Children's Dentist in Glasgow: Children's Dentistry, From the First Tooth

Q: When should my child first see a dentist?

As soon as their first teeth come through, and no later than their first birthday. Coming early helps children get used to the dentist and lets us catch problems early. That first visit is a gentle look in their mouth, often sitting on your lap, plus advice on brushing, diet and teething.

Q: How much does a child's dental examination cost?

Nothing on the NHS: dental examinations and treatment are free for children in Scotland, and for everyone under 26. A private child examination is £38.

Q: What if my child is nervous about the dentist?

We take things at your child's pace, keep visits short and explain each step in words they'll understand. Letting them come along to one of your own dental examinations first can help the practice feel familiar, and it's worth mentioning any worries when you book.

Children are seen on the NHS at St Vincent Smile with no waiting list, and NHS dental care is free for children in Scotland. We keep visits short, relaxed and positive, so they're happy to come back.

Free on the NHS for children and everyone under 26 in Scotland. Private child examination £38.²

What We Do

Everything children need to keep their teeth healthy, at a pace that suits them.

Dental Examinations

A gentle look at their teeth and gums, with X-rays only when they're needed.

Fluoride Varnish

Painted on to strengthen teeth, as part of Scotland's Childsmile programme.

Fillings and Treatment

Treated early and gently if decay is found.

Advice for Home

Brushing, diet and teething advice for you and your child.

Knocks and Accidents

Same-day emergency appointments for broken or knocked teeth.

Family Friendly

Step-free access, baby changing and parking outside.

The First Visit

When the first teeth appear, and by their first birthday.

Book a Visit

Request a call back and choose NHS place, or message us on WhatsApp.

A Gentle First Look

Often on your lap. We check their teeth and give advice on brushing, diet and teething.

Regular Dental Examinations

As often as your dentist recommends, so problems are caught early.

Brushing at Home

Brush twice a day, including last thing at night

Under 3s: a smear of fluoride toothpaste

From age 3: a pea-sized amount

Spit, don't rinse

Help with brushing until about age 7

Keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes

Read the guide: taking your child to the dentist

Why Baby Teeth Matter

Baby teeth hold the space for adult teeth, help your child chew and speak clearly, and give their face its shape. Decay in a baby tooth can still cause pain and infection, so it's worth treating early.

We see teenagers too, with dental examinations, hygiene advice and an eye on wisdom teeth. If your child needs braces, we'll explain the options and refer them to an orthodontist when that's the right route.

If your child plays contact sports, a custom-made mouthguard (£190) protects their teeth far better than a shop-bought one.

Helping Visits Go Smoothly

Book a time when your child is usually fresh and fed

Talk about the dentist positively, and avoid words like "hurt" or "needle"

Bring them along to your own dental examination first, so the practice feels familiar

Praise them afterwards, whatever happened

Tell us about any worries or additional needs when you book

When to Come in Sooner

Don't wait for the next dental examination if you notice any of these.

White, brown or dark spots on the teeth

Toothache, or sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet things

Swollen or bleeding gums

A knock to a tooth, even if it looks fine

Thumb or dummy sucking that carries on as adult teeth come through

Fees

NHS dental care is free for children in Scotland. You can choose to be seen privately instead.²

NHS dental examinations and treatment, under 26	Free
Private child examination	£38
Emergency appointment	£70

See every fee

Questions

Registering, costs and nervous children.

Where can I find a children's dentist in Glasgow?–

At St Vincent Smile, 23C St Vincent Crescent, in Finnieston in Glasgow's West End. We see children and teenagers on the NHS with no waiting list. There's step-free access, baby changing and pay-and-display parking outside, and it's a few minutes by train from Glasgow Central.

When should my child first see a dentist?+

How much does a child's dental examination cost?+

How do I register my child with a dentist?+

What if my child is nervous about the dentist?+

I've knocked a tooth out. What should I do?+

Guides

Guides for Parents

All general dentistry guides

General dentistry · 6 minute read

Dental Emergencies

Register Your Child

Children are seen on the NHS with no waiting list. Request a call back and choose NHS place, and we'll book their first visit.

Request a call back Ask on WhatsApp

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