How to Prepare for a Kid’s First Dental Visit

Blonde curly-haired boy sits happily in the dental chair at his first dental visit

Children can get cavities as soon as they have teeth. That’s why it’s recommended that your child’s first dental visit should take place soon after their first tooth appears, and no later than their first birthday. If your child is older than that, or if it’s been a while since their last dental visit, we invite you and your family to make regular dental visits a habit this year. In this article, we offer a few tips to help make you and your child feel more comfortable and confident for their next dental visit.

  1. Explain & Practice
  2. Explain to your child in a simple and positive way what’s going to happen during their visit to our dental office. We will be examining their teeth and gums, so it would be great to have your child practice opening their mouth while at home. Depending on their age, reading books and watching videos about positive experiences at the dentist can also help make children be less fearful and more confident.

  3. Fill Out Forms in Advance
  4. You don’t want to be sitting in the waiting room filling out paperwork with an anxious child at your side. Download our new patient forms here so you can fill them out leisurely at home before your child’s appointment.

  5. Make a List of Questions
  6. You will probably have questions about your child’s oral health, but once you’re at the appointment, it’s easy to forget your questions if you rely only on your memory. So take a few minutes and write down everything you want to ask in advance. Dr. Tran and our team are happy to address any questions and concerns you might have, using kid-friendly language so you and your child fully understand everything we do.

  7. Trust Us Here at Springhurst Hills Dentistry!
  8. Dr. Tran has worked with both kids and adults for many years so you can feel confident that you and your kids will be well taken care of at our dental office. Additionally, we offer complimentary beverages, pillows and blankets, warm-scented towels, kid-friendly books and magazines, toys, TVs with cartoons in our private treatment rooms, and a treasure chest with prizes! But feel free to bring your child’s favorite toy or other calming amusement.

Working together, we can make this a happy and fun experience, and the start of a lifetime of good oral health! Is it time for your child’s first or next dental appointment? If so, contact us today to schedule their checkup!




Posted on behalf of Dr. Lan Tran, Springhurst Hills Dentistry

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Springhurst Hills Dentistry
10494 Westport Rd, Suite 107
Louisville, KY 40241
(502) 365-9699

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Springhurst Hills Dentistry

Springhurst Hills Dentistry