If "Charlie's Angels" was a hit show when you were a kid, you probably grew up at a time when getting a few cavities now and then was just part of childhood.

How times have changed.

Today, half of all American school-age children have never had even one cavity in their permanent teeth, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).

Improved dental care, fluoride and advances such as sealants can give our kids an edge -- but only if we get them started on the right track.

Choosing Your Child's Dentist

Family dentists have traditionally taken care of the entire family's teeth. But pediatric dentists, who have two to three years of additional training in working with children (including child psychology and behavior management), are becoming increasingly popular with kids and their parents.

I'm not surprised: On my 2-year-old son's first visit to a pediatric dentist, he enjoyed a toy-filled waiting room, an exam room featuring a purple "Barney" dentist chair, Disney videos, grape-flavored dental floss and bubblegum-flavored toothpaste.

His biggest concern about visiting the dentist? "When can we come back, Mom?"

In addition to providing a less-intimidating environment for their pint-sized patients, pediatric dentists are trained to provide, when necessary, sedation for cavity filling and other procedures.

Pediatric dentists and family dentists charge roughly the same fees, according to the AAPD. However, pediatric dentists are more prevalent in major cities. Family dentists often are easier to locate, especially in smaller towns. "Also, most generalists don't want to see patients before age 3," notes Mark Smilack, D.D.S., a family dentist in Columbus, Ohio. After that age, however, "A good family dentist certainly has the experience to treat the entire family," he says.

Easing Dental Anxiety

Both the AAPD and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend a first dental visit by the first birthday. But some parents may be reluctant to bring their child to the dentist because they may have had a less-than-wonderful dental experience as a child.

"Young children can pick up on a parent's anxiety very easily," says Smilack, who recommends talking to your child about her first dental visit in positive, matter-of-fact tones. Also, never use a trip to the dentist as a threat when trying to get them to brush their teeth, Smilack stressed.

Knowing exactly what will happen during a dental visit can ease kids' -- and parents' -- fears, says Ruth Becker, D.D.S., M.S., a pediatric dentist in Torrance, Calif. Becker, known to her patients as "Dr. Ruth the Tooth", helps ease dental jitters by offering "tooth parties" for ages 2 through 7. Dressed in a tooth costume, Becker introduces kids to her dental-office friends, "Mr. Squirty" (the water/air syringe) and "Mr. Thirsty" (the straw-like device that removes saliva). She shows videos featuring tooth-brushing dinosaurs and takes giggling kids for a ride in her dental chairs. As parents see their kids enjoying themselves, it helps ease their own anxiety, Becker says, noting that many pediatric dentists offer such educational programs, either in their office or through local schools.

Preparing Your Child for a Trip to the Dentist

My son and I must have read "Barney Goes to the Dentist" at least 20 times before his first dental visit, at age 2. On the Big Day, he insisted on taking the book with him to the dentist's office and "instructing" her on what to do each step of the way, using the pictures in his book.

It's just that sense of control that gives young children a feeling of security in a new environment, says Janelle Holden, D.D.S., a pediatric dentist in Manhattan Beach, Calif. "Books familiarize the child with what a dental office looks like and what the dentist may do," she says. Holden also suggests that parents describe the upcoming dental visit in fun terms and explain to their child that the dentist will count his teeth and brush them with a special toothpaste to make them sparkle.

Mentioning the fun-flavored toothpaste and dental floss can't hurt either. Barney's favorite flavor? Grape, of course.