Frequently asked questions.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises that children see a dentist by the time their first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday. This early start helps in assessing any potential dental concerns and sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy oral habits.

After completing dental school, pediatric dentists undergo additional training focusing on the unique dental needs of infants, children, and adolescents. This specialized education covers areas such as child psychology, development, and specific dental problems that affect children, ensuring your child receives care that's tailored to their specific stage of growth.

The initial visit is generally brief and focuses on familiarizing your child with our dental office. It typically includes an examination of your child's teeth, gums, and jaw, to identify any early issues. If needed, a gentle cleaning might be done. This visit is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about your child's oral health and learn about dental care at home.

A positive outlook from parents greatly influences a child's perception of the dentist. We recommend talking about the dentist in an upbeat manner, showing them pictures of the office and staff, and explaining the importance of healthy teeth and gums. Our team is experienced in making children feel safe and comfortable during their visit.

For most children, we recommend a dental check-up every six months. However, we might suggest more frequent visits depending on your child's oral health needs.

Though temporary, baby teeth play crucial roles in speech development, nutrition, and holding space for permanent teeth. Healthy baby teeth lay the groundwork for a healthy set of permanent teeth in the future.

Before the first tooth erupts, clean your baby's gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. Once teeth appear, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoridated toothpaste to clean their teeth twice a day.

You can introduce a rice grain-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste once your child's first tooth appears. Encourage spitting out toothpaste after brushing to minimize fluoride ingestion, which can lead to dental fluorosis.

Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth metabolize sugars from food, producing acids that erode tooth enamel. Regular brushing, flossing, and limiting sugary snacks can help prevent cavities.

Good oral hygiene practices, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits are key. Consider discussing fluoride treatments or dental sealants with us to provide extra protection against decay.

Dental sealants provide a protective coating over the grooved and harder-to-clean surfaces of the back teeth, reducing the risk of cavities. They are especially recommended for children prone to tooth decay.

A custom-fitted mouthguard is an excellent investment for children involved in any form of sports, protecting against tooth damage, and injuries to the mouth and jaw.

Thumb sucking is normal in infants and young children. Most children stop on their own by age four. If the habit persists beyond the eruption of permanent teeth, or if it's aggressive, we can offer solutions.

We typically recommend the first set of X-rays around ages two to three to monitor your child's oral development. Afterward, yearly X-rays are advised to track the growth of permanent teeth and identify any hidden dental issues early.

Yes. We are in-network with several major PPO plans and accept most other PPOs out-of-network. We are happy to verify your benefits before the visit and submit claims on your behalf.

We offer a full range: behavior guidance and nitrous oxide for most kids, oral conscious sedation for older toddlers, IV sedation in our office, and hospital-based general anesthesia at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital for the most complex cases.

Yes. We have built our practice to serve children with a wide range of physical, sensory, and medical needs, including longer appointments, sensory accommodations, and the full range of sedation options.

For a permanent tooth: pick it up by the crown (not the root), gently rinse with milk if dirty, place it in milk or saliva (not water), and call us right away. Time matters. For a baby tooth, do not reinsert; call us and we will see your child as soon as possible.

Yes. We use a soft-tissue dental laser for frenectomies in infants, children, and teens, and coordinate with lactation consultants and speech specialists for a complete plan.

Yes. Our in-house Membership Plan provides annual preventive care at a transparent price, plus a flat discount on additional treatment. See the Membership Plan page for details.