CARING FOR YOUR
Family's Smiles
at every step
Supporting Pied Piper Toy Library families through every dental milestone. From your child's first check-up to advanced care, we're here to make every visit warm, welcoming, and easy.
Experience dental care that looks ahead to create lasting smiles.
FOR OVER 60 YEARS
WE HAVE BEEN CARING FOR SMILES
From routine visits to more advanced care, we make every appointment comfortable and easy. Our focus on creating lasting smiles across generations means you can trust us to be there at every stage of life.
We recommend bringing your child to the dentist from 2 years old. Early visits help them get comfortable and confident with seeing the dentist.
We're proud to offer complimentary dental check-ups for children under 4 to help every little smile get the best start.
YOUR CHILD'S FIRST 5 YEARS
Key Milestones Every Parent
should know
Your child's first five years are filled with incredible developmental milestones, and their oral health journey is no exception.
From those first precious smiles to confident grins before starting school, each stage brings unique needs and opportunities to build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Building Habits That
Last a Lifetime
The small daily habits you establish during these crucial first five years set the foundation for your child's lifelong oral health. Every gentle brushing session, every healthy snack choice, and every positive dental experience contributes to building strong, confident smiles.
At Ashburton Family Dental, we believe in dentistry that looks ahead - helping families achieve lasting oral health through gentle, proactive care. We're proud to support our community and are here to guide you through every milestone of your child's dental journey.
We recommend bringing your child to the dentist from 2 years old. Early visits help them get comfortable and confident with seeing the dentist.
We're proud to offer complimentary dental check-ups for children under 4 to help every little smile get the best start.
01
Before First Teeth Appear
(0-6 months)
Even before your baby's first tooth appears, their oral care journey begins. Around 3 months,
start gently wiping your baby's gums with a soft, clean cloth after feeds. This simple practice
removes milk residue and helps your little one become comfortable with mouth cleaning
from an early age.
What to use: Soft cloth only
Cleaning agent: None needed, plain water
Frequency: After last evening feed
What to use: Infant toothbrush
Cleaning agent: Water only
Frequency: Start brushing once a day when first tooth appears
Use gentle circular motions to brush the teeth and gum-line. The goal at this stage is building
positive associations with brushing while keeping those precious first teeth clean.
Common teething signs to watch for:
-
Increased drooling
-
Chewing on fingers or toys
02
First Teeth Excitement
(6-18 months)
Your baby's first teeth usually appear between 6 and 10 months - an exciting milestone! As
soon as that first tooth emerges, it's time to introduce a small, soft-bristled infant toothbrush.
03
Toddler Adventures
(18 months - 3 years)
Around two and a half years old, you can start introducing flossing, gradually building up to
flossing twice a week. Flossing becomes important when teeth start touching side-by-side.
Use a soft, slow motion, curving the floss into a C-shape and sliding carefully under the
gumline.
We recommend bringing your child to the dentist from 2 years old. Early visits help them get comfortable and confident with seeing the dentist.
What to use: Infant toothbrush
Cleaning agent: Grain of rice-sized low-fluoride toothpaste
Frequency: Encourage spitting, no rinsing. Build up to brushing twice a day by 3 years old
Healthy habits to establish:
-
Brush twice daily with a soft infant toothbrush
-
Use water after snacks and meals to help remove sugar from teeth
-
Celebrate brushing success to keep it positive
-
Continue parental assistance with thorough cleaning
What to use: Kids-sized toothbrush
Cleaning agent: Low-fluoride, pea-sized amount
Supervision needed: Supervised brushing, with parents finishing the job
Supporting healthy development:
-
Brush twice a day and floss once daily
-
Offer water after meals and snacks
-
Limit sugary foods and sticky treats to meal times
-
Protect growing smiles during sports with custom-fitted mouthguards
-
Start teaching self-flossing, though adults should still assist at night until about 8-10 years old
04
Preschool Preparation
(3-6 years)
Between ages 3-6, your child's smile goes through significant changes. First adult teeth begin
to appear, jaws develop, and children become more independent with their brushing.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
THROUGH THE YEARS
Healthy signs:
- Clean, white teeth
- Pink, firm gums
- Proper spacing as teeth develop
When to seek advice:
- Brown spots or staining on teeth
- No teeth by 12-14 months
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- White spots or brown patches (early signs of decay)
- Thumb sucking beyond age 5
- Crowding or spacing concerns
General oral health information only. For specific dental concerns, please book a consultation with a qualified dental professional.
Why Families Choose Us for
little smiles
When your child visits Ashburton Family Dental, we ensure their comfort every step of the way. Here’s what to expect:
01
Friendly Welcome
Our dedicated Kids Corner, playful approach, and gentle techniques ensure every child feels relaxed and excited for their visit.
Our team greets every child with a warm smile, introducing them to the space in a way that’s fun and reassuring.
02
A Gentle Approach
We tailor each check-up to your child’s comfort level, teaching them about their teeth while ensuring they feel safe and supported.
03
Family Appointments
Dental care becomes a family activity, where kids can watch parents set a positive example and feel at ease knowing their loved ones are nearby.
04
Preventative Guidance
Our team focuses on long-term oral health, identifying potential issues early and providing preventative solutions to create lasting smiles.
From brushing techniques to dietary tips, we provide parents and kids with practical advice to support healthy teeth at home.
Tips for Parents: How to Help Your Child Love Dental Visits
We recommend bringing your child to the dentist from 2 years old. Early visits help them get comfortable and confident with seeing the dentist, setting them up for a lifetime of positive dental experiences. We can also provide helpful information on how to care for these first teeth. At Ashburton Family Dental, we’re proud to support this journey by offering free check-ups for kids under 4.
The length of time between your visits will be tailored to your dental requirements based on your dentists review and guidance. Regular visits allow us to spot and address issues early, helping you maintain a healthy, long-lasting smile. We believe in preventing issues rather than fixing them for the best dental health. and preservation of your natural teeth.
Turn brushing and flossing into a game or family activity. Singing songs, using colorful toothbrushes, or setting rewards can make oral care something kids look forward to.
Absolutely! We offer family appointments to make it easier for everyone to get the care they need in one visit. These appointments also allow adults to positively role model the dental visit experience, helping kids feel comfortable and confident about dental care. This lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy dental habits and ensures dental visits become a natural part of their life.
General & Family Services
Little Smiles Corner
Bite-sized dental tips for those precious little smiles.
WHY CHOOSE US
for your family
Experience care that feels like family, where every visit brings comfort, warmth, and dental care that looks ahead.
Care for Every Generation
With over 60 years of caring for families, we’ve built lasting connections and a reputation for gentle, friendly care that spans generations.
Family Appointments for Convenience
We make it easy to care for your family’s smiles by offering family appointments, so everyone can be seen together in one visit.
A Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere
From the moment you step through our doors, our calm, friendly environment ensures every family member feels at ease.
Comprehensive Care at Every Stage of Life
From your child’s first check-up to advanced restorative treatments, we’re here to support your family’s dental health at every step.
Commitment to the Community
As a trusted part of the local community, we believe in giving back and fostering relationships that go beyond the dental chair.
What Awaits You at Every Visit
Meet Our Team
At Ashburton Family Dental, our team is dedicated to making every visit feel comfortable, welcoming, and full of care. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted by warm, friendly faces who are here to listen, guide, and support you.
We believe in building genuine connections, ensuring that every patient feels seen, heard, and cared for - because at Ashburton Family Dental, you’re not just a patient; you’re part of our dental family.
