Help your child brush better - and actually enjoy it
Getting children to brush their teeth properly can feel like a daily battle. Our Toothbrushing Club, based here in Richmond, takes the stress away - for you and for them. With expert guidance from our friendly hygienist, your child will learn the right habits early, in a calm, fun environment they'll actually look forward to.
What is the Toothbrushing Club?
The Toothbrushing Club is a dedicated programme for children at Richmond Hill Dental. It's not a standard dental appointment - there's no drilling, no scary equipment and no pressure. Instead, it's a friendly, age-appropriate session led by one of our caring hygienists, focused entirely on helping your child become more confident and capable with their oral hygiene.
For £85, your child joins the programme and gets a dedicated hygienist session focused on checking, coaching and gently cleaning - all in a way that feels completely manageable for younger patients.
Why good brushing habits matter from an early age
Most children brush their teeth - but very few brush them properly. Without the right technique, plaque quietly builds up in the hard-to-reach areas, increasing the risk of cavities, gum problems and fillings further down the line.
The good news? With the right guidance at the right age, children can develop brushing habits that genuinely stay with them for life. Our Toothbrushing Club is designed to give your child exactly that - alongside helping them feel comfortable and confident at the dentist. It's a natural first step into our wider children's dentistry programme.
Helping Richmond children build lifelong oral health
For over 30 years, we've helped local families across Richmond TW10, Kew and East Sheen give their children the best possible start with their teeth. Many of the children we've cared for over the years are now bringing their own little ones to see us. That kind of long-term trust is the thing we're most proud of - and the Toothbrushing Club is one of the most rewarding parts of how we look after younger patients.
What happens during a Toothbrushing Club appointment?
Every session is relaxed, age-appropriate and guided by our hygienist at a pace your child is comfortable with. During each visit, we'll:
- Check how your child currently brushes their teeth and gently spot any areas they're missing
- Use simple, encouraging language to show them how to improve their technique
- Explain how plaque forms and why brushing keeps it under control
- Talk through why fluoride toothpaste matters and how to use it correctly
- Walk them through how to clean every tooth surface properly
- Give their teeth a gentle, thorough professional clean
We keep things calm, positive and light-hearted - so your child leaves feeling proud of themselves rather than anxious about coming back.
The benefits of joining our Toothbrushing Club in Richmond
This is more than just a hygiene appointment. Here's what families gain from joining:
- Better brushing technique - your child learns how to reach every surface of their teeth, not just the ones they can see
- Fewer dental problems further down the line - good habits early mean a lower risk of cavities, gum issues and more complex treatment as they grow
- Less fear of the dentist - regular, positive visits help children feel familiar and confident in a dental setting
- A genuine confidence boost - children love knowing they're doing something well, and our hygienist makes sure they always leave feeling encouraged
- Peace of mind for parents - knowing your child understands how to look after their teeth properly is one less thing to worry about at home
The club works hand in hand with their regular children's dental check-ups - so if you're already bringing your child in for routine appointments, this is a brilliant add-on to keep their oral health firmly on track.
A calm, friendly environment - not a typical dental appointment
We know some children feel nervous about visiting the dentist, and we take that completely seriously. That's exactly why the Toothbrushing Club is designed the way it is.
There's no treatment involved. No unexpected procedures. Just a kind, patient hygienist sitting down with your child, taking things at their pace, and helping them feel positive about their oral health. Our team genuinely loves working with younger patients, and we're well practised at making dental visits feel comfortable rather than daunting.
After-school and selected Saturday appointments
We know how busy family schedules can be. We reserve after-school slots specifically for our younger patients, and we offer one Saturday per month for families with particularly tricky weekday calendars. Booking is quick and easy - reserve a place online or give our friendly team a call.
How much does the Toothbrushing Club cost in Richmond?
We're a fully private practice with transparent, upfront pricing. The Toothbrushing Club is £85, with no hidden extras.
For more on our wider children's services and general fees, visit our fees and finance page.
Caring for children's smiles across Richmond and TW10
The Toothbrushing Club sits within our wider children's dentistry programme at Richmond Hill Dental. Alongside hygiene education, we offer children's dental examinations, children's orthodontic consultations with our specialist orthodontist, Dr Noor, and a full range of preventive care - all delivered by a team that understands how to put young patients at ease.
We're passionate about helping children across Richmond, Kew, East Sheen, Twickenham and TW10 grow up with healthy, happy smiles - and it really does start with the basics.
Frequently asked questions
How old does my child need to be to join the Toothbrushing Club?
The club is suitable for children of most ages, though it's particularly beneficial for children aged 4 and upwards when they're starting to develop their brushing habits. Our hygienist will tailor each session to your child's age and level of understanding, so it's always age-appropriate. If you're unsure whether your child is ready, just get in touch and we'll be happy to advise.
What if my child is nervous about coming to the dentist?
The Toothbrushing Club is actually a wonderful starting point for nervous or anxious children. There's no dental treatment involved - just a friendly chat and some hands-on guidance from our hygienist. We go at your child's pace and make sure the whole experience feels positive and fun. If your child has more significant dental anxiety, we also offer sedation dentistry for older patients, and our team is experienced in supporting nervous patients of all ages.
Will my child need a separate dental examination as well?
Yes - the Toothbrushing Club is a hygiene education programme, not a replacement for routine dental check-ups. We recommend that children continue to see our dentist for regular examinations alongside their club appointments. This way, we can keep a close eye on how their teeth are developing as well as how their brushing is improving. You can book a children's dental check-up at the same time if you'd like to make the most of your visit.
Can I stay in the room with my child during the appointment?
Absolutely. Parents and guardians are always welcome to stay with their child throughout the appointment. In fact, we encourage it - you'll be able to see what we're showing them and help reinforce those habits at home. Some children feel much more relaxed with a familiar face beside them, and we're completely happy to work with that.
What should my child bring to their appointment?
Just their own toothbrush and toothpaste - ideally the ones they use at home. This allows our hygienist to check whether the brush head is the right size and whether the toothpaste contains the recommended level of fluoride for their age. We can make any recommendations if we think a change would help.
Does the club guarantee my child won't need fillings in the future?
We wouldn't ever promise that, and we'd be cautious of anyone who did. What we can say is that children who develop strong brushing habits early are significantly less likely to develop cavities and other dental problems as they grow up. The Toothbrushing Club is designed to reduce that risk and set your child up with the skills and confidence to look after their smile long-term.
Ready to give your child the best start for their smile?
The Toothbrushing Club is open to new members now. Book your child's first appointment at Richmond Hill Dental and let's start building those healthy habits together.
Or call us on 020 8940 1860 - our team is happy to answer any questions before you book.