By Dr Elizabeth Crake
A child's first trip to the dentist sets the tone for a lifetime of healthy habits, and for many Wimbledon parents it comes with a few nerves of their own. The good news is that with a little preparation, a first dental visit can be calm, quick and even fun. Here's everything you need to know, from the right age to go, to exactly what happens in the chair.
When should your child first see a dentist?
Sooner than most parents expect. The NHS advises taking your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear, usually around six months, and by their first birthday at the latest. Those early visits aren't really about treatment; they're about familiarity. The more normal the dentist feels, the less chance of anxiety later on.
Regular check-ups from an early age also let us catch the small things, early decay, bite development, habits like thumb sucking, long before they become a problem. It's the heart of preventive family dentistry.
Why early visits matter so much
Tooth decay is largely preventable, yet it remains one of the most common health problems in young children in England, and tooth extraction is among the leading reasons children aged 6–10 are admitted to hospital, according to NHS and Oral Health Foundation data. Almost all of it is avoidable with early routines and regular check-ups. Building the dentist into your child's life early is one of the simplest ways to protect them.
Morning appointments work best for little ones. Children are fresher and more cooperative earlier in the day, so for under-fives, we'll usually suggest a slot before lunch. If you have siblings, booking back-to-back family appointments saves you a second trip into Wimbledon Village.
What happens at the first appointment
A first visit is gentle and unhurried. Typically it involves:
- A friendly hello, letting your child explore the room, the chair and the "tooth counting mirror" at their own pace
- A gentle check of the teeth and gums, often with your child sitting on your lap if they're very young
- A quick chat about brushing, diet, fluoride and any habits
- A positive send-off, a sticker and lots of praise go a long way
There's no pressure and nothing painful. The goal of the first visit is simply for your child to leave smiling and happy to come back.
What it costs
NHS dental care is free for children under 18 in England. We also offer private children's appointments, which allow longer, calmer, more flexible slots around the school day. Here are our real, transparent prices for children's care:
| Appointment | Price |
|---|---|
| Child check-up (new patient, under 17) | £60 |
| Child check-up (regular patient) | £55 |
| Children's hygiene clean (under 17) | £80 |
| NHS care for under-18s | Free |
| Denplan family membership (per adult, inc. 2 exams + 2 hygienes) | contact us for current pricing |
Prices are confirmed at your appointment. See our full general & family dentistry page for the complete list.
Book your child's first visit in Wimbledon Village
Gentle, child-friendly check-ups with Dr Elizabeth Crake and our family team. Mornings available around the school run.
Book an appointment 📞 020 3034 4044How to prepare your child at home
A little groundwork makes a big difference:
- Keep your language positive. Avoid words like "hurt", "drill" or "injection", even reassurances like "it won't hurt" plant the idea. Talk about the dentist "counting" and "checking" teeth instead.
- Read a story. Picture books about visiting the dentist make it familiar and fun.
- Play dentist at home. Take turns "checking" each other's teeth with a toothbrush.
- Pick the right time. A morning slot, after a good sleep and a light meal, sets everyone up to succeed.
- Stay relaxed yourself. Children pick up on a parent's nerves, if you're calm, they're more likely to be too.
Building the habit for life
After the first visit, most children should be seen every 6–12 months, depending on their individual risk of decay. Pair that with twice-daily brushing using a fluoride toothpaste (supervised until around age seven, as the NHS recommends), a low-sugar diet, and you've given your child the best possible start. When they're a little older, a hygienist visit adds another layer of protection.
Whenever you're ready, our friendly team in Wimbledon Village would love to welcome your little one for a happy first visit.
Frequently asked questions
The NHS advises taking your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear, and by their first birthday at the latest. Starting early helps your child get used to the surroundings and lets us spot any problems before they become painful.
Yes, NHS dental care is free for children under 18 in England. We also offer private children's check-ups from £55–£60, which allow longer, unhurried appointments and flexible timing around school.
Keep it positive and low-key: talk about it as a normal part of staying healthy, read a picture book about the dentist, book a morning slot, and avoid words like "hurt" or "injection". Letting them sit on your lap can help too.
