Nhs dentist for baby

[charcb]

No nhs in our area are taking new patients. Baby has got now 4 teeth and the advice is to get them booked in for a check up when they get them. Health visitor told us that our nhs dentists should be able to see a baby if they come to a check Up with us but I called both of our dentists and they both told me it's not possible and that they are not taking on new patients. It's so frustrating. What should I do? Do I need to go private?

Seriously, I never took any of mine to dentists as babies when teeth erupted. When they were toddlers and I or DH went to dentist we would organise a minder to come along and sit them on our lap get them to open their mouths and dentist just to have a peer in. It was more to acclimatise them to a dentist and show it was a bit of a fun thing than the dentist to actually examine their teeth at that point. Only took a few mins as no young child, let alone baby, is going to sit longer than that- and that’s with the dentist blowing up a glove and pretending it’s a funny chicken etc, then minder would take them out. No charge.

Go private if you have to. Get your baby acclimatised and on the radar of a dentist and look after their teeth like they’re precious little gems.

Extraction of carious teeth under GA is the leading cause of hospital admission for children in England.

With DS1 I took him as a baby. With DS2 didn’t bother until he was 3 years old. I don’t buy the “get a baby used to it” thing, it’s much easier to take them to a dentist when they’re verbal and can understand what’s happening. I do remember DS1 biting down on the dentist’s finger once.

Could you ask your own dentist to have a quick look when you go? And pp is correct about cavities so it’s important to brush the new teeth twice a day and minimise sugary foods.

I wish I knew … same problem here. And I can’t brush ds’ teeth for love nor money so I’m concerned about it

Are even your local private dentists not taking on children as NHS patients?

My private dentist sees DD as an NHS patient. Start there.

Private dentists may see babies for free? Fortunately at my practice they have agreed to take my baby on as a private patient (so he’ll be free) but they’re not taking nhs patients. Dental services are really a bad problem at the moment.

There is a number you can call (think it’s something like nhs England customer contact center) that will tell you where the closest nhs dentist is that is accepting patients. It might be a bit of travel - the closest place I could get is 45min drive away. So depends whether that would be better or worse for you than going private.

Worth a try though

We could not find an NHS dentist for DS or is, private dentist doesn’t charge for kids if they come with an adult.

Mine weren’t looked at at that age.
When older they sat on the chair and the dentist looked in their mouth to get them used to it, but they were walking and talking at that point.

It's just a check up 🤷🏻‍♀️ I didn't go with DD1 until she hurt herself and the tooth was wobbling!!! So I ran to a private doctor (not in the UK at the time but you get the idea 😉) to get it fixed

How is their diet and hygiene?

Most have waiting lists for NHS places, odd if yours don't.

Ours were really good and added baby on at 1 month old, they recommended 1st appointment after 10 months (currently 7mth with 2 teeth). Our older 5 had their 1st check ups by 1 year. It was just a quick look but great to get them used to strangers poking about so they don't fear it later on. I wouldn't go private and hold out for an NHS place, so long as you are looking after the teeth well it can wait.

My private dentist sees DS on his NHS list and has done since about 1 yr old, he's great now with it (no idea how I've not passed my phobias on).

But incidentally, that's why I am with this one dentist who i've been going to for erm, probably 25+ years now

From about two mine just came with me to my appointments. They were registered and were down for an appointment but really it was just getting them used to it. And if the dentist could look in their mouth then that was a bonus.

It’s a private dentists but still NHS covered for children.

@ZealAndArdour

Go private if you have to. Get your baby acclimatised and on the radar of a dentist and look after their teeth like they’re precious little gems.

Extraction of carious teeth under GA is the leading cause of hospital admission for children in England.

^ This.

My nhs dentist closed, ds moved to the private dentist where his dad was already a patient. They charge £5 a month for children.

I think it's actually really important to have your child registered. Go on the NHS website, search for a dentist in your area. It will show you all the dentists and those who are accepting NHS. If none are, it's at least a list to go through to find a private space until you find an NHS one.

Thanks mums. As usual such a wealth of info in this forum.

No, unfortunately none of the dentists I called told me they had waitlists. What's more is that they say they will open for nhs patients but they don't know when so you can't even plan! It's all very frustrating and the dental service in my county, and dare say in the Uk, is truly terrible - albeit quite cheap in comparison to other places.

I didn't know about the dental extractions being so risky. Thanks @ZealAndArdour.