Children’s Dentistry: How to Look After Your Child’s Smile

Why Children’s Dental Care Matters

Good oral health in childhood sets the foundation for healthy teeth throughout adulthood. In the UK, nearly 30% of five-year-olds experience some form of enamel erosion or tooth decay — yet the vast majority of childhood dental problems are preventable with the right daily habits and regular dental visits.

Children’s dentistry is not just about fixing problems when they arise. It is about establishing routines, monitoring development and preventing decay before it starts.

At Pure Smiles in Fulham, we treat children of all ages at both of our SW6 practices — 257 New Kings Road, SW6 4RB and 750a Fulham Road, SW6 5SH. Our dentists are experienced at making dental visits positive, calm and even enjoyable for young patients. learn more

Oral Care at Home: What Parents Should Know

The most important dental care your child receives happens at home, every day. Establishing a consistent brushing routine early makes it a natural habit rather than a battle.

Daily Oral Care Routine for Children

Tips for Teaching Good Oral Hygiene

• Make it routine — Brush at the same times each day so it becomes a habit, not a negotiation
• Brush together — Children learn by example; brushing as a family normalises the behaviour
• Explain without scaring — Tell your child why we brush (to keep teeth strong and clean) without using fear
• Limit sugar — Sugary snacks and drinks are the primary cause of childhood tooth decay; offer healthier alternatives
• Use positive reinforcement — Praise consistent brushing rather than punishing when it is missed

A gentle approach works better than coercion. Children who understand the reasons behind brushing are far more likely to maintain the habit independently as they grow.

How Your Dentist Supports Your Child’s Oral Health

Home care is essential, but regular dental visits allow your dentist to catch problems early, monitor tooth development and provide professional cleaning that brushing alone cannot achieve.

What Happens at a Children’s Dental Check-Up

At Pure Smiles, a children’s dental appointment includes:

• Visual examination of teeth, gums and mouth for signs of decay, infection or developmental concerns
• Monitoring tooth development — As your child grows, teeth can shift; your dentist will identify crowding or alignment issues early
• Professional cleaning — Our hygienists remove plaque and tartar buildup, keeping teeth clean between visits
• Personalised advice — Specific guidance on brushing technique, flossing, diet and fluoride use tailored to your child’s age and needs
• Treatment if needed — Modern fillings use tooth-coloured composite bonding rather than metal, blending naturally with your child’s teeth

We recommend children visit the dentist every six months. Early identification of alignment issues can also help determine whether your child may benefit from braces later on. learn more

Helping Nervous Children Feel at Ease

Dental anxiety in children is common, and how you handle early dental experiences can shape your child’s attitude towards the dentist for life. At Pure Smiles, we take a slow dentistry approach specifically designed for anxious patients — including children.

How Pure Smiles Supports Nervous Young Patients

• Regular children’s days with an entertainer and fun atmosphere to build positive associations
• Slow, patient approach — Our dentists never rush and always explain what they are doing in child-friendly language
• Comfort items welcome — Bring your child’s favourite toy for the waiting room
• Experienced team — Our staff are trained in handling worried young patients with confidence and compassion
• Dr Ayzaaz Akram (BDS Liverpool 1995, GDC 70996) is a qualified clinical hypnotherapist who can assist with managing dental anxiety

The goal is for every child to leave our practice feeling positive about the experience, making future visits easier for both child and parent. learn more

Book Your Child’s Dental Appointment

Pure Smiles is a family-run dental practice established in 2009, serving families across Fulham, Parsons Green, Chelsea and the wider SW6 area. We offer dedicated children’s dental plans starting from £11 per month that cover routine examinations and hygiene visits.

Call us on 020 7736 6276 to book your child’s appointment, or ask about our Kids Club and Teen Care dental plans. learn more

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Dentistry

When should my child first visit the dentist?

Take your child to the dentist by their first birthday, or as soon as their first teeth appear. Early visits allow your dentist to check development and provide guidance on brushing and diet. At Pure Smiles in Fulham, first appointments are relaxed and designed to build familiarity rather than carry out treatment.

How often should children visit the dentist?

Children should visit the dentist every six months. Regular check-ups allow early detection of decay, monitoring of tooth development and professional cleaning. If your dentist identifies any concerns, they may recommend more frequent visits for a period.

What should I do if my child is scared of the dentist?

Start with a positive attitude — avoid sharing any negative dental experiences of your own. At Pure Smiles, we hold regular children’s days with entertainment to build positive associations. Our slow dentistry approach means appointments are never rushed, and our team is experienced at putting anxious children at ease. Bringing a favourite toy or comfort item can also help.

Are metal fillings still used for children?

No, at Pure Smiles we use tooth-coloured composite bonding for children’s fillings. Composite fillings are matched to the shade of your child’s teeth and moulded to the correct shape, providing a natural appearance. Metal amalgam fillings are no longer the first choice in modern children’s dentistry.

Reviewed by Dr Ayzaaz Akram, BDS (Liverpool 1995) & GDC reg. 70996

Written by Our Editorial Team