Preventive dentistry for children in London

Ideally, your child should see a dentist when their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday at the latest.

The main reason isn’t just to “check teeth” — it’s to prevent problems early. That first visit helps you get advice on brushing, fluoride toothpaste, feeding habits (especially bedtime bottles), and what to watch for as more teeth come through. After that, most children benefit from routine check-ups every 6 months, though your dentist may suggest a different schedule if your child is higher risk for decay.

A child risk assessment is a quick check to see how likely your child is to get cavities. The dentist looks at the teeth for early decay and asks about diet (sugary snacks/drinks), brushing and fluoride use, and any health or habit factors. It helps set a personalised prevention plan (e.g., brushing advice, fluoride varnish/sealants) and how often your child should have check-ups.

For parents: choose a kids’ toothpaste with the right fluoride level for your child’s age.

• Under 3: 1,000+ ppm fluoride (tiny smear)

• 3–6: 1,000–1,500 ppm (pea-sized amount)

• 7+: 1,350–1,500 ppm (pea-sized amount)

If your child has had cavities or is high risk, your dentist may recommend a stronger prescription toothpaste. Brush twice a day, spit out, and don’t rinse with water after brushing.

Yes. We use gentle, child-friendly approaches to help nervous children feel safe and in control.
That usually includes:

• “Tell–Show–Do” (we explain, demonstrate, then do things slowly)
• A calm, unrushed pace with plenty of reassurance and breaks
• Child-friendly language (no scary words) and positive encouragement
• Letting your child sit with you if neededSimple “happy visits” for first-timers or very anxious children (just to build confidence)
• Numbing gel before anything that could feel uncomfortable.

If you tell us your child’s worries in advance (e.g., sensitivity, gag reflex, past bad experience), we’ll tailor the appointment so it feels manageable.