Children's dentist — everything you need to know

Quick summary

Children in Norway are called in for their first dental check-up at around age 3 through Den offentlige tannhelsetjenesten (the public dental service), but you can book an appointment from age 1 if you have questions. All necessary dental treatment is free for children and young people from 0 to 18 years old. The best preparation is to talk positively about the dentist, read children's books about the topic, and play dentist at home. A safe first experience lays the foundation for good dental health habits for life.

When should your child first visit the dentist?

The public dental service invitation

In Norway, all children are entitled to free dental care through Den offentlige tannhelsetjenesten, which is run by the county municipality. Most children are called in for their first examination around age 3. You will receive an invitation by letter or digitally, with an assigned clinic near your home.

Early visits when needed

Although the formal invitation comes at age 3, you can contact the dental service from when your child is one year old. Common reasons for an early visit:

• Teething causing significant pain or discomfort
• Discolouration or spots on the first teeth
• Injury after a fall
• Questions about pacifier use and tooth alignment

An early visit is usually short and informal. The dentist takes a quick look and gives you advice on brushing and diet.

Free dental care for children aged 0–18

All necessary dental treatment for children and young people aged 0 to 18 is covered by the public system. This includes:

• Regular check-ups and examinations
• Fillings and treatment of cavities
• Root canal treatment on baby teeth and permanent teeth
• Emergency treatment for injuries or pain
• Fluoride treatment and fissure sealants
• X-rays when clinically necessary

Young adults aged 19 to 24 also receive subsidised dental care at a 75 percent discount through the public dental service.

Private dentist for children

You may choose to take your child to a private dentist, but you will cover the costs yourself. A private examination for children typically costs NOK 500–1,200 (updated March 2026). Some parents choose a private dentist for shorter waiting times or specialised paediatric dental experience.

How to prepare your child for the dentist

Good preparation makes a significant difference, especially for the first visit.

Talk positively and simply

Explain that the dentist will "count the teeth" and "check if they are healthy." Avoid words like "hurt," "needle," or "injection." Children pick up on their parents' attitudes, so show them that visiting the dentist is perfectly normal and safe.

Read and play

Children's books about visiting the dentist are available at the library and in bookshops. Play dentist at home with a small torch and a toothbrush. Let your child examine the teeth of a teddy bear or doll.

Choose the right time

Book an appointment at a time when your child is usually alert and rested. Avoid late afternoon when they are tired and hungry. A well-rested child cooperates much better.

What happens at the first visit?

The first visit is mostly about getting acquainted. The dentist or dental hygienist shows the chair, the mirror, and the instruments. Your child can often sit on your lap while the dentist takes a quick look. The examination itself rarely takes more than five to ten minutes.

Common dental health issues in children

Cavities in baby teeth

Cavities are the most common dental health problem in children. Frequent consumption of sugary food and drinks, combined with insufficient brushing, are the main causes. Baby teeth have thinner enamel than permanent teeth and are more vulnerable.

Teething and pain

The first teeth emerge between 6 and 12 months of age. Your child may become restless, drool more, and want to chew on things. Cooled teething rings and gentle gum massage can help.

Bumps and falls

Children are active, and dental injuries from falls are common. If your child knocks out a baby tooth, it usually does not need to be reimplanted. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, store it in milk and see a dentist within 30 minutes.

Bite problems and tooth alignment

The dentist monitors bite development from around age 7. Common issues include overbite, underbite, crowding, and crooked teeth. Referral to an orthodontist typically happens between ages 10 and 14.

Fluoride and fissure sealants

Fluoride

Fluoride strengthens enamel and prevents cavities. Recommendations for children in Norway:

• 0–2 years: Toothpaste with low fluoride content (1,000 ppm), a rice-grain-sized amount
• 2–6 years: Children's fluoride toothpaste (1,000 ppm), a pea-sized amount
• From 6 years: Regular fluoride toothpaste (1,450 ppm)

The dentist may also apply fluoride varnish during check-ups for extra protection.

Fissure sealants

Fissure sealing involves applying a thin layer of protective material into the deep grooves of your child's new molars. The treatment is painless, takes only a few minutes, and significantly reduces the risk of cavities in the molars. It is usually done when the permanent molars have emerged, around ages 6 and 12.

How much does a children's dentist cost?

Through the public dental service, all necessary dental treatment is free for children aged 0 to 18. Costs only arise if you choose a private dentist:

Treatment (private)	Estimated cost
Examination	NOK 500–1,200
Filling	NOK 800–1,500
Fluoride varnish	NOK 200–500
Fissure sealant per tooth	NOK 300–600

All prices are estimates and may vary between clinics (updated March 2026). Orthodontic treatment is partially covered by HELFO for children with documented need.

When should you contact the dentist?

Contact the dental service or your dentist outside of regular check-ups if your child:

• Complains of persistent toothache
• Has visible holes or dark spots on the teeth
• Has injured their mouth and teeth are loose or damaged
• Has difficulty chewing or eating
• Shows signs of dental anxiety that should be addressed early

Find a dentist on Flextooth

Looking for a child-friendly dentist nearby? Use Flextooth to find a dentist near you. You can filter by city and find clinics experienced in children's dental care.