Getting the whole family to the dentist can feel like a logistics puzzle. Different ages, different needs, school runs, work, and at least one person who’d rather be anywhere else. Having everyone at one practice close to home makes it much easier. Here’s how family dentistry works at our East Dulwich practice, and some honest advice on keeping everyone’s teeth in good shape between visits.
Why one family dentist makes life easier
Booking everyone at the same practice means fewer trips and back-to-back appointments. It also means one dental team that knows your family’s history. If your eldest needed braces, your dentist will already be watching for the same bite issues in your youngest. Small things like that add up.
It also helps children feel at home. A child who has been coming to the same chair, with the same friendly faces, since they were two is far less likely to grow up afraid of the dentist.
When should children first see a dentist?
We recommend bringing children in around age two, or earlier if you notice anything that worries you. Those first visits aren’t really about treatment. They’re about getting used to the surroundings, sitting in the big chair and letting the dentist count their teeth. Bring them along to your own check-up beforehand so they can watch, and it’ll feel normal by the time it’s their turn.
After that, check-ups every six months work well for most children, along with hygienist visits where needed. Our hygienists can apply fluoride varnish, which helps protect young teeth against decay. More on this on our children’s dentistry page.
Teenagers and braces
Most orthodontic problems show up between about seven and twelve, when adult teeth are coming through. An early check means we can spot crowding or bite problems before they become harder to fix. Our orthodontic team offers fixed braces, tooth-coloured ceramic braces and, for suitable teens and adults, Invisalign clear aligners.
Doing sport? A custom sports mouth guard fits far better than a shop-bought boil-and-bite one, and that matters a lot if a hockey stick or cricket ball is heading for their face.
Adults: it’s not too late
Parents often put themselves last. If you’re bringing the kids but skipping your own check-ups, book yourself in while you’re at it. Gum disease, worn teeth from grinding and old fillings that need replacing all creep up quietly. If you grind at night (lots of busy parents do), a night guard can save your teeth and your jaw.
Adult orthodontics is also much more common than people think. Plenty of our Invisalign patients are in their 30s, 40s and beyond.
Grandparents too
Older family members may need different care: replacing missing teeth with dentures or implants, looking after crowns and bridges, or managing a dry mouth caused by medication. We see patients of every age, so everyone can come to the same place.
Everyday habits that actually make a difference
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, after breakfast and before bed, for two minutes.
- Supervise children’s brushing until about age nine. Most kids don’t have the dexterity to do a thorough job before then.
- Spit, don’t rinse. Rinsing with water washes away the fluoride that protects the teeth.
- Floss or use interdental brushes where teeth touch. A toothbrush can’t reach those gaps.
- Keep sugar to mealtimes. It’s how often teeth meet sugar, more than how much, that causes decay. Constant grazing on snacks and juice is the real problem.
- Water between meals. Especially for children. Squash and fruit juice are harder on teeth than most parents realise.
Making it affordable
Paying for check-ups and hygiene visits for a whole family can add up. Our family dental care plan spreads routine care into a monthly payment, so regular visits don’t become something you put off.
Common questions
Can we book the whole family on the same day?
Yes, where we have availability. Mention it when you call and reception will try to book back-to-back slots.
Are you open at weekends?
Yes, we open on Saturdays and late on several weekday evenings, which helps around school and work. See our contact page for current hours.
What if my child is scared?
Very normal. Keep the language positive, don’t use words like “pain” or “injection”, and let us take it slowly. Our VR headset can help older children and adults who find visits stressful.
What about emergencies, like a knocked-out tooth?
Call us straight away on 020 8299 1434. If an adult tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown (not the root), keep it moist in milk, and come in as quickly as you can. We offer same-day emergency appointments.
Book your family in
We’re a family and cosmetic dentist in East Dulwich at 2 Lordship Lane, SE22 8HN, near Goose Green and East Dulwich station. Call 020 8299 1434 or get in touch online to book check-ups for the whole family.
