A child's early experiences at the dentist shape how they feel about dental care for the rest of their life. That is why we go slowly, explain everything before we do it, and are content for a first visit to involve nothing more than sitting in the chair and having a look.
When should a child first come?
Earlier than most parents expect — around the time the first teeth appear, and certainly by the first birthday. Early visits are short and mostly about familiarity: letting your child see the room, hear the chair move, and meet the dentist while nothing needs doing. A child who is comfortable in the chair before they need treatment is far easier to treat when they do.
What we do
- Check growth and development — whether teeth are arriving in the right order and the bite is developing normally
- Look for early decay, including between teeth where it is easily missed
- Fluoride application to strengthen enamel
- Fissure sealants — a protective coating over the deep grooves of back teeth, where most childhood decay starts
- Fillings and extractions where needed, with careful explanation first
- Orthodontic assessment — spotting crowding or bite problems early, so treatment can be timed well
Baby teeth matter
It is a common belief that decay in baby teeth does not matter because they fall out anyway. It does. Decayed baby teeth can be painful, cause infection, disturb sleep and school, and if lost too early can allow the adult teeth behind them to drift into the wrong position.
How to prepare your child — and what not to say
Keep it matter-of-fact and positive: the dentist is going to count your teeth. Avoid words like pain, hurt, needle or injection, even reassuringly — saying "it won't hurt" introduces the idea that it might. Let us use our own words with your child; we do this daily.
Prevention at home
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, using an amount appropriate to their age
- Help or supervise brushing until around age seven — younger children lack the dexterity to do it properly
- Sugary drinks and snacks do most damage by frequency, not quantity. One sweet treat with a meal is far less harmful than sipping juice through the day.
- Never put a baby to bed with a bottle of anything other than water
- Brush last thing at night and spit out rather than rinsing, so the fluoride stays on the teeth
Common questions
My child is terrified. Can you still see them?
Yes, and please tell us when you book so we can allow extra time. We will not force treatment on a frightened child. Often the first appointment is purely about building trust, and real progress comes at the second or third visit.
Should I stay in the room?
Usually yes, especially for younger children. The most helpful thing is to stay calm and let us do the talking — children read a parent's anxiety very quickly.
My child knocked out an adult tooth. What do I do?
Act immediately — time matters enormously. Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root, and see emergency care for what to do next. Then call us straight away.
What it costs
We do not publish a price list, because the right treatment — and so the price — depends on what we find when we examine you. What we promise instead:
- A written treatment plan and quote before any work begins
- No charges you have not agreed to first
- Payment by MTN MoMo, Airtel Money or card
Nervous about this treatment?
Tell us when you book. We allow extra time, explain each step before we do it, and stop whenever you ask us to.
Further reading: Your child's first dental visit: what actually happens