A Holistic Approach to Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Rafif Tayara, a Pediatric Dentist and Oral Health Speaker with extensive experience, is passionate about promoting oral health education and actively raising awareness in the community. Based in Dubai, she offers functional and integrative oral health care and early corrective orthodontics, focusing on the whole-body health and well-being of babies and children. To help children feel comfortable during their first dental visit, Dr. Tayara authored a children’s book titled Danny and Sarah Go to Dr. Smile. This book serves as a valuable resource for parents to prepare their children for a positive dental experience. It is a great tool to eradicate dental phobia, often transferred from parents to children.
Could you share your journey into pediatric dentistry? What inspired you to specialize in this field?
I had an amazing pediatric dentist during my childhood in Canada, which made visiting the dentist a fun and positive memory for me. Growing up, my mother always saw a future for me in the medical field, though she wasn’t sure why. She recognized in me qualities such as calmness, observation skills, curiosity, and strong communication abilities—traits she felt were well-suited for a career in healthcare. She even registered me for the Dental School qualifying exam, and I was selected.
My journey into dentistry began there, but my passion for pediatric dentistry truly blossomed when I observed a pediatric dentist treating sick children at one of the largest children’s hospitals in Canada. At that moment, I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue.
What is your philosophy when it comes to treating children? How do you create a comfortable and welcoming environment for young patients?
I believe in treating the whole child, not just their mouth or teeth. My philosophy involves understanding the child’s overall lifestyle, habits, health status, breathing and dietary patterns, and their family and social life. This comprehensive approach allows me to address the root cause of any oral and facial issues.
Our clinic is designed to be a place where children feel at ease. The environment is colorful, engaging, and fun, with movies, music, games, books, and even pleasant scents contributing to a positive experience. My little patients become my little friends, and we work to create a “dental home” for them. It’s all about engaging their senses and building a long-term positive relationship so that they always look forward to visiting the dentist.
Can you discuss your approach to handling dental anxiety in children?
Dental phobia in children often has a root cause; it often starts with adults—parents and caregivers—who may have had negative experiences themselves. Many parents unknowingly transfer this anxiety to their children by using phrases like, “Behave, or I will take you to the dentist,” or “Brush your teeth, or the dentist will remove them.” These statements create fear and perpetuate a cycle of dental anxiety.
One of the most effective ways to prevent or reduce dental anxiety is to start dental visits early—ideally when the first tooth appears. This initial visit sets the foundation for a healthy and happy smile. To help with this, I’ve published a children’s book called Danny and Sarah Go to Dr. Smile, which parents can read to their children to prepare them for their first trip to the dentist.
You’re one of the first Invisalign First providers in the Middle East. Can you elaborate on the importance of early orthodontic intervention?
Early orthodontic intervention is at the core of my daily practice. It’s essential to detect growth issues early—issues that sometimes even their doctors might not notice—and intervene to guide healthy development.
For example, parents often think it’s cute when a child sleeps with their mouth open or snores, but these can be signs of underlying issues, as an airway obstruction or an iron deficiency. Early detection allows us to address these problems, such as by improving tongue posture or referring the child to an ENT specialist. Sometimes, we may need to expand the child’s jaws to improve breathing, growth, and mental health. Children who breathe through their mouths often struggle with fatigue, dark circles under their eyes, and difficulty concentrating, sometimes leading to a misdiagnosis of ADHD. Early orthodontic correction can lead to healthier growth, better sleep quality, and happier, more focused individuals in the long run.
What key oral health messages do you hope children will take away from your book?
The key messages I hope to convey through my book are:
- The dentist is fun!
- My smile is the gateway to my body and my door to the world.
- Smiling with healthy teeth makes me happy!
When should parents start taking care of their baby’s oral hygiene?
Women should get their mouth and teeth checked before planning for pregnancy, as oral health issues in a pregnant woman may lead to a miscarriage and pre-term birth. When the baby is born, oral hygiene starts before the first tooth appears by daily cleaning the baby’s mouth, gums, and inner cheeks with a clean, wet wipe or gauze. When the first few teeth come in, switch to a baby toothbrush with a smear of toothpaste and brush your baby’s teeth daily. This practice not only keeps the mouth clean but also establishes a habit that will last a lifetime.
Can you discuss the different types of orthodontic treatments available for children?
In my practice, we offer early interceptive orthodontics when necessary to correct issues with the jaws, bite, or spacing between teeth. We also offer clear aligners, which are a great option for children who haven’t yet lost all their baby teeth but need early correction. These aligners are increasingly popular among teenagers due to their aesthetic appeal and are particularly beneficial for those with poor oral hygiene. We also provide fixed braces for teenagers who prefer traditional metallic braces. Depending on the child’s needs, we may use removable appliances, clear aligners, fixed expanders, habit-breaking appliances, or brackets. Early intervention is key, as treating issues early allows the jaws to grow optimally and boosts the child’s self-confidence.
Dr. Tayara’s holistic and child-centered approach to pediatric dentistry ensures that her patients not only receive the best care but also develop a positive relationship with dental health that lasts a lifetime. Her expertise in early orthodontic intervention further supports the healthy growth and well-being of her young patients.
