Lasting Smiles: Tips from Dubai’s Leading Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Rafif Tayara

With Halloween’s candy-filled nights upon us, it’s no surprise that we’re all thinking about the toll sweets can take on little teeth! So, who better to ask about keeping those young smiles healthy than Dr. Rafif Tayara, Dubai’s trusted pediatric dentist, award-winning author, and child health expert? As the go-to dentist for our own little ones here at Yaya Middle East, Dr. Rafif combines compassion with nearly two decades of expertise, bringing warmth and fun into every dental visit. Here, she shares her story, tips for stress-free dental visits, and myth-busting advice for keeping kids’ smiles strong through Halloween and beyond.

Marilena: Dr. Rafif, what first sparked your interest in becoming a pediatric dentist? How has your journey shaped the way you care for children?

Dr. Rafif Tayara: My passion for changing lives through pediatric dentistry was the driving force that sparked my interest in this field. It began with humble beginnings in Canada, where I faced numerous challenges. The first real spark came while treating children with special needs at a children’s hospital. That was a defining moment—seeing the positive impact of dental care on these kids inspired me to pursue this path wholeheartedly. Years later, I chose to settle my practice here in the UAE, where I’ve been for the past seven years.

This journey has taught me so much about perseverance and empathy. Working with families from diverse backgrounds, speaking multiple languages, and adapting to different medical perspectives have all helped me connect deeply with each child and family I see. And as a mother of three—including teenage twins and a toddler—I’ve reinvented myself over the years, both as a doctor and a parent. I relate to parents on a personal level, and that’s shaped the compassionate, personalized care I aim to provide to every child in my practice.

Marilena: Knowing that many children (and parents!) feel nervous about dental visits, how do you make the experience more relaxed and even a little fun?

Dr. Rafif Tayara: Dental visits can be daunting, so I aim to create an environment where kids feel safe and even enjoy themselves. We have an interactive waiting room with games, including one where kids count Ally the Alligator’s teeth, so by the time they see me, they’re already relaxed. Our sensory-friendly rooms are designed to captivate their imagination, making the visit feel like an adventure, and after nearly 19 years in the field, I’ve collected plenty of tricks to turn fear into excitement. Seeing kids actually look forward to their next visit is so rewarding.

Marilena: At what age do you recommend bringing kids in for their first visit? And what’s the value of starting so young?

Dr. Rafif Tayara: I suggest that parents bring their child in when the first tooth appears, typically between 6 and 12 months. This early visit helps us establish a comfortable ‘dental home’ and monitor their oral development. It’s also a great time for parents to ask questions and for us to catch any potential issues early on, which can lead to simpler, less invasive treatments in the future.

Marilena: That makes a lot of sense! I know there are a lot of myths out there about baby teeth. Could you share some of the common misconceptions and explain why early dental care is so important?

Dr. Rafif Tayara: One myth I hear often is that baby teeth don’t really matter since they’ll eventually fall out. Another is that it’s cute when babies sleep with their mouths open. In reality, dental problems can begin very early—almost half of preschool-aged children worldwide have cavities. Mouth breathing, for example, is one factor that leads to mislabeling children with ADD and causes crooked teeth. Early dental visits are essential because they allow us to prevent a wide range of health issues before they start. Cavities in young children can lead to bacterial infections, chronic pain, weight loss, poor overall health, lower academic performance, and low self-esteem. Healthy baby teeth are vital for chewing properly and building a confident smile, setting a strong foundation for lifelong oral health.

Marilena: It’s eye-opening to hear how early dental issues can impact a child’s health. Could you talk more about how oral health ties into a child’s overall well-being?

Dr. Rafif Tayara: Oral health is intrinsically linked to a child’s overall well-being. Cavities and other dental issues can cause chronic pain, bacterial infections, gut issues, and poor general health. These problems can lead to weight loss, lower academic performance due to discomfort or distraction, and low self-esteem from concerns about appearance. Healthy teeth are essential for proper nutrition, clear speech development, and fostering confidence in social interactions. Mouth breathing, for example, can affect the development of the face and jaws and can even lead to attention problems during the day.

Marilena: Speaking of health, I’ve noticed my own child sometimes breathes through their mouth at night. I’ve heard there can be a link between dental issues and sleep apnea in kids. What should parents look out for?

Dr. Rafif Tayara: Early and regular dental visits allow us to monitor the development of a child’s oral and facial structures and identify any abnormalities that could contribute to sleep issues. If parents notice signs like heavy snoring, mouth breathing, or restless sleep, it’s essential to bring these up during dental or medical appointments for further evaluation. Watching your child while they sleep can reveal a lot. For instance, checking if your child closes their lips while sleeping is a key element we look for. Another is observing if they can breathe exclusively through their nose for more than three minutes.

Marilena: Let’s talk about routines. What advice do you have for busy parents trying to build good dental habits for their kids?

Dr. Rafif Tayara: Parental involvement is crucial in establishing and maintaining good dental hygiene habits for children. Early examinations and preventive care help protect your child’s smile both now and in the future. For busy parents, integrating dental care into daily routines—like making brushing a part of the morning and bedtime schedule—can be very effective. Involving your child in choosing their toothbrush and toothpaste makes them an active participant, which can boost their enthusiasm for brushing. Regular dental visits and creating a positive association with dental care also encourage children to take an interest in their own oral health. Kids love to copy their parents, so why not brush together as a family?

Marilena: What about habits like thumb-sucking and pacifier use? Can they really affect a child’s dental development?

Dr. Rafif Tayara: Absolutely. Thumb-sucking and prolonged pacifier use can impact jaw and facial development by affecting the alignment of teeth and the shape of the jaw. I recommend using positive reinforcement strategies to help children break these habits. Praising them for not sucking their thumb or using a pacifier and giving gentle reminders throughout the day can make a big difference. Keeping it positive and encouraging helps them let go of these habits gradually and gently.

Marilena: One of our kids suffers from food allergies, so this topic is close to home. With the rise in allergies among children, have you seen any impact on their dental health? What can parents do to help?

Dr. Rafif Tayara: Children with allergies may often breathe more through their mouths due to nasal congestion, which can lead to dry mouth and increase the risk of cavities. I advise parents to make sure their children stay hydrated and keep up with regular dental check-ups to monitor and address any oral health issues early on. As a pediatric and airway dentist, I can usually detect these issues, and I work closely with specialists to ensure that allergies are fully assessed and treated in ways that won’t negatively impact jaw development.

Marilena: Let’s talk about diet. How do sugar-free and organic foods affect children’s dental health?

Dr. Rafif Tayara: There’s a misconception that sugar-free and organic foods are harmless to teeth. Sugar-free items can sometimes be acidic, which can wear down enamel, and organic foods still contain natural sugars. A balanced diet rich in whole foods like lean proteins and veggies, along with regular brushing, is the best approach to maintain strong, healthy teeth.

Marilena: We’ve talked about the importance of regular check-ups and good habits, but I know some parents worry about fluoride use. How do you reassure families about its role in kids’ dental care?

Dr. Rafif Tayara: Fluoride plays a significant role in preventing tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel. I understand that some parents have concerns, so I provide them with evidence-based information about the safe and effective use of fluoride in children’s dental care. Open communication helps reassure parents that fluoride treatments and fluoride-containing products, when used appropriately, are beneficial for their child’s oral health.

Marilena: It sounds like fluoride plays a powerful role in protecting children’s teeth. I’ve also heard about silver diamine fluoride as a treatment option. What are your thoughts on it as a non-invasive way to handle cavities?

Dr. Rafif Tayara: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a fantastic option, especially for young children or those who find traditional fillings challenging. It’s a great way to stop cavities early without invasive procedures, and it’s especially valuable in managing early childhood caries in areas with limited dental access.

Marilena: We all know how tough it is to keep our little ones’ attention in today’s digital age! With kids spending so much time on screens, have you noticed any dental health issues parents should be aware of?

Dr. Rafif Tayara: Absolutely. Extended screen time can sometimes lead to mouth breathing and poor posture, which in turn may contribute to dry mouth or even jaw strain. Encouraging regular breaks, outdoor play, and staying hydrated can really help with these effects. And, of course, regular dental check-ups allow us to catch any related oral health concerns early.

Marilena: It sounds like you’re constantly innovating and bringing something new to the field. So, what’s next for Dr. Rafif? Is there anything exciting on the horizon?

Dr. Rafif Tayara: I’m excited about launching my own brand soon, which will let me continue to integrate innovative approaches in pediatric dentistry. Staying at the cutting edge helps me give children the best possible care and results.

Marilena: Finally, your book, Danny and Sarah Go To Dr. Smile, is a wonderful way to help children learn about dental health. What inspired you to write it, and what do you hope kids take away from it?

Dr. Rafif Tayara: My book Danny and Sarah Go to Dr. Smile was inspired by the dental phobia I noticed in many children I saw in my practice. Often, this fear came from their parents’ own anxieties, which can easily transfer to kids. I wanted to create a tool for children to read before their dental visit, something to put them at ease without any negative influence. As a single mom to my twins, Danny and Sarah, for ten years, I saw how comfortable they were with dental visits, so I thought they would make perfect characters for the book. I made it available in both English and Arabic because I believe we need more health awareness in Arabic for families in our region.

Marilena: Your book sounds like such a thoughtful way to help kids feel comfortable with dental visits. How do you think stories like this can shift the way children and parents approach dental care?

Dr. Rafif Tayara: Stories have the power to transform perceptions by making complex subjects approachable. By presenting dental care through engaging narratives, we can alleviate fear and anxiety associated with dental visits. This approach encourages both children and parents to view oral health as a positive and integral part of overall well-being, fostering proactive and enthusiastic attitudes toward dental care.

As Halloween tempts kids with sugary delights, Dr. Rafif reminds us that building strong dental habits early on can make a big difference for our children’s lifelong well-being. From debunking myths about baby teeth to creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere for little patients, her insights empower parents to approach oral care with confidence and joy. Dr. Rafif’s passion for helping families shines through in everything she does, and she’s excited to keep sharing her expertise with the community. You can learn more about Dr. Rafif at through her website at rafiftayara.com – your family’s smiles are in expert hands!

For additional insights on nurturing children’s well-being, check out our blog post on expert sleep tips from Julie Mallon, founder of Nurture 2 Sleep.