71 North Street- Carshalton
- SM5 2HG
71 North Street
If you’re a parent asking, “When should my child first visit the dentist?” you’re not alone. Many parents aren’t sure whether to wait for all the baby teeth to come through or to only visit when there’s a visible issue.
Here’s the good news. The first dental visit isn’t just about teeth. It’s about setting your child up for a lifetime of positive oral health.
At Carlton Dental, we specialise in children’s dentistry in Carshalton. Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding another child to the dental routine, we’re here to guide you through the journey, make it stress-free, and even enjoyable.
Visit us at: 71 North Street, Carshalton, SM5 2HG
Call: 020 8647 1533
According to trusted dental guidelines from the NHS, your child should visit a dentist by their first birthday, or when their first milk teeth appear.
Yes, it’s earlier than many people expect, but there’s a good reason for it.
Those tiny teeth play a big role in helping your child learn to speak, chew properly, and hold space for their adult teeth. Even more importantly, early visits allow your dentist to:
If you’re worried the first dental appointment might be intimidating, let us reassure you. It’s quick, gentle, and usually very relaxed.
Here’s what usually happens at Carlton Dental:
Most importantly, this visit is about creating comfort and familiarity.
Many parents wait until their child has a full set of baby teeth or is complaining of toothache. But this often means we’re starting with a problem, not prevention.
Benefits of early dental visits include:
And let’s be honest. Kids are curious. Making the dentist feel like a fun, educational adventure helps build trust and reduces anxiety down the line.
Not sure how to prep your little one for the big day? Here are some tried-and-tested tips:
1. Make it sound exciting
Say things like “The dentist helps keep your smile shiny and strong” or “You’ll get to count your teeth!”
2. Play dentist at home
Take turns using a toothbrush to “check teeth”. The more familiar the process feels, the easier it is in real life.
3. Avoid scary words
Skip any mention of pain, needles, or drills. Kids pick up on anxiety. If you’re calm, they’ll feel calmer too.
4. Use storybooks or videos
There are lots of brilliant children’s books that explain the first dental visit in a positive, reassuring way.
5. Bring comfort
Let your child bring a toy or blanket. Familiarity equals safety.
6. Choose the right time
Avoid nap times. Early morning appointments are best for most children when they’re well-rested.
Many children and parents feel nervous about going to the dentist. That’s completely normal.
At Carlton Dental, we pride ourselves on being one of the most trusted names for children’s dentistry in Carshalton. Here’s how we handle nerves:
After the first visit, we usually recommend coming back every six months. However, depending on your child’s dental development or risk of cavities, we might suggest more frequent visits.
Regular appointments help us:
Prevention is always better and cheaper than cure.
It’s worth choosing a dental practice in Carshalton that has experience with children. Not just technically, but emotionally. You want someone who genuinely enjoys working with kids.
Look for:
At Carlton Dental, children’s dental care isn’t an afterthought. It’s a core part of what we do. We support parents every step of the way and we’re always here to offer advice, even between visits.
Perfect. The earlier we start, the better. We’ll check those teeth and offer tailored advice.
Totally normal. We’ll take it slow. Sometimes the first visit is just a chat and a look around. It all counts towards building trust.
If it helps your child feel more at ease, yes. Just let us know in advance so we can schedule enough time.
Every great smile starts somewhere. There’s no better place than Carlton Dental. If you’re looking for a children’s dentist in Carshalton who truly understands how to make kids feel calm and confident, we’d love to welcome you.
