Children’s Dentistry

Dr. Lu is pleased to answer the many dental related questions of her patients from throughout Northern Virginia. This section provides questions and answers for many frequently asked questions regarding dental health for children.

Your child should have his or her first dental visit to prevent dental problems and enstill good oral health habits upon the emergence of the first tooth or by no later than the first birthday.

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers when the permanent teeth arrive, a mouth appliance may be recommended by Dr. Lu.

Taking your child to the dentist for regular check-ups and teaching good oral hygiene habits are the best ways to prevent tooth decay. During your child’s appointment, we will teach him or her the right way to brush and floss, talk about good nutritional and lifestyle habits and perform a thorough cleaning that will prevent decay.

Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.