NHS dental care is free for children in England, and the NHS advises taking your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear, or before they are 12 months old. Most general dental practices see children, so a family dentist can usually look after everyone in the household. Some children with more complex needs are referred to a specialist in paediatric dentistry.
What a children's dentist does
At a check-up, the dental team looks at your child's teeth, gums and mouth, checks for tooth decay and gives advice on brushing and diet. The NHS says an early first visit helps children get used to the dentist and lets the team spot problems early.
Two preventive treatments are offered to many children:
- Fluoride varnish. The NHS says that from the age of 3, children should be offered fluoride varnish at least twice a year. It is painted on the teeth to help prevent decay.
- Fissure sealants. A protective coating on the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The NHS says these can be applied when the permanent back teeth come through, at around age 6 or 7, and can last up to 4 years.
Who it is for
Every child benefits from regular check-ups. The NHS says to see a dentist if a child under 18 has not had a check-up for a year. Children who are very anxious, have additional needs, or need more complex treatment may be referred by their dentist to a specialist. The General Dental Council keeps a specialist list for paediatric dentistry.
What happens at a visit
- The dentist looks inside the mouth and checks the teeth, gums and lips.
- They may ask about brushing habits, diet and any medicines.
- They may apply fluoride varnish or recommend fissure sealants.
- They will tell you if any treatment is needed and explain the options.
The NHS says you can ask the dental team to stop or take a break at any time, and that you should tell them if anyone is anxious.
NHS or private
The NHS says NHS dental care for children is free. Free NHS dental treatment in England covers everyone under 18, and those under 19 in full-time education. This includes check-ups, fillings, extractions and, for children who meet the clinical criteria, braces. See our braces and orthodontics guide for how NHS eligibility works.
Parents who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months also get free NHS dental treatment. Some families choose private care, where fees vary by practice. See our costs guide, and our guides to finding an NHS dentist and private dentists.
How to choose a practice
- Check the dentist on the General Dental Council register. Everyone who provides dental care in the UK must be registered, and the register shows whether a dentist is on a specialist list.
- Ask whether the practice is taking on NHS child patients. Availability changes, so ask directly.
- Ask if they can see the whole family, and whether appointments are available outside school hours.
- If your child is nervous, ask how the team helps anxious children.
Looking after children's teeth at home
The NHS brushing advice by age is:
- Under 3: brush twice daily for about 2 minutes with a smear of fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm fluoride.
- 3 to 6: brush at least twice daily for 2 minutes with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing 1,000 to 1,500ppm fluoride.
- 7 and over: brush at least twice daily for 2 minutes with toothpaste containing 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride.
If your child has toothache or a dental injury, contact your dentist. Our emergency dentist guide explains how to get urgent care, or call NHS 111 if you cannot reach a dentist. In a medical emergency, call 999.
Sources: NHS: Taking care of children's teeth; NHS: Who can get free NHS dental treatment; NHS: What happens when you visit an NHS dentist; NHS: Gum disease; NHS: Braces and orthodontics; General Dental Council: Registration.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical advice.