dental visits help establish good habits and allow your dentist to spot any potential problems early.

NHS Recommendation

"Take your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear. This is so they become familiar with the environment and get to know the dentist." — NHS, Children's Teeth

The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) supports this guidance, recommending that children visit a dentist by their first birthday as part of their "Dental Check by One" campaign.

Why Start So Early?

Early dental visits are important for several reasons:

1. Preventing Tooth Decay Tooth decay can begin as soon as teeth appear. In fact, 22.4% of 5-year-olds in England have tooth decay, according to Public Health England's 2023 oral health survey. Many of these cases could be prevented with earlier intervention.

2. Building Familiarity Children who visit the dentist from a young age are less likely to develop dental anxiety. The surgery becomes a familiar, non-threatening environment.

3. Establishing Good Habits Your dentist can advise on proper brushing techniques, diet, and fluoride use from the very beginning.

4. Early Detection Some dental issues are easier to treat when caught early. Your dentist can identify problems with tooth development, bite issues, or early signs of decay.

Free NHS Dental Care for Children

All NHS dental treatment is completely free for children under 18 (or under 19 if in full-time education). This includes:

• Regular check-ups
• Fillings
• Extractions
• X-rays
• Orthodontic assessment
• Fissure sealants

There's no cost barrier to getting your child the dental care they need.

What Happens at a Child's First Dental Visit?

The first visit is usually very short and gentle - often called a "happy visit" or "ride in the chair":

1. Introduction - The dentist will introduce themselves and explain what they do
2. Chair ride - Your child might sit in the dental chair, which can go up and down
3. Tooth count - The dentist will gently count your child's teeth
4. Advice - You'll receive guidance on brushing, diet, and preventing decay
5. Questions - Time to ask any questions you have about your child's oral health

For very young children, you may be asked to sit in the dental chair with your child on your lap.

How to Prepare Your Child

Do:

• Stay positive - avoid words like "pain," "hurt," or "injection"
• Read children's books about visiting the dentist
• Play "dentist" at home, counting each other's teeth
• Let them watch you having a dental check-up if possible
• Bring their favourite toy or comforter

Don't:

• Use the dentist as a threat ("behave or the dentist will pull out your teeth")
• Share your own dental anxiety
• Promise treats as rewards (especially sugary ones!)
• Make it a bigger deal than it is

How Often Should Children Visit the Dentist?

According to NICE guidelines, children should have dental check-ups at intervals ranging from 3 months to 12 months, depending on their oral health status. Your dentist will recommend the right frequency based on:

• Risk of tooth decay
• Diet and sugar intake
• Fluoride exposure
• Oral hygiene habits
• Any existing dental problems

Protecting Your Child's Teeth at Home

Between dental visits, you can protect your child's teeth by:

Brushing

• Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears
• Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (1000ppm) for children under 3
• Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (1350-1500ppm) for children 3+
• Supervise brushing until age 7
• Brush twice daily, including just before bed

Diet

• Limit sugary foods and drinks
• Avoid giving bottles of milk or juice at bedtime
• Encourage water and milk as main drinks
• Keep sweets to mealtimes rather than throughout the day

Additional Protection

• Ask your dentist about fissure sealants (protective coatings for back teeth)
• Ensure adequate fluoride exposure
• Consider sugar-free medicines when possible

Common Questions from Parents

Can I register my baby with a dentist before they have teeth? Yes! You can register your child with a dentist from birth. This means you'll have somewhere to go as soon as their first tooth appears.

What if my child is scared? Fear is normal. Start with short visits, be patient, and work with your dental team. Most children settle with time and positive experiences.

Should I go to a paediatric dentist? General dental practices see children regularly and are experienced in treating young patients. Paediatric dentists (specialists in children's dentistry) are available for complex cases or children with additional needs.

What if my child has a dental emergency? Contact your dentist or call NHS 111. Children with severe pain, swelling, or dental trauma need to be seen urgently.

Finding an NHS Dentist for Your Child

If you're struggling to find an NHS dentist accepting children:

1. Use the NHS website's dental practice finder
2. Call practices directly and ask about child registrations
3. Contact NHS England for help finding a dentist
4. Consider dental schools which offer supervised care

Conclusion

The first dental visit should happen by your child's first birthday or when their first teeth appear. Free NHS dental care means there's no cost barrier, and early visits help prevent problems and build positive associations with dental care.

Starting early sets your child up for a lifetime of good oral health. Don't wait until there's a problem - prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to children's teeth.