Children's Dentistry

Yes — NHS dental treatment is free for under-18s across the UK, and for 18-year-olds in full-time education. That covers check-ups, X-rays, fillings, extractions, and preventive care like fluoride varnish and fissure sealants. Orthodontic treatment (braces) is also free where there's a qualifying clinical need.

By their first birthday, or as soon as the first teeth come through — whichever is sooner. Early visits are mostly about getting the child used to the surgery, checking development and advising parents on brushing and sugar. Regular visits at least once a year follow from there.

Often, yes. Practices with closed adult NHS lists frequently still accept children on the NHS — it's always worth asking directly. The NHS website's dentist search shows which practices have told the NHS they're accepting new child patients.

Fissure sealants are thin protective coatings painted into the grooves of adult back teeth, usually soon after they erupt (around ages 6–7 and 11–13), to keep decay out. Fluoride varnish is brushed onto teeth at least twice a year from age 3 to strengthen enamel. Both are quick, painless and free on the NHS.

Yes, if an orthodontist assesses their need as high enough on the IOTF scale (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) — typically grade 4 or 5, or grade 3 with significant appearance impact. NHS waiting lists can be long. Cosmetic-only cases don't qualify, which is why some families pay privately (fixed braces typically £1,500–£3,500).

Start young, keep language positive (avoid words like 'hurt' or 'injection'), let them watch a parent's check-up first, and choose a practice that's happy to do gentle acclimatisation visits. Tell the practice about anxiety when booking — many have team members who particularly enjoy treating nervous children, and a dentist can discuss options for genuinely phobic children.