Accessing dental care (Babies)

Key Messages:

• NHS dental care is free for children and all pregnant mothers up to 12 months after your baby is born.
• Adults should have a check-up at least once every 2 years, and children at least once a year.
• Children should start going to the dentist for regular check-ups along with the rest of the family as soon as the first tooth erupts or before their 1st birthday.  The dentist can advise on brushing, a healthy diet and regular check-ups.

• How will the dentist examine my child?

  Sometimes the best way to look into a baby’s mouth is to carry out a lap-to-lap examination, when the baby is lowered backwards from your lap into the lap of the dentist. This may give the dentist a good view of baby’s mouth.

  What happens if my child won’t open their mouth?

  Don’t worry if your child doesn’t want to open their mouth. Just taking your child to the dentist and starting to establish a pattern of dental appointments is valuable. Book to return in a few months and hopefully your baby will want to open their mouth on the next visit.

  Why do baby teeth matter?

  Baby teeth are important because they hold the space for the permanent teeth to move into. As a parent or carer, your role is to assist in keeping the mouth healthy and free from harmful bacteria which leads to dental decay.