Children Under 16
No Fear Dentists are currently accepting children under the age of 16 for NHS new patient appointments.
In the UK, the official advice from the NHS and the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) is that children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday, or as soon as their first milk tooth appears.
While most parents tend to wait until a child has a full set of teeth (often around age 2 or 3), dental professionals strongly encourage the “Dental Check by One” milestone.
Why go so early?
It might seem strange to take a baby with only one or two teeth to the dentist, but the early start is about more than just a “check-up”:
- Familiarisation: It gets the child used to the sights, sounds, and smells of the surgery before they ever need “real” treatment, which significantly reduces dental anxiety later in life.
- Prevention: Dentists can offer advice on teething, brushing techniques, and diet (like the impact of bottles or hidden sugars) to prevent decay before it starts.
- Free Care: All NHS dental treatment is free for children under 18 (and under 19 if in full-time education).
What to expect at the first visit
The first appointment is usually very quick and “low-pressure.”
- The “Knee-to-Knee” Exam: For toddlers, the dentist often has the child sit on your lap while they do a quick visual check.
- Education: They will check that the jaw and teeth are developing correctly and discuss fluoride levels in your toothpaste.
- The Reward: We have a stash of stickers specifically for the “brave” first-timers!
Typical Schedule
Milestone | Action |
~6 Months | First tooth usually appears; start brushing and consider booking a visit. |
By 1 Year | Your child should have had their first “familiarisation” visit. |
Every 6–12 Months | Regular check-ups as recommended by your dentist. |
Age 3+ | Dentists typically start applying fluoride varnish twice a year to strengthen enamel. |
Anxious Patients
The primary aim of No Fear Dentists is to support patients who are anxious, scared or simply terrified at the prospect of attending for dental treatment.
Treatments
As a Bath dental practice, we offer a full range of dental services Bath and treatments to a broad range of patients of all ages.
