Visiting the Dentist

Finding a dentist can be tricky, but here is a helpful link to get you started:

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist

Fun facts, myth-busters, and top tips for visiting the dentist:

*NHS dental care is FREE for children, expectant mothers, mothers who have had a baby in the last 12 months, and anyone receiving low-income benefits

*You should go to the dentist every 6 months or at least once a year

*The NHS recommends that you take your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear. This is so they become familiar with the environment and get to know the dentist. The dentist can advise you on how to prevent decay and identify any oral health problems at an early stage. Just opening up the child’s mouth for the dentist to take a look at is useful practice for the future.

*When you visit the dentist, be positive about it and make the trip fun. This will stop your child worrying about future visits.

*Visiting the dentist can be scary for children, especially SEND children or children whose parents were/are scared of the dentist. Read books and watch child-friendly TV shows about going to the dentist and have dentist role play so children feel more comfortable about visiting the dentist. It will be familiar to them, and even fun!

*For schools or at home, having a dentist-themed dressing up set and some reading books would be a great way to encourage children that going to the dentist is important and not scary!