According to Pedodontic Associates Inc, a pediatric dental practice with offices on Oahu and Maui, it should be a major priority for parents to set their children off on the right note in regards to the dentist. Bringing your child to the dentist early and often is necessary to keep their teeth healthy and promote proper dental hygiene habits in the future. Although dentists work diligently to ensure each patient’s oral health over the years, the bi-annual visit to the dental practice can be frightening for young children, especially if it is their first time seeing a dentist.

If your child is anxious about visiting the dentist, try these tips for calming their nerves and encouraging a positive attitude:

• Sometimes a parent’s own fear of the dentist can negatively influence a child’s opinion of them before they even make their first visit. Instead of focusing on your own "war stories," allow your child to make their own impressions. The dentist is your friend, after all!
• Explain the benefits of the dentist in simple terms. Tell your child how visiting the dentist will help them to keep their teeth healthy and strong!
• Begin at an early age. Children should start visiting the dentist as early as 12 months. Not only does this ensure their teeth are healthy from the start, it makes visiting the dentist a normal experience for them.
• Try bringing them to a pediatric dentist. As these dentists have extra years of experience training with children, they are more equipped to encourage your little one and calm their fears. Their offices and waiting rooms are designed to be fun for young patients.

If your child fusses at the thought of the dentist, try these tips and visit the children dentists of Pedodontic Associates Inc. Maui and Oahu’s top pediatric dentist team is fantastic at encouraging a favorable attitude for the dentist at a young age! To learn more about Pedodontic Associates Inc. or to book a dental appointment for your child, visit the website or call (808) 487-7933.