Arlington Pediatric Dentistry

Thank you so much Dr.Arpi we love it ❤️❤️

We LOVE visiting schools in honor of National Children’s Oral Health month.

These little ones were so excited and engaged!

Do you want us to visit your child’s school? Give us a call!

☎️ 703-671-5437

Charcoal toothpaste has become famous for its whitening effects, but unfortunately, it can also be very abrasive. Unless recommended by a dentist, whitening toothpaste should typically be avoided by children because it can cause damage to tooth enamel - leading to sensitivity.

Happy "Plant Vegetable Garden Day"! Growing and harvesting your own veggies can encourage even the pickiest eaters to try new foods. Low on space? Grow herbs such as basil or cilantro in an old container near a sunny window. Lettuce, chard, and other greens thrive in small pots. Your kids will love it!

Did you know that dental sealants can decrease the risk of tooth decay by up to 80%? They are one of the most cost-effective means of reducing childhood cavities!

When life gets busy, it's easy to grab a bag of chips or a cookie as a snack, but we all know that these foods are not the best option for growing smiles. To make healthier choices easier, try preparing fresh fruit and veggies at the beginning of the week! Cutting fresh produce and storing them in snack-sized containers makes it easy for kids to grab and go when in a rush.

A quick reminder that it may be time for a new toothbrush! Toothbrushes should be replaced around every 3 months or before bristles become frayed. When choosing a toothbrush for your child, be sure to pick one made for smaller hands and with a head size made for smaller mouths. Soft bristles are usually the best choice!

Did you know that raw fibrous and leafy vegetables are not only good for you, but they can also help keep teeth clean? Foods like broccoli, apples, celery, and carrots scrub teeth while you eat them! Regardless of what you're eating, don't forget the best tooth tip: brush two times every day for two minutes!

Who needs a smile today! Smiling releases hormones called endorphins, making you happier, more positive, and less stressed out! Smiling has even been shown to strengthen your immune system. Keep smiling!

We can agree: children (and adults!) spend too much time looking at screens. And we know that it's challenging to avoid the screens in our daily life. We want to encourage all our followers, of every age, to spend some time without screens and spend time with your family! Try going on a hike, a bike ride, dust off those board games, build a model, learn a craft, or start a new hobby together!

We all want a clean toothbrush! Store your toothbrush upright, not touching other brushes, and in a medicine cabinet or closet away from the open-air (and flushing toilets...yuck!). If you use a toothbrush cover, make sure it has holes to allow moisture to escape or has antibacterial properties.

Surprisingly, there’s no consensus on the correct order for brushing and flossing, although some research suggests that flossing first may be the most efficient way to remove plaque. Parents should help children floss as soon as two teeth begin to fit closely together. Whether you prefer to brush and then floss or floss then brush, we want to make sure that our patients are doing both!

Juices, even those diluted with water, are a significant cause of early childhood cavities. While the occasional treat is ok, water is always the best option. And of course, don’t forget to brush for 2 minutes, 2 times every day!

Acid-producing bacteria in your mouth can cause cavities and tooth decay. While sugar is what we all think of when looking for the primary culprit, starchy carbohydrates can be just as bad, if not worse. Foods like potato chips and crackers can get stuck in the crevices of your teeth and give bacteria the food it needs to grow! Always remember to brush for two minutes, twice a day!

Did you know that your teeth are as unique as your fingerprint? Even identical twins have a different "tooth print."

Did you know that one human mouth contains more bacteria than the number of people on Earth?! WOW! All the more reason to keep brushing! :)

While sugar-packed chewing gum is terrible for your teeth, did you know that sugar-free gum can help keep teeth healthy? Chewing gum increases saliva, helping balance pH and wash away cavity-causing debris. And chewing gum with xylitol, a natural sugar substitute, has even been shown to prevent cavities.

Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease, making it all the more important to take care of your teeth! Don't forget to brush for two minutes, twice each day...and don't forget to floss!

Did you know that more than 51 million school hours are missed every year due to dental-related absences? Cavities are the #1 chronic childhood illness, but they’re almost entirely preventable! Prevent cavities and absences by maintaining good dental habits.

Did you know that cavity-causing bacteria can be transferred through saliva from one person to another? It is essential to be aware of this when cleaning pacifiers and sharing spoons during feeding.

Only half of U.S. school-age children get enough sleep. Do your children have trouble winding down? Try limiting TV and screen time before bed, making it more difficult for a child to fall asleep. Establishing a healthy bedtime routine - doing the same steps every night - may also help. And of course, don’t forget to include brushing and flossing!

Calcium is crucial for healthy teeth! Teeth and bones are made mostly of calcium. Both are constantly remodeling through the resorption and deposit of calcium, which means that they rely upon calcium intake to power the process that maintains healthy bones. Sugar-free Yogurt is an excellent way for kids to get the calcium their teeth and bodies need. Mix in fresh fruit for some extra flavor!

Did you know that gum disease is not only found prevalent in adults, but unfortunately, it's also very common in children as well? Signs of periodontal problems include swelling, redness, and bleeding. The good news is that the very early stages of periodontal disease are treatable and reversible. If you have questions about your child's gums, give us a call!

How does candy cause cavities? The sugar in candy provides the food that harmful bacteria need to create acids that wear away tooth enamel. STICKY candy and hard candies are more likely to damage teeth because they stay around for a lot longer, hiding in the crevices of your teeth. We like candy as much as you! Just remember to save it for special treats, and don’t forget to brush for two minutes, two times every day!

National Dentist Day is coming up this Sunday! We love what we do. Our patients make caring for children's teeth the best job in the world!

During sport and other physical activity, it's important to remember to protect teeth and dental work with mouthguards. Not using a mouthguard can result in broken teeth, damaged gums, and other oral injuries. Protect your teeth!

Did you know that the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends children visit the dentist every six months? When was the last time your child has had a visit? It might be time to schedule one. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

Do your children bite or chew their nails? Biting your nails can lead to chipped teeth, damaged enamel, or injuries to sensitive gum tissues. Here are 3 ways to help children kick the habit-
1) Keep nails short and trimmed.
2) Use a reward system like a sticker chart for positive reinforcement.
3) Keep idle hands busy with a fidget toy.

Children typically don’t have the dexterity to brush their own teeth until they can tie their shoes, usually around five years of age; however it can vary by child. Even after this time, it’s important to supervise and assist in brushing. We’ve found that it’s best to allow your child to brush on their own, and then a parent can step in to help. Even after your child can brush unassisted, it is still a good idea to keep a watchful eye to ensure they are brushing correctly and for at least two minutes.

Valentine's day is here! Are you as excited as we are?! We wanted to let all of our patients know on this special day: We LOVE you!