From the loud sounds of drills to unfamiliar doctors, it’s easy to see why some kids might be nervous about visiting the dentist. However, once they overcome their initial fears, most young patients find that visiting the dentist is nothing to fear. Instead of dealing with stressful appointments, there are many ways you can prepare your child for an anxiety-free visit and get them excited about their dental health. As a leading children’s dentist of Honolulu, HI, Dr. Allen K. Hirai, D.D.S., of Pediatric Dentistry Kahala offers some advice on how to beat fear before your kid’s next appointment.

5 Strategies to Take the Fear Out of Children’s Dentist Visits

1. Start at Home

Practicing dental hygiene together with your kids, letting them pick out their own toothbrush, and talking about ways to build healthier teeth can all help make them feel more comfortable about oral health. When kids know they’re taking steps to protect their teeth, they’re less worried about what may come of their next dental appointment.

2. Avoid Negativity

How you feel about the dentist can greatly impact how your child experiences their appointment. If you — or any other members of the household — detest the dentist, keep the negativity away from your little one. Instead, use positive language to describe your dental experiences.

3. Take a Trip to the Dentist Ahead of Time

If it’s your child’s first time with a certain dentist, the unfamiliarity can heighten their sense of unease. As such, it can help to introduce them to the office before your first dental visit to meet the staff and see that it’s not a scary place. Ask your pediatric dental office if you can stop by and check the place out.

4. Schedule Strategically  

The way a child behaves during the appointment may be due to outside factors, and not fear of the dentist. Take your time getting to the office and make sure your child won’t be tired during the appointment. Schedule the visit first thing in the morning or at a time when you won’t be rushed.

5. Stay By Their Side   

A parent’s presence can have a big impact on how a child experiences their dental care. By staying at their side during an appointment, you can show your support and help them feel at ease as dental work is performed.

Although there are a lot of things parents can do to keep anxiety at bay, the children’s dentist you choose will make a difference. If you’re looking for a kid’s dentist that offers top-notch pediatric care, turn to Pediatric Dentistry Kahala. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Allen K. Hirai, D.D.S. understands how to address his patient’s concerns and help them feel more assured during their appointments. To schedule an appointment, call a friendly staff member at (808) 737-0076 or contact them online.