Children's Dentist in London

Dr Mani Bhardwaj, Principal Dentist | GDC Registration No. 83793 | BDS (Lond) 2004

Your child should first see a dentist by their first birthday — or within six months of their first tooth appearing — and then roughly every six months. At The Smile Studios in London, we build that habit gently: from the very first visit, we help your child see the dentist as a familiar, friendly place rather than somewhere to fear.

This rapport is built gradually, over a series of relaxed appointments. That way, if an unexpected injury or issue ever needs our attention, your child already knows we’re there to support and reassure them — not someone new and unfamiliar. We welcome families at our clinics in Richmond, Palmers Green, Heston and Muswell Hill.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Bring your child for their first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming through (usually around 6 months old). Seeing a dentist this early gives the best chance to spot problems sooner and to build good habits from the start.

Early check-ups aren’t about a full examination. They’re about helping your child feel comfortable in the surroundings, so future visits are easy and stress-free.

Healthy habits start early

The earlier your child gets used to the dental practice, the less likely they are to feel anxious about visits later. Once teething begins, an early visit lets your child get used to the sounds, sights and setting of the practice before any treatment is needed. These first appointments focus on building familiarity and encouraging your child to open their mouth in their own time — a full examination follows once they feel ready.

There’s no pressure on these early visits. Every child settles in at their own pace, and we’re happy to take things slowly across a few short appointments if that helps.

We take a friendly, patient approach with young patients. A relaxed, unhurried manner and a sense of humour go a long way. Our aim is to help your child feel confident, in control and involved in their own oral care — building habits that last into adulthood.

What should I expect at my child’s visit, by age?

What happens at each appointment depends on your child’s age and confidence, building from short familiarisation visits to a full check-up by school age.

Here’s a general guide:

What do you check during my child’s examination?

During your child’s check-up, our dentists look for early signs of decay, infection or gum disease, healthy jaw and bite development, and any changes to the soft tissues or tooth structure.

Specifically, we check for:

• Signs of tooth decay
• Signs of infection or gum disease
• Jaw development and bite
• Soft tissue anomalies
• Structural anomalies affecting the teeth or mouth

Regular check-ups let us spot these issues early, when they’re generally simpler to manage — and give us the chance to explain what we’ve found in a way that’s easy for both you and your child to understand.

How can I support my child’s oral health at home?

Good oral health is built at home as much as in the dental chair, through regular brushing, a tooth-friendly diet and keeping up routine check-ups. Supporting parents is as important to us as treating children.

If you’re finding it difficult to get your child to eat a tooth-friendly diet, brush properly, or stop a habit such as thumb-sucking, let us know at your next visit. Our dentists can share practical, evidence-based techniques, tailored to your child’s age and routine, so good habits are reinforced at home as well as in the chair.

Why choose a family dental practice?

A family dental practice lets one team get to know your child’s history and any specific concerns over time, rather than starting fresh at every visit. Seeing The Smile Studios as a family — parents and children together — also makes day-to-day life easier: one practice, one set of appointment times, and one team who already knows your child.

How much does children’s dentistry cost?

The cost of a children’s dental visit depends on what’s needed at each appointment — whether it’s a first visit, a routine check-up or a treatment. We offer free examinations for children under 5 where a parent is registered with us as a private patient, helping make those important early visits more accessible.

For a personalised quote based on your child’s needs, speak to our reception team or visit us in person. You can find us at our clinics in Richmond, Palmers Green, Heston and Muswell Hill.

Book your child’s visit

Ready to start your child’s dental care journey? Contact our team to arrange a first visit, or find your nearest practice in Richmond, Palmers Green, Heston or Muswell Hill. We look forward to meeting your family.

FAQs