When should a child first see the dentist?
Quick answer
When should my child first go to the dentist?
UK guidance is to bring your child when their first tooth appears, and no later than their first birthday.
Early visits are short and gentle — a look in the mouth, advice on brushing and diet, and getting used to the chair. A children’s consultation at York House Dental Practice in West Byfleet is £25, and children under 16 are seen free when a parent is on one of our membership plans.
What you need to know
Tooth decay is still one of the most common reasons young children in England are admitted to hospital, and nearly all of it is preventable. The earlier a child sees the dentist, the more likely the first visits are positive rather than about pain.
At home: brush twice a day, including last thing at night. Under 3s need a smear of fluoride toothpaste (at least 1,000ppm); ages 3 to 6 need a pea-sized amount. Encourage spitting out rather than rinsing. Keep sugary drinks and snacks to mealtimes, and avoid bottles of milk or juice in bed.
As adult molars arrive (around age 6), fissure sealants and fluoride varnish can protect them. See our children’s dentist page and family dentistry.
Last reviewed: by Dr Kaveet Patel, Principal Dentist
