Children's Dental Check-ups in Larkfield, Kent
A child who visits the dentist regularly from a young age is far more likely to have good dental health throughout their life. Regular check-ups aren't just about looking for problems — they're about building a relationship with dental care that feels normal, safe, and positive.
Your child's visit
What happens at a check-up?
A children's check-up is a gentle, friendly examination of your child's teeth, gums, and mouth. We check that their teeth are developing as they should, look for early signs of decay, assess the health of their gums, and monitor the eruption of adult teeth — flagging anything that might need attention now or watching in the future.
We also carry out an age-appropriate oral health assessment, which gives us the chance to give you practical, personalised advice on caring for your child's teeth at home — including brushing technique, fluoride, diet, and habits like thumb sucking or dummy use.
For very young children, the first visit is primarily an introduction: meeting the team, sitting in the chair, having a quick look inside. We never rush or push a young child beyond what they're comfortable with.
How often should we visit? →
How often to visit
How often should we visit?
We recommend bringing your child to the dentist for the first time as soon as their first tooth appears — typically around six months to one year old. From that point, we recommend a check-up every six months.
Regular visits from an early age serve two important purposes: they allow us to catch any problems early, before they develop into something bigger, and they help your child get used to the dental environment so that visits feel routine rather than daunting.
Book sooner if:
- ! Your child mentions tooth pain or sensitivity
- ! You notice a visible dark spot or hole in a tooth
- ! Your child's gums bleed when they brush
- ! A baby tooth is knocked out or a permanent tooth is damaged
- ! You have concerns about how your child's teeth are developing
What to expect
The appointment, step by step
A standard children's check-up takes around 20–30 minutes. We keep appointments unhurried and relaxed — particularly for younger children or those who feel nervous.
Examination
All erupted teeth are checked for signs of decay, damage, or developmental concerns.
Gum health check
We look for any inflammation or early signs of gum disease.
Tooth development
Monitoring whether adult teeth are coming through in the right order and position.
Bite assessment
Checking how your child's upper and lower teeth meet.
Oral hygiene review
We look at how well the teeth are being cleaned and give practical advice.
X-rays, if needed
Only taken when there is a clear clinical reason, using the lowest possible dose of radiation.
At the end of the appointment, we'll talk through our findings with you and your child, and let you know if any treatment or monitoring is needed.
Between visits
Caring for teeth at home
The habits children build at home matter just as much as their visits to us. Here's the guidance we give to all our families:
- ✓ Brush twice a day — morning and last thing at night, before bed.
- ✓ Use the right amount of fluoride toothpaste — a smear for under-3s, a pea-sized amount from age three.
- ✓ Supervise brushing until your child is around seven to eight years old — most children don't have the dexterity to clean effectively on their own before then.
- ✓ Don't rinse after brushing — just spit. Rinsing washes away the fluoride that protects the teeth.
- ✓ Limit sugary food and drinks to mealtimes — it's the frequency of sugar exposure that causes decay, not just the amount.
- ✓ Avoid sugary drinks at bedtime or in a bottle or sippy cup for prolonged periods.
- ✓ Encourage drinking water between meals.
Fees & finance
How much does a children's check-up cost?
NHS dental treatment is free for children under 18. Please contact us to discuss NHS registration for your child.
Private check-up appointments for children are also available. Please see our Fees & Finance page or call us on 01732 521123 for details.
Children's dentistry
Related treatments
Questions
Frequently asked
My child is scared of the dentist — what should I do? +
This is very common and nothing to worry about. Let us know when you book so we can prepare. We'll take things slowly, explain everything in advance, and make sure your child is comfortable at every step. If needed, we can start with a simple 'look and say hello' visit — no treatment, just a chance to get used to the environment.
Do baby teeth really matter if they're going to fall out anyway? +
Absolutely — baby teeth matter a great deal. They hold space for the adult teeth coming through beneath them. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay, neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap and block the adult tooth's path. Decayed baby teeth can also be painful and affect eating, speech development, and a child's confidence. Keeping baby teeth healthy is very important.
Should I bring my child to my own appointment so they can see what happens? +
Yes, this is a great idea for very young children or those who are uncertain about dental visits. Watching a parent or sibling have a calm, positive experience can make a big difference. Just let us know when you book and we'll accommodate this.
At what age do children start losing their baby teeth? +
Most children start losing their baby teeth from around age five or six, usually starting with the lower front teeth. The process continues through to around age twelve or thirteen, by which point most adult teeth have come through. We monitor this development at every check-up.
Ready to book?
Happy smiles start early
Call us on 01732 521123 or email hello@larkfielddentalcare.co.uk — we'd love to help.