University students busy eating their Valentine's Day chocolates might keep in mind this February marks the 40th observance of National Children's Dental Health Month.

The month is dedicated to educating young people about how to care for their teeth, and to dissuading some of the apprehension associated with dental visits, say local dentists and hygienists.

A positive attitude on the part of parents can help a child feel good about visiting the dentist, said Sandra Nolan, public dental hygienist for the North Central School District.

"How the child accepts the idea of dental care depends on the parents," she said.

Much of the initial visit should be educational, Nolan said. Becoming comfortable with the dentist's office and the staff will help a child relax and cooperate, she noted.

Parents can also benefit from scheduling the first visit at an early age before dental problems develop, she said. It is important for a child to understand the dentist and his staff are there to help them, she added.

Advancements in dentistry have also helped curb apprehension on the part of children, Nolan said. According to the American Dental Association, the increased use of fluorides alone has cut the rate of tooth decay in children under 16 by 30 percent in the last 20 years.

Many people do not realize that advances in dentistry have made dental care virtually pain-free, Nolan said.

Education is also important, dental technicians say. Going into children's classrooms and talking with them about dental hygiene is important, said Susan Stephenson, State College Area School District dental hygienist.

Visitations such as this are a main event of the month, added Stephenson, who has visited almost every kindergarten and several first- and second-grade classes in her district. Stephenson also includes dental screenings in her visits, she said.

Stephenson said the reaction to the visits has been positive, and she even received thank-you letters from some of the students she visited.

Although February is dedicated to children's dental health, college students should also be aware of dental problems, Penn State health officials say.

College students suffer from a variety of dental problems, ranging from cavities to gum disease, says State College dentist Robert D. Carney. Students sometimes neglect their teeth when they get engrossed in their studies, said Carney.

Stress and a simple lack of brushing also contribute to dental problems, Carney added.