First visit for your child

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Dental Association all recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits to a pediatric dentist help establish healthy oral habits and allow children to become comfortable in a positive, welcoming environment from an early age.

At Golden Kids Dental & Orthodontics, our experienced pediatric dental team proudly provides children’s dental care for families throughout Lakewood, Arvada, Evergreen, Wheat Ridge, Morrison, West Pleasant View, and surrounding Colorado communities. During your child’s first dental appointment, we evaluate oral health, growth and development, and discuss ways to help prevent cavities and dental disease.

Topics commonly discussed during your child’s first pediatric dental visit include:

• Age appropriate brushing and flossing techniques
• The importance of fluoride and cavity prevention
• Bottle and sippy cup habits
• Nursing and feeding habits
• Thumb sucking, pacifier use, and finger habits
• Dental growth and development
• Preventive pediatric dental care recommendations

It is completely normal for infants and toddlers to feel uncertain during their first visit to the dentist. Our caring team works hard to create a fun, comfortable, and positive experience for every child. Parents are always encouraged to accompany their child during the appointment and participate in the exam if desired.

For younger children, lap exams are often used to help children feel safe and secure. During a lap exam, the child sits comfortably with the parent while the dentist gently examines the teeth and gums. This approach helps build trust while making early dental visits less stressful for children and parents alike.

Each child receives a home care kit, a Disney toothbrush, and an age appropriate prize after every visit to help encourage healthy dental habits at home.

To help your child have a successful first dental appointment, we recommend:

• Scheduling appointments earlier in the day when children are well rested
• Avoiding nap times and late afternoon visits when possible
• Talking positively about visiting the dentist
• Reading children’s books about first dental visits
• Showing your child pictures of our doctors and team before the appointment
• Avoiding negative words such as “pain” or “hurt” that may create unnecessary anxiety

As a trusted pediatric dentist serving Lakewood, Arvada, Evergreen, Wheat Ridge, Morrison, and nearby communities, Golden Kids Dental & Orthodontics specializes in dental care for infants, children, and teens. Pediatric dentists receive advanced specialty training focused on children’s oral health, behavior, growth, and development, allowing our team to provide gentle, personalized care designed specifically for growing smiles.

We are committed to helping every child feel comfortable, confident, and excited about maintaining a healthy smile for life.