Submit a referral About us Meet the team Contact us Blog

Visiting the DentistFinding the right children’s dentist in Liverpool can feel like a big responsibility. You want a place where your child feels safe, the team is patient, and the clinical care is top-notch. At Duthie Dental, a family-run practice in the heart of our community, we have been taking care of little smiles for over 40 years.

We know that a trip to the dentist is about more than just checking for holes. It’s about building trust, preventing problems before they start, and giving your child a confident, healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Whether you are searching for a kids dentist near me or a trusted family dentist in Liverpool, we are here to welcome you and your family

Why Choose a Family Dentist for Your Child?

As parents ourselves, we understand the nerves that children (and adults!) can feel. Bringing your child to a familiar, friendly environment from a young age is the best way to prevent dental anxiety.

For generations, we have had the privilege of treating Liverpool families—from grandparents to the newest little arrivals. When you choose Duthie Dental, you aren’t just another appointment; you are part of our family. We take the time to make sure every child feels comfortable, safe, and happy in the dentist’s chair.

When Should I Take My Child to the Dentist?

One of the most common questions we hear from new parents is, “When should I book a first appointment?”

The answer is sooner than you think. We recommend establishing a “dental home” for your child by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. Early visits are crucial, not just for treatment, but for prevention. They allow us to offer advice on teething, thumb-sucking, and diet, all while introducing your child to the dental environment in a positive, non-threatening way.

boy brushing his teeth

How Often Should Children Visit the Dentist?

To keep those smiles on track, we recommend bringing your child for a check-up every six months. This regular schedule allows us to:

  • Monitor the growth and development of their teeth and jaws.
  • Gently remove any plaque build-up that brushing at home might miss.
  • Apply preventive treatments like fluoride varnish to strengthen enamel.
  • Spot any small issues early before they become bigger, more invasive problems.

New for April: Preventative Care for NHS Children in Liverpool

At Duthie Dental, we believe prevention is always better than cure. That is why we are delighted to announce that, due to a recent change in NHS funding, we are now able to offer enhanced preventive dentistry to more of our NHS child patients from April.

This means we can now routinely offer:

  • Fissure Sealants: This is a quick, painless treatment where we apply a protective plastic coating to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars). These deep grooves are perfect hiding places for food and bacteria. Sealants act as a barrier, protecting the enamel from plaque and acids that cause decay.
  • Fluoride Varnish: A simple, fast application of fluoride varnish during a check-up helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to cavities. It is a safe, effective way to give your child’s teeth an extra layer of defence.

These proactive treatments are a game-changer, allowing us to focus on keeping teeth healthy rather than just fixing problems.

family brushing their teeth

How Parents Can Help at Home

While our team provides the professional care, your role at home is vital. You are the first line of defence in your child’s oral health. Here are our top tips for Liverpool parents:

  • Start Early: Even before teeth appear, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth. As soon as the first tooth arrives, start brushing with a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
  • Make it Fun: Brush for two minutes, twice a day. Use a timer, play their favourite song, or let them choose a fun toothbrush.
  • Lead by Example: Let your children see you brushing your own teeth. Making it a family activity helps normalise the routine.
  • Watch the Sugar: Be mindful of hidden sugars in juices, squash, and snacks. Try to keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes only.
  • Supervise Brushing: Children don’t have the coordination to brush effectively on their own until they are around 7 or 8. It is your responsibility to supervise and help them, ensuring they clean every surface.

Your Responsibility and Our Safeguarding Promise

As your partner in dental health, we are here to support you every step of the way. However, the responsibility for attending regular appointments lies with you, the parent or guardian. Bringing your child for their scheduled check-ups is essential to maintaining their oral health and preventing avoidable dental issues.

We also take our duty of care regarding safeguarding extremely seriously. Our friendly team is trained to ensure every child who visits us feels safe, comfortable, and protected.

Why Local Families Trust Us for Kids’ Dentistry

Being a family-focused practice means we truly listen. We understand the worries parents have, and we pride ourselves on our gentle, patient approach. But don’t just take our word for it—here is what other Liverpool families say about us:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Such great service. From the lovely receptionists who greet you with kindness and efficiency. The hygienist and her highly qualified dental nurse were caring, supportive, friendly and very professional. I am nervous going to the dentist, but the team fill me with confidence and settled my nerves.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“As a regular customer and as said previously I can’t recommend Duthie Dental enough. Fantastic advice and service from Dr Marie Louise Duthie and the whole team from receptionists through to nurses and hygienists. Faultless!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“By far the best dentists we have ever had – lovely super clean surgery, highly professional and friendly dentists, and efficient front desk. The kids are happy to go and they take care to put any nervous patients at ease. Highly recommend.”

Looking for a Dentist Taking on NHS Children in Liverpool?

If you have been struggling to find a dentist accepting new children or are simply looking for a more caring, family-focused practice, we are here to help.

We are currently accepting new NHS children and would love to welcome you to the Duthie Dental family. With our new preventive services launching in April, now is the perfect time to give your child’s smile the best possible start.

Call us today to book an appointment. Let’s work together to protect those precious smiles for years to come.