Happy Healthcare Experiences for Kids

We are experts in providing high-quality, affordable dental care for kids in Los Angeles. A child’s first dentist visit should happen after their first tooth emerges or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Starting healthy oral care habits early in life prepares your child for the best oral and overall health.

During dental cleanings, we use special tools and skills to clear plaque away from the spots that are difficult to reach. We check for early signs of tooth decay to identify and treat any issues that arise before they become a problem. If your child is at an elevated risk for tooth decay, they can benefit from fluoride treatments and sealants that will protect and maintain the strength of their teeth.

Dental x-rays are important tools that dentists use to monitor oral development and check for any potential diseases or decay that can impact your child’s dental health. With dental x-rays, dentists can see areas of the teeth that are invisible during dental cleanings.

Your teeth need vitamins, and fluoride gives your teeth the protection they need to stay healthy! Fluoride is a natural mineral that protects teeth from decay and helps teeth stay strong. During regular dental visits, we use a tiny paintbrush to apply a concentrated fluoride varnish directly onto tooth/teeth surfaces that need protection. Fluoride treatments are an important part of healthy dental hygiene, and they are highly beneficial throughout a child’s life.

For toddlers and children, the most basic form of tooth decay is cavities. A cavity develops when a buildup of plaque eats at the tooth enamel and creates a hole in the tooth. Sometimes cavities are hard to prevent. Proper dental hygiene, a healthy diet, and biannual dental cleanings are the best defense against plaque buildup and cavities. When a cavity is detected, the dentist will remove the decay and fill in the hole with a filling.

Dental sealants protect teeth against harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. Even with excellent oral hygiene, the grooves on the tops of molars are vulnerable to collections of food and bacteria. Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection for the teeth, and they are an important part of oral care.

Dental crowns top a damaged tooth that needs to be restored to its correct size and shape. When a filling is not enough to restore a tooth that is decayed or compromised, dental crowns are necessary. It only takes a single appointment to apply a dental crown, and the visit does involve some form of anesthetic.

Sometimes teeth need to be extracted. If a tooth is extensively damaged or decayed it may need to be pulled out. Additionally, tooth extraction may be necessary if stubborn baby teeth need help coming out, or if room needs to be made in the mouth in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

With every dental visit and procedure, we want to minimize potential distress and keep kids calm and comfortable. To ease the process of specific dental procedures, we give kids dental sedation. Select locations provide dental sedation options, and a referral is required.

Sometimes teeth accidentally get chipped or broken during play. Thankfully, we have ways to fix them! If your child has a broken tooth, it is important that you contact your dentist immediately. At the emergency visit, the dentist will examine the child’s mouth. In specific circumstances, the tooth fragment can be reattached. If you are able to locate the chipped tooth fragment, put it in a bag with saline or water and bring it with you to the dentist’s office. If you can’t find the tooth fragment, there are additional ways to repair the tooth for a happy and healthy smile.

Good news for kids and families! Medi-Cal and most dental insurance plans cover two dental cleanings and checkups per year. Regular visits are important for maintaining oral health. Book an appointment with us for your child today!

We are your kid’s dentist Los Angeles!

Orthodontic braces are a powerful solution for correcting jaw alignment and teeth spacing. Beyond their primary purpose, braces offer a range of additional benefits. They can significantly boost your child or teen’s confidence and self-esteem, while also enhancing their overall oral health. Key benefits include:

– Improved chewing ability

– Reduction of speech impairments

– Easier brushing, cleaning, and flossing

– Lower risk of cavities and gum disease

– Decreased teeth grinding and chipping

– Reduced risk of injury from protruding teeth

The American Association of Orthodontists advises that every child should undergo a screening before the age of seven. By the time they turn seven, any potential issues such as jaw alignment problems, overcrowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, or other orthodontic concerns will likely be apparent. Early orthodontic evaluation is essential, as it allows for timely identification of these issues, helping to determine if braces are necessary and to select the most effective treatment plan.