Business Details
About
Pediatric DentistryDentist
Dr. Toothfairy is a pediatric dentistry for children of all ages and abilities in Falls Church, Virginia. Dr. Lara Saleh is an expert pediatric dentist who is also friendly, fun and loves kids. Book an appointment online or call during office hours to schedule your child's first dental visit.
Details
- RestroomAvailable
- Wheelchair accessible restroomAvailable
Location
Hours
Reviews
5.0
350 reviews
5 stars
348
4 stars0
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star2
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Child-Friendly Environment
The office is designed to be welcoming and engaging for children, featuring toys, games, and a fun atmosphere that helps ease anxiety.
Compassionate Care
Dr. Lara and her staff are consistently described as patient, kind, and attentive, making children feel comfortable during their visits.
Positive First Experiences
Many parents noted that their children's first dental visits were enjoyable and stress-free, thanks to the thoughtful approach of the staff.
Thorough Communication
Parents appreciated the detailed explanations and educational tips provided by Dr. Lara regarding their children's dental health.
Professionalism and Efficiency
The staff is noted for being well-trained, efficient, and capable of handling children with dental anxiety effectively.
- BRBeverly de los Reyes1 day ago5.0Dr. Lara is a Tooth Fairy indeed! She provides personalized care in a clean & child-friendly environment. She is incredibly gentle. I’m surprised how she made my baby cooperate on her very first dental check-up without crying or anxiety!
- SKStephanie Keller1 day ago5.0Very patient with my first timer who was quite anxious. Glad that my pediatrician recommended them to us.
- EDErin Deihl2 days ago5.0The access for our urgent appointment was perfect (next day, prior to the start of school). The recommendations were reassuring. I appreciated the information, education and advice beyond her interventions.
- MKMeghann Klein3 days ago5.0Dr. Lara and her team were professional, knowledgeable, and kind. From scheduling, to insurance, to the visit itself, everything was as expected. The office has easy parking, and is well suited for kids of all ages with toys and a nicely decorated space. We learned a lot and best of all, they were extra delicate with our little one, who was in for a first visit. Thank you!
- GLGisset LaverdeDec 18, 20255.0This might be a long one- in the most positive way! Our little angel had an awful fall involving so much blood and a chipped front baby tooth. Frantically both her dad and I called the ER they said what we truly needed was to talk to an after hrs dentristy. We made about 20 calls and only 2 places responded via text. Next thing you know our phone rings and it is Dr. Lara herself ready to FaceTime or guide us over the phone - mind you never ever being an established patient of hers in the past. THIS level of humanity and wonderful disposition - literally gave us our soul back into our body lol not to mention the confidence we were doing everything to help our little. She realized the bleed stopped RIGHT away - that there was no concussion signs and that Noah was calm and just shook up within the same 10 mins of falling. It just looked chaotic - never the less Dr. Lara saw us the day after and we were even MORE impressed with the OUTSTANDING care provided while in person. To any parent looking for the most amazing first time dental experience for their little ones … look no further. This place has SUCH attention to detail I was in shock how many aspects of child relaxation they curated for those uneasy first visits / how thoughtfully prepared their office draws children IN helping them forget they are at a dentist appointment. I will include some pictures of some of the most beautiful corners in her office and still I did not photograph them all. And front desk - wow they were so concerned with Noah’s safety it felt like talking to family and for some of us a RAY OF LIGHT in such a dark moment watching our kiddos get hurt. I wish Dr. Lara could see ME! She was so knowledgeable and patient and a GODSEND!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr Toothfairy
When should I schedule my child’s first visit to the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children be seen by six months after their first tooth erupts or at one year of age, whichever comes first.
What’s the difference between pediatric dentists and other dentists?
Pediatric dentists receive years of additional specialized training after completing dental school. During training (2-3 years), your doctor gains extensive knowledge and experience in treating infants, children, and adolescents. Like Dr. Saleh, most Pediatric dentists have a passion for working with children and bring to each patient their expertise and love. We strive to hire staff that shares our love for kids. Our office provides a friendly and comfortable environment for children of all ages and abilities. Schedule an appointment today.
What happens during my child’s first visit to the dentist?
The first visit is usually simple yet super important. We open our “home” to your family and make it your child’s dental home. The doctor will check your child’s teeth, position, and health, and will look for any potential problems with the gums and jaw. We will do a cleaning (manual or motorized toothbrushing) if necessary. We will also answer any questions you have about how to care for your child’s teeth as they develop. Schedule an appointment today.
How do I clean my baby's teeth?
We recommend you clean the gums after feedings with a damp, soft washcloth before teeth erupt. As soon as the first tooth comes in, you can use a soft bristles toothbrush with the smallest head.
What causes cavities?
Certain types of bacteria live in our mouths and produce acid when they encounter starchy and sugary foods. These acids attack the outer layer of teeth, and as they progress, they create holes/cavities in the teeth. Learn about our preventative pediatric dentistry services.
How can I protect my child's teeth during contact sports?
Mouthguards are recommended for children active in sports. Ask us about having a custom-fitted mouthguard made to protect the soft(gums/lips) and hard tissues (teeth/bone). Read more about how to Protect Your Child’s Teeth with a Sports Mouthguard
How can I prepare my child for their first dental appointment?
You can show your child pleasant imagery about the pediatric dentist/dental visit or read an age-appropriate book to help introduce your child to the dentist and upcoming dental visit. The best preparation for your child’s first visit to our office is maintaining a positive attitude. Children pick up on adults’ apprehensions. Your pediatric dentist is trained to handle fearful and apprehensive little ones, and our staff excels at calming and soothing them.
How often should we see the dentist?
The AAPD recommends seeing the pediatric dentist every six months to a year, depending on the child’s caries risk. We may recommend more frequent visits, depending on your child’s general and dental health. Schedule an appointment today.
Baby teeth will fall out. Why do they matter?
Baby teeth play an important role in the development of children (speaking, smiling, and chewing properly). They also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth. If a child loses a tooth too early (due to trauma of cavities), nearby teeth may shift to the empty space and cause a change in the normal eruption pattern of permanent teeth. Most importantly, any infection in the mouth can travel from a child’s tooth through the bloodstream to the child’s system and cause catastrophic outcomes.
How much toothpaste should be when brushing teeth?
Once your child has his or her first tooth, you can start using toothpaste. Depending on your child’s caries risk (assessed by your child's pediatric dentist at the first visit), we will recommend fluoridated or non-fluoridated toothpaste. Use only a tiny amount of fluoridated toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) for each cleaning. Have your child spit out the excess toothpaste. Help your child brush until they develop the manual dexterity to do it themselves.
What protects from getting cavities?
The short answer is a healthy diet, brushing and flossing, and seeing the pediatric dentist regularly. Avoid sugary/ starchy foods and drinks, limit snacking, and maintain a healthy diet. Fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen weak spots in teeth. Brushing helps remove and flush away food remnants that get stuck in the teeth. Floss can reach spots between the teeth that brushing can’t. Check with your pediatric dentist about a fluoride supplement that helps tooth enamel become harder and more resistant to decay. And finally, make regular appointments so that we can check the health of your child’s teeth, provide professional cleanings, and evaluate the indications for sealants and other protective measures. Schedule an appointment today.
When should my child have dental x-rays taken?
Around age six. X-rays (dental imaging) help us see between the teeth and areas in the mouth and face that aren’t visible to the naked eye. They also help us make sure your child’s teeth and jaw are healthy and properly aligned. We do our best to minimize exposure for every child and only take the necessary radiographs to diagnose and treat.
When should I schedule my child's first dental visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a visit by six months after the first tooth erupts or by one year of age, whichever comes first.
What distinguishes a pediatric dentist from other dentists?
Pediatric dentists undergo an additional 2-3 years of specialized training focused on infants, children, and adolescents, providing expert and child-friendly care.
What happens during my child's first dental appointment?
It's a simple but important visit where the dentist checks teeth, gums, and jaw health, may perform cleaning, and answers your questions about oral care.
How can I protect my child's teeth during sports?
Custom-fitted mouthguards can protect teeth and soft tissues during contact sports; ask the office about them.
How often should my child visit Dr. Toothfairy?
Visits are recommended every six months to a year based on caries risk; more frequent visits may be advised depending on dental health.
What services does Dr. Toothfairy offer?
Services include Preventative, Restorative, Emergency, Sedation, Non-Traditional, and Special Needs Pediatric Dentistry.
What languages are spoken at Dr. Toothfairy?
The office provides care in English, French, Arabic, and Spanish.
What are Dr. Toothfairy's office hours?
Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM; Wednesday from 12 PM to 6 PM; Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM; closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Which nearby eateries can I visit before or after my appointment?
Nearby options include Lebanese Butcher & Restaurant, Casa Mariachi, Caribbean Plate, The Johnsons Cafe, Takumi, and Smashburger, great for diverse meals.
What nearby shops and services can I visit around Dr. Toothfairy?
You can find Edible Arrangements for gifts, 7-Eleven for convenience items, Metro by T-Mobile for mobile services, and the Shops at Southgate for shopping nearby.