Get Ready for
Your Child’s First Visit
At Growing Smiles in Floral Vale, prevention is the center of everything we do! That’s why it’s extremely important that we begin to create a warm, caring relationship with you and your child as early as possible at our Yardley office.
Build Confidence Before the Visit
Your child’s first dental visit is an important milestone, and a little preparation can make it a positive experience from the start. By setting expectations in a calm, encouraging way, you can help your child feel comfortable, confident, and ready for their first trip to our Yardley office.
Start Early
Dr. Ross Levine follows the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s recommendation that every child establish a dental home by their first tooth or no later than age one. A dental home means having a trusted, ongoing relationship with your child’s dentist—one that supports their oral health with comprehensive, family-centered care as they grow.
Keep It Positive
Talk about the dentist in a fun, encouraging way so your child feels excited about their visit. Let them know we’re here to help keep their teeth strong and healthy, and focus on how easy and comfortable the experience will be.
Practice at Home
A little role-playing can go a long way. Try “counting” your child’s teeth with a toothbrush, letting them hold a mirror, or pretending to be the dentist so they know what to expect.
Use Books & Videos
Kid-friendly books and shows about visiting the dentist can help your child feel more familiar with the experience. Watching or reading together is a great way to ease nerves and build confidence before their visit.
What to Expect
Knowing what to expect can help both you and your child feel more at ease for their first visit. At Growing Smiles in Floral Vale, we focus on creating a calm, positive experience with a gentle approach that helps your child feel comfortable every step of the way.
A Comfortable First Visit
We understand that young children may feel unsure at the dentist, especially during their first visit—and that’s completely okay. Your child can sit on your lap during the exam, helping them feel safe and supported throughout the experience.
A Gentle, Step-by-Step Approach
Before we begin, we introduce each tool using a “tell-show-do” method so your child knows what to expect. This helps them feel more comfortable and confident. It’s also completely normal if your child cries—we’re experienced in making the visit as smooth and reassuring as possible.
Thorough, Kid-Focused Care
We take extra time with each child to ensure a more complete and comfortable visit. Instead of just brushing, we use gentle professional tools to provide a more effective cleaning and exam, helping remove buildup that a toothbrush alone can’t address.
Guidance for Every Stage
During your visit, Dr. Levine will provide helpful, personalized guidance on your child’s oral health, including brushing techniques, growth and development, teething, nutrition, oral habits like thumb sucking or pacifier use, and how to handle dental injuries. Our goal is to give you the knowledge and confidence to support your child’s healthy smile at home.
