5 Tips for a Successful First Visit to the Dentist

Before scheduling your child’s first dental visit, you need to prepare yourself and your child, since it can feel intimidating and scary. Many kids have anxiety about their first dentist visit, only because they have no idea what to expect. Please keep reading for some tips to consider before booking their first dental visit.

1. Follow a dental care regimen at home.

Start cleaning your baby’s teeth with a warm, soft cloth. When they get to two years old, you can brush their baby teeth using low fluoride toothpaste. Remember to have your child spit out the toothpaste after brushing. You want them to get into the habit of brushing and show them the proper steps to do it correctly. 

2. Find the right dental practice.

If this is your first time dealing with a pediatric dentist, recommendations from family members, friends, or pediatricians are an excellent place to start. Great referrals create good leads and ensure that you are not shooting in the dark.

The “Find a Dentist” feature on the American Dentist Association website is also an excellent way to get matched with a qualified dentist. Consider their experience in dealing with young patients and if they’re able to create a relaxed atmosphere for children with dental anxiety.

If you are in the Ohio area, Sikora Family Dentistry is a family dentist in North Olmsted, OH. They have friendly staff and qualified dentists who specialize in general dentistry, pediatrics, cosmetic dentistry, restoring dental implants, and root canals.

3. Prime your child mentally.

Dental visit
Photo by www.pexels.com

Make an appointment and ask your doctor what to expect from the visit. To mentally prepare them for the initial dental appointment and dispel any looming anxiety they may have, explain why their visit is important. You can find fun clips on YouTube and TikTok, and children’s books that make the experience look more fun than scary. Teach them good dental habits by teaching them young. 

4. Manage your DFA.

Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is the fear and the resulting anxiety that comes from expecting something terrible to happen during your dental visit or by being in a dental environment. This anxiety can manifest itself as the fear of either the Dentist as a person, dental procedures, being in a dental setting, or dental equipment, like drills and needles.

Most people with DFA develop it early in childhood. In children, DFA can develop by modeling parental behavior and living vicariously through a parent or guardian’s expression of fear at being in a dental environment. One way to manage this anxiety is by incorporating CBD products into your wellness regimen.

What is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis and industrial hemp plant. In children, CBD is useful in treating seizures, hyperactivity, and anxiety, and are available to swallow in CBD-infused gummy form. Besides calming dental anxiety, CBD oil provides relief from pain and inflammation after a dental procedure. A great CBD oil brand to try is the SeraLabs full-spectrum CBD oil. It is a hemp extract cannabidiol available in 1000mg and 500mg dosages and is rich in vitamins, minerals, and terpenes.

CBD Oil can treat anxiety

The best way to administer CBD oil is through the prepackaged dropper. Shake the bottle well before use and utilize the dropper to dispense the oil under your tongue. For best results, hold the oil for a few minutes before swallowing. For adults, try the SeraRelief Full Spectrum CBD Oil 500mg the night before a dental procedure.

5. Know what to expect.

A first visit to the Dentist may take 45 minutes, with dental procedures that include a jaw examination to assess the development of your child’s gums, teeth, and oral tissues. During this appointment, the Dentist may also clean your child’s teeth to get rid of any stains and plaque. Have a set of questions prepared beforehand to understand the role you play in your child’s dental care. These steps can help ensure your child gets a good dental experience and also a healthy smile with the Dentist Orlando FL.

Always seek your doctor’s medical advice before starting your child on any CBD products, new medications, or vitamins. Do not use CBD if you have a severe medical condition, but if you must, seek your doctor’s advice on dosage and drug administration. First Visit to the Dentist


Oral Health Checklist created by Natomas Crossing, a emergency dentist in sacramento