NHS Children's Dentist, Comely Bank: Children's Dentistry, From the First Tooth

Q: When should my child first see a dentist?

When the first teeth arrive, and by their first birthday. Early visits help children feel at ease with the dentist and let us catch problems sooner. First time round, we gently look at their teeth, often with them on your lap, and advise on teething, brushing and diet.

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

Nothing on the NHS. In Scotland, dental examinations and treatment for children are free, and Comely Bank Dental registers the children of our dental plan members on the NHS. If you'd rather your child was seen privately, a private child examination is £38.

Q: How do I register my child with a dentist?

Where a parent or guardian is already a Comely Bank Dental patient, just phone 0131 332 3971, send a WhatsApp message or email info@comelybankdental.co.uk. We'll register your child on the NHS, with no waiting list, and book their first examination.

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

We let them set the pace, keep appointments brief and explain everything in terms they can follow. Bringing them with you to one of your own dental examinations beforehand can help the practice feel familiar.

When a parent or guardian is on one of our dental plans, we register their children on the NHS, and children in Scotland pay nothing for NHS dental care. Our families live in Comely Bank, Stockbridge, Inverleith, Fettes, Craigleith and Blackhall. Visits stay short, calm and upbeat, so children are glad to return.

Call to register your child Ask on WhatsApp

Registering now for children whose parent or guardian is on one of our dental plans: call 0131 332 3971. Children's NHS care in Scotland is free. Private child examination £38.²

What We Do

All the care a child needs for healthy teeth, at a speed that feels right for them.

Dental Examinations

We check teeth and gums gently, and take X-rays only if they're needed.

Fluoride Varnish

Applied to the teeth to make them stronger, under Scotland's Childsmile programme.

Fillings and Treatment

If we find decay, we treat it early and gently.

Advice for Home

Practical tips on brushing, diet and teething for you both.

Knocks and Accidents

Same-day emergency appointments, Monday to Friday, for knocked or broken teeth.

Close to Home and School

Here in Comely Bank, a short walk from Stockbridge, for families all over north Edinburgh.

The First Visit

Once the first teeth come through, and no later than age one.

Book a Visit

Phone 0131 332 3971 or send a WhatsApp. Registration is open for children whose parent or guardian is on one of our dental plans.

A Gentle First Look

Your child can often sit on your lap while we check their teeth and advise on brushing, diet and teething.

Regular Dental Examinations

Often called a check-up, and free on the NHS. Your dentist will advise how often, so any problems are spotted early.

Brushing at Home

Twice a day, with one brush just before bed

Under three: just a smear of fluoride toothpaste

Three and older: a pea-sized amount

Spit out, no rinsing

Help them brush until they're around seven

Save sugary food and drinks for mealtimes

Read the guide: taking your child to the dentist

Why Baby Teeth Matter

Baby teeth keep space for the adult teeth, help your child eat and talk clearly, and support the shape of their face. A decayed baby tooth can still lead to pain and infection, so early treatment is worthwhile.

Teenagers are welcome too, for dental examinations, hygiene advice and monitoring of wisdom teeth. Should your child need braces, we'll go through the options and refer to an orthodontist when that's the best route. As parents are seen privately here, the whole family can use one practice: see our family dentistry in Edinburgh.

For children who play contact sports, a mouthguard made to fit (£130) gives far better protection than one from a shop.

Helping Visits Go Smoothly

Choose an appointment when your child is normally rested and fed

Keep talk of the dentist positive, steering clear of words like "hurt" or "needle"

Let them come to one of your own dental examinations first, so they already know the practice

Afterwards, praise them, however it went

When booking, mention any worries or additional needs

When to Come Sooner

If you spot any of these, book in rather than waiting for the next dental examination.

Spots on the teeth that are white, brown or dark

Toothache, or teeth that react to hot, cold or sweet things

Gums that bleed or look swollen

Any knock to a tooth, even if it seems fine

Thumb-sucking or dummy use that continues once adult teeth are coming in

Fees

Children whose parent or guardian is on one of our dental plans are seen on the NHS, free in Scotland. You can choose private care instead.²

NHS examinations and treatment, plan members' children	Free
Private child examination	£38
Emergency appointment on the NHS, registered children	Free

See every fee

Questions

Registration, fees and anxious children.

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

Comely Bank Dental is in Comely Bank, north Edinburgh, near Stockbridge, Inverleith and Fettes. If a parent or guardian is on one of our dental plans, we'll register their children and teenagers as NHS patients, with no wait to join, and we keep their appointments short, gentle and at a pace that suits them.

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 · 9 minute read

Help for Dental Anxiety

Register Your Child

NHS registration is open now for children whose parent or guardian is on one of our dental plans. Ring 0131 332 3971 or WhatsApp us to book their first visit.

Call 0131 332 3971 Ask on WhatsApp

Google★★★★★5.0from 30 reviews"My initial meeting was to discuss a treatment plan and was very well explained" Paul M., Google reviewRead reviews