Accessing dental care (Babies)

Key messages:

All NHS dental treatment is free if:

• You are pregnant
• You have had a baby within the last 12 months before treatment starts
• You are under 18 years old
• You are under 19 years old, and in full-time education (such as being a first-year university student)

Adults should have a check-up at least once every two 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 comes through, or before their first 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. This is when the baby is lowered backward from your lap into the lap of the dentist. This will give the dentist a good view of the baby’s mouth.

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

Don’t worry if your child does not 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.