Blog Archive

Cavities are one of the most common oral health problems for children. In addition to diet and sugary drinks and snacks, younger children are also more vulnerable to tooth decay as they learn how to properly brush and floss their teeth.  The good news is there are a number of...

Teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) is a common problem for children, affecting approximately three out of ten children at some point. It usually happens at night while they sleep, and can have short- and long-term symptoms ranging from headaches and jaw pain to damage to the teeth. Our dentists...

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Cavities are a common oral health problem, and children can be especially vulnerable as they learn to brush and floss adequately. Sugary snacks and drinks are also a common culprit in childhood tooth decay and other health problems. Our dentists Dr. Nathalie Phaeton,...

Practicing good oral hygiene is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves from tooth decay, gum disease, and the additional health risks that are associated with poor oral health.  This is especially true for children, who are already vulnerable to developing one or more cavities throughout their...

Good oral hygiene habits are as important for babies and young children as they are for adults. Despite the fact that your child’s baby teeth will eventually be replaced with their permanent teeth, forming healthy oral hygiene habits even before the first tooth erupts is essential to prevent cavities and...

Childhood cavities are incredibly common. In fact, more than 50% of children ages 6-8 have had at least one cavity in their baby (primary) teeth. Younger children are especially vulnerable to developing tooth decay, because they’re still learning how to brush and floss properly. However, just because catities are common...

Your child may need to start getting professional dental care earlier than you suspect. Pediatric dental care can set up your child for a lifetime of good oral and general health.  At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics in Falls Church, Virginia, Nathalie Phaeton, DDS, Ki Youn Kil, DDS, and...

Young children are especially vulnerable to cavities. Nearly half of children under age 11 have at least one cavity in their baby teeth, and 21% have a cavity in their permanent teeth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). White composite fillings are a safe and effective option for...

Dental fear and anxiety can take many forms. While people of all ages can experience anxiety over going to the dentist, children can have an especially hard time getting comfortable and feeling safe.  From the fear of needles and drilling to a general fear of the dental office itself, addressing...

Despite the fact that your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by their permanent teeth, early dental care is still necessary. Baby teeth are susceptible to the same problems of adult teeth, and ignoring oral health at an early age can set them up for dental...

Cavities are very common, especially in children. As many as 20% of children ages 5-11 have at least one untreated cavity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When it comes to your child’s oral health, prevention is often the best defense against tooth decay and other dental problems....

At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics in Falls Church, Virginia, Nathalie Phaeton, DDS, Ki Youn Kil, DDS, and our team offer a range of options for pediatric dentistry and orthodontic treatment. The basics of Invisalign Invisalign aligners are clear and removable, and they can correct a number of orthodontic...

Unfortunately, cavities and tooth decay are incredibly common for children and teenagers. More than half of children ages 6-8 have had at least one cavity in their primary (baby) teeth, and more than half of young people ages 12-19 have had at least one cavity in their permanent teeth, according...

Dental X-rays are one of the most invaluable tools available to diagnose oral health problems and monitor a child’s development to ensure they’re meeting their milestones.  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) generally recommends dental X-rays about once a year, but your child may need them more or less frequently depending...

Nighttime teeth grinding can take a while to detect. Depending on the severity and frequency, your child might not even realize it’s happening. And while nIghttime teeth grinding might seem like less of an oral health issue than cavities, for example, it can cause wear and tear on your child’s...

Are you preparing to bring your child for their first dental visit? We understand that the first dental visit can be overwhelming and even emotional — for children and parents! At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics, in Falls Church, Virginia, Nathalie Phaeton, DDS, Ki Youn Kil, DDS, and our team provide a welcoming...

Like adults, children need a good oral hygiene routine to protect their teeth and gums from common oral health problems, such as cavities. But, young children often struggle to reach their back teeth and hold the toothbrush at the correct angle to adequately brush the chewing surfaces. This can increase...

Whether they have dental anxiety or struggle to sit still long enough to undergo even a routine dental procedure, getting a child to the dentist can be a challenge for many parents. Sedation dentistry can help minimize any pain, discomfort, or anxiety during dental treatment. Nitrous oxide — also known...

There are several things that can cause a toothache. One of the most common causes of a toothache is an infection caused by tooth decay. But, other things can also cause pain, such as trauma from a sports injury, an accident, or teeth grinding. The cause of a toothache may...

Your child’s oral health journey begins the moment their first tooth erupts. Baby teeth may be temporary, but they require the same care and attention as permanent teeth. Until children are old enough to adequately brush and floss their teeth on their own, there are several steps parents can take...

Orthodontic problems, such as overbite and crowding, are usually visible as early as age 6 or 7 in most children. While there’s no “right” or standard age to get braces, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children get an orthodontic checkup by or before age 7. In general, orthodontic problems...

Even young children need to practice good oral hygiene to protect their teeth and gums from oral health problems. Baby teeth — also called primary teeth — may be temporary, but they’re still vulnerable to cavities and oral health problems that can affect the development of their permanent teeth. Instilling...

Many people put off going to the dentist until something goes wrong, like a toothache, a sports accident, or a common oral health problem like gingivitis. Teens are no exception. With busy school schedules, extracurricular activities, jobs, and busy social lives, your teen may be especially reluctant to go to...

Having a tooth knocked out can be scary and overwhelming, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the tooth is lost for good. In some cases, it may be possible to save the tooth and have it reattached. At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics, our dentists, Dr. Nathalie Phaeton and Dr. Ki Youn Kil,...

Just like adults, children’s teeth are vulnerable to yellow stains and discoloration. In fact, children are often more vulnerable to yellow teeth and oral health problems like cavities since they’re still learning to brush and floss properly and they may consume sugary snacks and drinks. Instilling good oral hygiene habits...

Brushing and flossing regularly is as important for children as it is for adults. While dentists recommend that children begin flossing as soon as their teeth are close enough together to touch, which usually happens between the ages of two and six for most children, the average child doesn’t master...

Children with special needs often require focused and individualized dental care. From sensory issues to anxiety and physical disabilities, even a routine exam and dental cleaning can be challenging for children with special needs.  To make matters worse, children with special needs can also be more susceptible to oral health...

White composite fillings are a discreet and cosmetically friendly option for treating cavities anywhere in your child’s mouth. In addition to looking good, they have several additional benefits to consider. At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics, our dentists Dr. Nathalie Phaeton and Dr. Ki Youn Kil and our team...

Every baby is different, and some will start teething earlier or later than others. (Fun fact: some babies are actually born with teeth!) While the average age for teething is around six months, some babies begin teething a few months earlier, or as late as their first birthday. Taking your...

Getting your special needs child to the dentist for routine care or a dental emergency may require more effort and planning, especially if your child also has dental anxiety. At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics, our dentists Dr. Nathalie Phaeton, Dr. Ki Youn Kil, and our pediatric dentistry team...

From participating in sports and physical activities to eating hard foods like candy that can damage their teeth, children are especially vulnerable to accidents and dental emergencies. There are a number of situations that qualify as a dental emergency, ranging from a broken or knocked-out tooth to severe tooth decay....

While most people don’t necessarily enjoy going to the dentist, even a simple appointment for a checkup and cleaning can feel traumatic for people with dental anxiety, especially when they’re children. If your child suffers from dental anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help them manage...

Your child’s first dental visit is an important and exciting milestone. In addition to monitoring your child’s oral health and development, regular pediatric dental care sets your kids up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. It also helps your child form a good relationship with their dentist, which...

Every child develops at their own pace, so your baby’s first teeth may erupt earlier or later than other children their age, or even their siblings. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), even babies need to see a dentist. Parents are advised to schedule the baby's first...

Tooth decay is the most common oral health issue in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and young children are especially vulnerable due to factors like diet and they’re still learning how to properly brush and floss their teeth. The good news is...

Tooth decay is still a major problem for today’s children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 13% of children between the ages of five and nine have at least one untreated cavity. Treating your children’s cavities before they get too large can save you money...

Good oral hygiene habits and regular dental care are as important for children as they are for adults. Your child’s oral health journey begins even before their first tooth erupts, and taking care of primary (baby) teeth is just as important as with permanent teeth. In fact, the sooner your...

Unfortunately, cavities are still one of the most common oral health problems for both children and adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 45% of children between the ages of 2-19 have one or more cavities (treated or untreated). Younger children are especially vulnerable...

The American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend semi-annual dental checkups and cleanings for most adults and children. Dental checkups are one of the best ways to protect yourself and your children from common oral health problems like cavities and gum disease.  For...

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids and teenagers. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), adult orthodontic treatment is at an all-time high. With more discreet options like Invisalign®, and less social stigma about adults wearing braces and orthodontic appliances (remember when Tom Cruise got braces?), it’s never too...

Tooth decay is the most common oral health problem among American children and teenagers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay is four times more common than asthma in teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17. Despite the fact that tooth decay and cavities...

Fear of the dentist is a common problem. In mild-to-moderate cases, it can make even routine procedures like a dental exam and teeth cleaning incredibly stressful and uncomfortable for your child. In extreme cases, dental fears and anxiety can make it difficult to even get your child into the dentist’s...

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that disturbs the breathing process while the person is asleep. According to statistics, as many as 4% of children between the ages of two and eight suffer from some form of sleep apnea. Although it affects adults as well as children, the symptoms of...

Children are especially vulnerable to tooth decay and cavities. From sugary snacks and drinks to poor brushing technique, most children can use a little extra help with oral hygiene and cavity prevention. In addition to eating a healthy diet and practicing good oral hygiene, dental sealants can help to protect...

Dental anxiety is a common problem for both children and adults. According to recent studies, as many as a third of Americans put off going to the dentist or avoid treatment entirely due to dental anxiety or fear. Ironically, avoiding the dentist and skipping preventive treatment often leads to the...

Baby teeth may be temporary, but they play an important role in your child’s long-term oral health and dental development. That said, there are special considerations and precautions you will need to take, and a few things to keep in mind when caring for your baby’s teeth and gums. At...

If getting your kids to brush their teeth feels like a chore, you can take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 80% of US children start brushing their teeth much later than recommended,...

A professional teeth whitening treatment can work wonders for your smile. Studies have shown that a brighter smile can improve confidence, self-esteem, and even improve social interactions, which can be especially important for children and teenagers. However, teeth whitening treatments are not a magic wand, and it takes some effort...

 Like adults, children need to practice good oral hygiene and get comprehensive dental care on a regular basis in order to prevent common problems like tooth decay, as well as to prevent oral health problems in the future. At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics, our dentists and pediatric dental...

Unlike medical emergencies, which usually consist of a serious or potentially life-threatening illness or injury, sometimes it’s hard to tell if a problem with your teeth is a true emergency. However, anything from a toothache to a knocked-out tooth may require emergency dental treatment. Seemingly minor symptoms like a throbbing...

Your child’s first dental visit can set the stage for a life-long commitment to positive dental care. Your child may have seen a dentist as a baby, which we recommend, but the first visit where they’ll be aware of what’s happening and definitely remember is one to approach with added...