Your children’s dental habits today will play a major role in their oral health later on. That’s why premier Waipahu, HI, dentist Lisa Valderueda, D.M.D. and her expert team strongly encourage parents to instill healthy dental hygiene practices from a young age. From preparing your child for their first dental clinic visit to learning how to properly brush and floss, these efforts will help your child maintain a bright, beautiful smile for years to come.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry maintains that children should visit the dentist before their first birthday or when their first baby tooth emerges. Considering that many adults have anxiety about visiting the dentist, it’s not surprising that most toddlers will harbor some reservations. Fortunately, there are tips and tricks to make the process easier. Here are just a few:

• Find The Right Dentist: Scope out an ideal dentist for your child before the visit is necessary. Since children respond best to specialized, gentle care, try to find a dentist who has considerable experience with young patients. A warm, friendly family dentistry practice will help your child relax in the dental chair.

• Talk To Your Child: Prepare your child by discussing what will happen during their visit to the dentist, from the machinery used to the process of cleaning and polishing. Many child-friendly practices offer a gift at the end of the visit, so mention it if that’s the case. Having something to look forward to after the visit will make the process easier for your child.

• Practice Healthy Habits: Brushing twice a day with special kid-approved toothpaste helps children prepare for what’s ahead. If they have sucking habits, try to curb them as much as possible to avoid teeth alignment issues. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, as this can lead to tooth decay.  

For the best family dentists in Waipahu, visit Lisa Valderueda, D.M.D. With extensive experience working with children, this personable, friendly dentistry practice will put your child at ease. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 676-5711. Visit their website for more information about this family dental clinic’s services.