A first dental visit is mostly about getting to know the dentist.
Your child should see a dentist when their first milk teeth come through, usually around six months, and before their first birthday at the latest. That's the NHS advice too. As a family dentist in Whitefield, we're happy to see babies from their very first tooth, and children's check-ups are free for under fives.
Many parents wait until a child has a full set of teeth, or until something seems wrong. The earlier the first visit, the easier it tends to be. At that age the appointment is simply about getting used to us, and it gives you a chance to ask the questions you've been saving up.
The quick answer
Book the first visit when the first tooth appears, usually around six months
Aim to have it done by your child's first birthday
Keep up regular check-ups as your dentist recommends
Start brushing twice a day from the first tooth
What happens at your child's first dental visit
A first visit is short and gentle. For babies and toddlers, the dentist may sit facing you, knee to knee, so your child can lie back across your lap and look up at you while we look in their mouth. Older toddlers often like to sit in the big chair on your knee.
We'll count the teeth that have come through, check the gums and look for early signs of decay, such as chalky white patches near the gum line. We'll also ask you a few things that affect young teeth:
How your child feeds, including at night
Whether they use a bottle, beaker or dummy
What toothpaste you're using and how much
Whether there's a history of tooth decay in the family
Then we'll talk through teething, brushing and diet. There's no pressure to do more than your child is comfortable with. For many toddlers, simply opening their mouth for a count is a good start.
What to bring and when to book
Book a time when your child is usually rested and fed, rather than near a nap. Bring a favourite toy and, if they're on any medicines, a list of them. If you're already a patient, it's easy to book your child's check-up alongside your own.
Keeping it positive
Children pick up on how adults talk about the dentist, so keep it simple and upbeat. Avoid words like hurt or pain, even when you mean to reassure. A picture book about visiting the dentist or a pretend check-up on a teddy at home helps. Our article on helping children feel comfortable at the dentist has more ideas for older or more nervous children.
Looking after first teeth at home
Brush twice a day, including last thing at night
Under threes: use a smear of toothpaste with at least 1,000ppm fluoride
Three to six: use a pea-sized amount with 1,000 to 1,500ppm fluoride
Encourage spitting out after brushing rather than rinsing
Supervise brushing until around age seven
Keep sugary food and drinks to mealtimes, and avoid sugary drinks in bottles or beakers
Check the fluoride level on the packaging, as some children's toothpastes contain less. The NHS guide to looking after children's teeth has the full advice.
Brushing together twice a day is the habit that protects first teeth most.
Signs to book sooner
Some things are worth checking without waiting for a routine visit. These include white, brown or dark spots on the teeth, toothache, swelling around the gums, or a knock or fall that affects the teeth. If you're unsure, call us and we'll advise.
After the first visit
How often your child comes back depends on their teeth and their risk of decay, and it may change as they grow. Our Child plan covers two check-ups, a hygiene visit and two fluoride treatments a year for £6.99 a month, for children whose parents are registered with us.
Choosing a family dentist in Whitefield
Having the whole family at one practice makes appointments easier to organise and helps children feel at home with familiar faces. Whitefield Dental has looked after families on Radcliffe New Road since 1968, and our Tuesday evening and Saturday morning appointments make it easier to fit check-ups around school and nursery.
Book a first check-up with our family dentist in Whitefield
If your little one has their first teeth coming through, a check-up with our family dentist in Whitefield is a simple way to start good habits early.
Whitefield Dental is at 118 Radcliffe New Road, Whitefield, Manchester M45 7WQ. Call us on 0161 524 9883 or email dentist@whitefielddentalpractice.co.uk. We're open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9am to 6pm, Tuesday 9am to 8pm, Friday 8am to 3pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm by pre-booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth bringing a baby with only one or two teeth?
Yes. An early visit lets us check everything is developing well and gives you advice on brushing and diet from the start.
Are children's check-ups free?
Check-ups are free for under fives at Whitefield Dental. For older children, our Child plan spreads the cost of check-ups, hygiene visits and fluoride treatments.
What toothpaste should my toddler use?
A fluoride toothpaste: a smear with at least 1,000ppm for under threes, and a pea-sized amount with 1,000 to 1,500ppm from age three.
What if my child is nervous about the dentist?
That's very common. Keep conversations positive, let us know beforehand, and we'll go at a pace your child is comfortable with.
