Dental health care is essential for children, though visits can be understandably intimidating for them. Here are three ways you can support your kid through their nerves so they can have a successful children’s dentist appointment.

3 Ways to Overcome Dental Anxiety in Kids

1. Start Early

Many parents hold off on taking their child to see a dentist until they’re two or three years old and have all of their baby teeth. However, children should see a dentist from as early as their first birthday.

Doing so gets the child used to dental checks and allows the dentist to spot potential issues before they require more extensive dental work. 

2. Schedule a Meet & Greet

Many children’s dentist practices invite new patients to come in for a meet and greet before their first appointment. This helps a child become familiar with the environment, so they don’t have to enter a completely strange place for their checkup. They also get to meet the team. What often scares a child most is not knowing what to expect, and this step removes that worry.

3. Use a Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dental practices are different from regular clinics. They’re usually decorated in bright colors and made to look fun and inviting. They also have toys, games, and videos in the waiting area to calm a patient’s nerves before going in.

Most importantly, a pediatric dental team is trained to work with kids. They know how to make the visit a positive experience and explain what’s going to happen in a kid-friendly way. They also have tips to make appointments and procedures as quick and painless as possible.

If your child is anxious about a dental appointment, bring them to Pediatric Dentistry Kahala in Honolulu, HI. The children’s dentists provide comprehensive services in a calm and welcoming environment, so even the most nervous child can feel at ease from the moment they walk through the door. Patients come from all over the state for their non-sedation techniques. Call today at (808) 737-0076 to make an appointment, or visit their website for more information on their offerings.