Making Magical Memories with The Tooth Fairy

It’s the little things in life, right? The touches of magic that turn traditions into life-long memories.

Many children love the idea of the Tooth Fairy, and enjoy receiving a prize in exchange for their lost baby teeth. Children will lose their first tooth around the age of 6, and will continue to lose their baby teeth until around the age of 12 (give or take a year or two from beginning to end). Sometimes losing a tooth can be scary or uncomfortable, and the Tooth Fairy can be an incentive for getting through the experience.

Here at Purcellville Pediatric Dentistry, home of The Tooth Fairy Dentist, we have some ideas to help you make magical Tooth Fairy memories with your children. We have created a gender-neutral Magical Tooth Fairy Memories Kit that includes:

A poem to attach to a small jar of glitter to attract the Tooth Fairy.

A tooth receipt from the Tooth Fairy.

A letter from the Tooth Fairy.

An apology letter from the Tooth Fairy (because forgetting happens).

A chart to keep track of your child’s lost teeth.

To download/print the entire Magical Tooth Fairy Memories Kit on one page, please click here. In addition, you can click on each of the individual pictures to print just that part of the kit.

We wish all of our patient families many magical Tooth Fairy memories. Please tag us and/or share your Tooth Fairy pictures and stories with us! You can find us on social media using the links found on the top or bottom of this page.

Blog #1

Healthy Snacks for Strong, Cavity-Free Smiles in Purcellville, Virginia

As parents, we do our best to keep our children’s teeth healthy, but did you know that what they eat plays a huge role in their dental health? Choosing the right snacks can help prevent cavities, strengthen enamel, and promote overall oral hygiene.

Best Snacks for Healthy Teeth

Crunchy Fruits & Vegetables: Apples, carrots, and celery act as natural toothbrushes, scrubbing away plaque while stimulating saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
Dairy Delights: Cheese, yogurt, and milk are excellent sources of calcium and phosphorus, which help strengthen teeth and protect enamel. Plus, dairy products help neutralize acids in the mouth.
Nutritious Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds contain essential minerals like phosphorus and magnesium that support strong, healthy teeth.
Whole Grains Over Processed Snacks: Opt for whole wheat crackers, brown rice, and whole-grain bread instead of starchy, processed snacks that stick to teeth and encourage bacteria growth.
Water Over Sugary Drinks: Water keeps your child’s mouth hydrated and helps rinse away food particles, while drinks like juice and soda bathe teeth in sugar, increasing the risk of cavities.

Snacks to Limit or Avoid

Sticky fruit snacks and gummies (even the “healthy” ones)
Sticky candy (Starbursts, Skittles, Caramels, etc.)
Sugary cereals and granola bars
Chips and white bread, which break down into cavity-causing sugars
Soda

Making small changes to your child’s snack routine can have a big impact on their oral health. Encourage healthy choices and regular brushing to keep their smile bright and cavity-free!

Blog #2

What to do in a Pediatric Dental Emergency: A Parent’s Guide in Purcellville, Virginia

Accidents happen—especially when it comes to kids! Whether it's a fall at the playground or a bump during sports, dental emergencies in children are more common than you might think. Knowing how to respond can make all the difference in saving a tooth and reducing long-term damage. Here's a quick guide to help you stay prepared.

Common Dental Emergencies in Children

1. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsion)

Baby Tooth: Do not try to reinsert. Call your pediatric dentist for guidance.
Permanent Tooth: Rinse gently with water (do not scrub), place it in milk or the child’s saliva, and get to the dentist within 30 minutes.

2. Chipped or Broken Tooth

Rinse the mouth with warm water.
Save any broken pieces in milk.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Place a gauze to control bleeding

3. Toothache

Rinse with warm salt water.
Check for food stuck between teeth.
Avoid aspirin directly on gums—it can burn tissue.
Call your dentist for an exam.

4. Bitten Lip or Tongue

Clean the area gently.
Apply pressure with gauze to stop bleeding.
Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
If bleeding doesn’t stop or the wound is deep, seek medical care.

When to Call Your Pediatric Dentist Immediately

A knocked-out or severely broken permanent tooth
Signs of infection (fever, swelling, pus)
Difficulty eating, drinking, or speaking

Prevention Tips

Use mouth guards during sports.
Childproof your home to prevent falls.
Schedule regular dental check-ups for early detection of potential issues.

Blog #3

Fluoride and Your Child's Teeth: Why It Matters
Based on Recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)

Fluoride is one of the most important tools we have to prevent tooth decay in children. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), fluoride is a safe and effective way to reduce cavities and help children maintain healthy smiles from the very beginning.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and certain foods. It strengthens tooth enamel—the outer layer of teeth—making it more resistant to acids that cause decay.

The AAPD recommends fluoride use as part of a comprehensive approach to preventing dental caries (cavities), which remains one of the most common chronic childhood diseases.

How Does Fluoride Help?

Fluoride helps protect teeth in two key ways:

Remineralization: Fluoride can repair early stages of tooth decay by rebuilding weakened enamel before cavities form.
Cavity Prevention: It reduces the ability of bacteria in plaque to produce harmful acid that breaks down tooth enamel.

Fluoride benefits both baby (primary) teeth and permanent teeth, helping protect your child’s oral health throughout development.

Key Sources of Fluoride for Children

1. Fluoridated Tap Water

Community water fluoridation is a safe, proven method of reducing tooth decay. The AAPD, along with the CDC and ADA, strongly supports fluoridating public water supplies to the recommended level of 0.7 parts per million.
Children who drink fluoridated water have fewer cavities than those who do not.

2. Fluoride Toothpaste

As soon as the first tooth appears, brushing should begin using fluoride toothpaste.
For children under 3 years, use a tiny smear (about the size of a grain of rice).
For children ages 3–6, use a pea-sized amount.
Supervise brushing to ensure the correct amount of toothpaste and prevent swallowing.

3. Fluoride Varnish

Fluoride varnish is a concentrated fluoride coating applied to the teeth by dental professionals.
The AAPD recommends varnish applications every 3 to 6 months, starting when the first tooth erupts.
It’s safe for babies and very effective in reducing decay in children at higher risk.

4. Fluoride Supplements

If your family uses non-fluoridated water (like well water), your pediatric dentist may recommend fluoride drops or tablets. These are available by prescription and should only be used under professional guidance.

Is Fluoride Safe for My Child?

Yes—when used as recommended. The AAPD affirms the safety and benefits of fluoride. Mild dental fluorosis (small white spots on teeth) may occur if too much fluoride is ingested while teeth are developing, but it does not affect function or long-term health. Careful use of fluoride toothpaste and regular dental visits help prevent this.

What Parents Should Do

Start oral hygiene early: Begin brushing with fluoride toothpaste when the first tooth appears.
Ask your dentist about fluoride varnish and your community’s water source.
Supervise brushing through early childhood.
Visit the pediatric dentist by your child’s first birthday to create a personalized prevention plan.

A Small Mineral with a Big Impact

Fluoride is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your child’s teeth from cavities. By combining fluoridated water, proper brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and professional fluoride treatments, you’re setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

For more information, visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry at www.aapd.org.