A positive first dental experience shapes how a child feels about dental care for the rest of their life. At Pure Smiles in Fulham, we believe children’s dentistry is not just about treating teeth — it is about building confidence, trust, and lifelong healthy habits.
We are proud to be part of the Fulham community, and nothing demonstrates that connection better than our young patients and their families. One of our patients, young Lachlan, even became the main character in a children’s book written by his mother, Sarah Best. “A World Away — Lacho, Zarz & the Magic Football” tells the story of a family’s move from Australia to Fulham, incorporating local landmarks and a wonderful message about building confidence in a new place.
It is that same spirit of confidence-building that drives our approach to children’s dentistry at Pure Smiles.
The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit a dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. This is not because treatment is likely to be needed at that age — it is about familiarisation.
Children who attend the dentist from an early age learn that the dental practice is a normal, non-threatening part of life. By the time they do need any treatment, they are already comfortable in the environment and trust the dental team.
| Measure | Current UK Data |
|---|---|
| 5-year-olds with visible decay | Approximately 1 in 3 (31%) |
| 12-year-olds free of visible decay | Two thirds (66.6%) |
| Most common reason for child hospital admission | Tooth extraction under general anaesthetic |
| Recommended first dental visit | By first birthday |
| NHS dental care for children | Free until age 18 |
These numbers show significant improvement over recent decades, but they also reveal that tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease affecting children in the UK. The fact that dental extraction is the leading cause of hospital admission for children under 10 is a stark reminder that prevention starts early.
A child’s first visit to Pure Smiles is deliberately kept short and gentle. There is no pressure, no treatment, and no reason for anyone to feel anxious. The appointment typically involves:
Dr Ayzaaz Akram (BDS Liverpool 1995, GDC 70996) and the team understand that the way a child experiences their first dental visit can influence their attitude toward dental care for decades. Patience, warmth, and genuine engagement with each child are not optional extras — they are fundamental to what we do.
Children’s dentistry at Pure Smiles goes beyond check-ups and treatment. We actively work with parents to establish the oral hygiene habits that prevent problems from developing in the first place.
Brushing guidance. We show children (and parents) the most effective brushing technique for their age, and we make it interactive. Children respond far better to being shown what to do than being told what to do.
Dietary advice. Sugar is the primary driver of tooth decay in children. We help families understand not just which foods to limit but why — empowering children to make informed choices as they grow older.
Fluoride recommendations. The appropriate fluoride level in toothpaste changes with age. Children under 3 should use a smear of toothpaste containing at least 1000 ppm fluoride. From age 3, a pea-sized amount of 1350-1500 ppm fluoride toothpaste is recommended.
| Age | Amount | Fluoride Level | Brushing Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| First tooth to 3 years | Thin smear | At least 1000 ppm | Twice daily (parent does it) |
| 3-6 years | Pea-sized | 1350-1500 ppm | Twice daily (parent supervises) |
| 7+ years | Pea-sized | 1350-1500 ppm | Twice daily (independent with checks) |
Dental anxiety in children often comes from parents’ own experiences or from well-meaning but unhelpful warnings from friends and family. At Pure Smiles, we recommend:
Thumb sucking and dummy use are normal self-soothing behaviours in young children. However, if they continue beyond age 4-5, they can affect the alignment of developing teeth and the shape of the palate. Your dentist at Pure Smiles can advise on when and how to encourage children to stop, and whether any orthodontic monitoring is needed.
Active children frequently experience knocks to the teeth. If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not try to replant it — this can damage the developing adult tooth underneath. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, keep it moist (ideally in milk or the child’s saliva) and seek emergency dental attention immediately. Time is critical for successful replantation.
One of the most effective preventive treatments we offer for children is fissure sealants. The chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) have deep grooves and pits where bacteria and food debris accumulate. Even thorough brushing cannot always clean these areas effectively.
Fissure sealants involve painting a thin, protective coating over these grooves, creating a smooth surface that is much easier to keep clean. The procedure is quick, painless, and does not require any drilling or anaesthetic. Sealants are typically applied to permanent molars as they emerge, around ages 6-7 for first molars and 11-13 for second molars.
Research consistently shows that fissure sealants reduce the risk of decay in treated teeth by up to 80% in the first two years after application.
Pure Smiles has been caring for Fulham families since 2009. We are proud to see our young patients grow up with healthy teeth and positive attitudes toward dental care. Many of the children we first saw as toddlers are now confident teenagers who attend their appointments independently.
Being part of the local community means we understand the families we serve. From the reception team to the dental chair, our focus is on making every child’s experience at Pure Smiles a good one.
Your child should visit the dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. Early visits are gentle introductions to the dental environment, not treatment appointments. NHS dental care for children is free.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends check-ups at intervals of 3 to 12 months for children, depending on their individual risk of dental disease. Your dentist will advise on the appropriate frequency for your child.
Stay calm and positive. Avoid sharing your own dental anxieties with your child. Bring them for short, non-treatment visits to build familiarity. At Pure Smiles, we take a patient, gentle approach and never rush a nervous child into treatment.
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To book a children’s dental appointment at Pure Smiles, call 020 7736 6276. Visit us at 257 New Kings Road, SW6 4RB or 750a Fulham Road, SW6 5SH.
