Dr. Farnaz Athari recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit at six months old or when their first teeth begin to appear. “On average, the first teeth come in at about six months, so that’s the ideal time to start,” she explains. This early visit helps detect potential developmental issues and teaches parents how to care for new teeth and gums from the start.
Yes. “A common misconception is that baby teeth are disposable,” says Dr. Athari. “But they play a critical role in your child’s oral development and future permanent teeth.” Parents should begin brushing and flossing as soon as the first teeth erupt, brushing twice daily and flossing at least once daily.
Dr. Athari advises keeping things positive and simple. “Stop talking about the bad parts,” she says. “Parents often build anxiety by sharing their own fears about dentistry. Instead, focus on the fun side, tell your child the dentist will count their teeth and they’ll get a prize at the end.” Keeping the conversation upbeat helps children form a healthy, confident attitude toward dental care.
Each first visit is age-appropriate and designed to build trust. “For children three and older, we take X-rays, check the health of the teeth, and do a gentle cleaning,” Dr. Athari explains. “For children under three, the visit is done on the parent’s lap for comfort.” The focus of the first appointment is to create a positive, fun experience and to build comfort with the dental environment. “Even if treatment is needed, I never do it on the first visit,” she adds. “That time is for building trust.”
Every six months. “Ideally, kids should be seen every six months for cleanings and X-rays,” says Dr. Athari. She also notes the importance of regular X-rays to catch hidden problems early, even when insurance coverage varies. “X-rays are an essential part of preventive care and shouldn’t be skipped because of coverage limits,” she emphasizes.
Preventive care at Smile Design Kids focuses on good habits, nutrition, and early detection. “The best prevention is brushing and flossing,” says Dr. Athari. “We talk with families about nutrition and healthy habits from day one.” She also provides fluoride treatments and counseling on alternative products such as hydroxyapatite for families interested in non-fluoride options.
Dr. Athari strongly recommends electric toothbrushes and parental supervision. “I still brush my own child’s teeth,” she says. “Kids try, but they don’t do a thorough job on their own. Parents should stay involved as long as possible.” Other tips include:
- Use an electric toothbrush for better plaque removal.
- Help your child brush twice a day and floss once daily.
- Check that all areas, especially the back teeth and places where teeth are loose or growing in, are cleaned.
- Encourage variety in toothpaste choices and avoid overly abrasive or foaming pastes.
“The most important thing is consistency,” she adds. “As long as brushing and flossing are happening every day, you’re on the right track.”
At Smile Design Kids Dentistry in Oak Cliff, Dr. Farnaz Athari and her team make every first visit a positive experience. From the age of six months through the teenage years, the focus is on comfort, prevention, and education, helping children build lifelong healthy habits in a caring, family-friendly environment.
