Children's dentist in Finchley — gentle care from the very first tooth
At 110 Total Dentistry on Ballards Lane, we help children of all ages build a positive relationship with dental care — through calm introductions, age-appropriate explanations and preventive advice that supports healthy teeth for life.
Examinations for children under 16 — free, subject to eligibility
Call us to confirm inclusions and eligibility when booking
Preventive children's dentistry at our Finchley practice
Children's dentistry is about far more than treating decay. A well-timed first visit helps your child see the dental environment as safe and familiar, making future appointments straightforward rather than stressful. Early preventive advice — on brushing, diet and fluoride — reduces the likelihood of problems developing in the first place.
We welcome babies, toddlers, school-age children and teenagers. Appointments are always paced to suit the individual child, and parents are fully involved throughout. We never rush, and we never proceed with anything until both parent and child are comfortable.
Family block appointments can be arranged so that siblings and parents are seen consecutively — please mention this when booking.
Dental care at every stage of childhood
Babies & toddlers (0–3)
First visits are brief and gentle. We check for any early concerns and focus primarily on advising parents: effective brushing from the first tooth, avoiding sugary drinks before bed, and managing teething discomfort. There is rarely anything clinical to do — the visit is about familiarity.
School-age children (4–11)
A full but relaxed examination of all teeth and gums. We explain every step in plain, friendly language. Preventive options — including fluoride applications and fissure sealants for suitable back teeth — are discussed with parents. Dietary habits and home-care routines are reviewed.
Teenagers (12–17)
Comprehensive examination as adult teeth fully establish. We assess gum health, identify any emerging alignment concerns, and speak directly with teenagers about home care and the impact of diet and lifestyle on their teeth. Sports mouthguards are available for those who need them.
Preventive care for children
- Personalised brushing technique guidance
- Age-appropriate dietary advice
- Fluoride applications where clinically appropriate
- Fissure sealants for permanent molars where suitable
- Advice on thumb-sucking and dummy habits
- Sports mouthguards for young athletes
Managing dental anxiety in children
Anxiety about the dentist is entirely normal. Our approach:
- Simple 'look and chat' first visits — no instruments until your child is ready
- Child-friendly explanations at every step
- No surprises — we describe before we do
- Parents present and involved throughout
- Appointments never rushed
Please mention any specific anxieties when booking so we can allocate appropriate time.
Emergency care for children
Dental injuries and sudden toothache in children need prompt attention. Call us straight away and we will assess urgency and arrange the earliest appropriate appointment.
For a knocked-out adult tooth, keep it moist and contact us immediately — time is critical. For knocked-out baby teeth, call for advice; replanting is generally not recommended but assessment is still important.
020 7998 7657Your child's appointment — step by step
- 1
Arrival and welcome
We greet children and parents warmly and allow time to settle before the appointment begins. For very young or anxious children, a few minutes exploring the waiting area can help.
- 2
Introduction to the surgery
Before any examination, we show children the chair, the light and any instruments — letting them touch and ask questions. This 'tell–show–do' approach is well established in paediatric dentistry.
- 3
Gentle examination
We check teeth, gums and soft tissues. For babies and toddlers this is a brief visual check. For older children it is a full clinical examination, including any appropriate radiographs discussed with parents first.
- 4
Discussion and preventive advice
We discuss findings with you clearly and without jargon. Preventive recommendations — brushing technique, dietary adjustments, fluoride, sealants — are explained so you can make informed decisions.
- 5
Next steps
If any treatment is needed, we explain what is involved, discuss options and provide a written estimate before anything is booked. There is never any pressure to proceed immediately.
Children's dentistry fees
All fees are confirmed at or before your appointment. Please call us on 020 7998 7657 if you have any questions about cost.
*Subject to eligibility. Confirm details when booking. Fees for treatment recommended at the examination are quoted separately.
Meet Dr Kozhaya Assaker
Dr Kozhaya Assaker
GDC No. 176427
- DDS, 2002
- Oral Biology, 2003
- Diploma in Oral Surgery and Implantology, 2007
- Further training in Switzerland, USA and France
- Member: BDA, EAO, ITI
- Languages: English, Arabic, French, Armenian, some Polish
Please verify current membership status directly with the practice before relying on professional membership details.
Children's dentistry FAQs
When should my child first see a dentist?
We recommend bringing your child along when their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday — whichever comes first. Early visits are typically short and relaxed, focused on helping your child feel comfortable and giving parents practical advice on brushing, diet and teething. There is rarely anything clinical to do at this stage; the value is in starting a positive relationship early.
Are examinations for children free?
Child examinations for patients under 16 are currently offered free of charge, subject to eligibility. Please confirm the specifics — including whether a parent or guardian needs to be registered at the practice — when you call to book on 020 7998 7657. Fees for any treatment recommended following an examination would be discussed and agreed separately before proceeding.
My child is frightened of the dentist. What do you do differently?
Dental anxiety in children is very common and nothing to be embarrassed about. We start with a simple 'look and chat' visit if needed — no instruments, no pressure, just meeting the team and getting used to the environment. We explain everything in child-friendly language, let children touch equipment before it goes near them, and work entirely at their pace. Please let us know about any anxieties when you book so we can allow extra time.
What happens if my child has a dental injury or knocked-out tooth?
Call us immediately on 020 7998 7657. For a knocked-out adult tooth, time matters — keep the tooth moist (in milk, or held inside the cheek if the child is old enough to manage this safely) and get to us as quickly as possible. For baby teeth that have been knocked out, replanting is generally not recommended, but we will advise on the situation and check that the underlying adult tooth is unaffected. For chipped, cracked or broken teeth, call to describe the situation and we will arrange the earliest appropriate appointment.
What is a fissure sealant and does my child need one?
Fissure sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the biting surfaces of back teeth (molars), where the natural grooves are deep enough to trap food and bacteria. They are completely painless — no injections, no drilling — and can significantly reduce the risk of decay in those areas. Whether sealants are appropriate for your child depends on the shape of their teeth and their overall cavity risk; we will discuss this with you at the examination.
Related treatments
Book your child's appointment in Finchley
A short walk from Finchley Central station (Northern line). New child patients welcome. Family block appointments available — mention this when you call.
110 Total Dentistry · 110–112 Ballards Lane · Finchley · London N3 2DN · info@110totaldentistry.co.uk