Pediatric Dentist In Valencia, CA

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children visit a pediatric dentist as soon as teeth start to emerge to help ensure they have a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. The AAPD also states that parents should take their children for a dental exam by the age of one, so if there are any problems they can be caught early on and treated. We recommend bringING them in for regular check-ups every six scheduling after their initial appointment with Dr. Kim or Dr. Mulcahey.

Nowadays, we have a thorough understanding of just how important it is for them to have a healthy smile. By keeping up with regular dental checkups at the pediatric dentist, Dr. Kim or Dr. Mulcahey will be able to catch common dental issues and help treat or prevent them before they become a problem. Some common dental issues children can have include tooth decay and cavities, teething, thumb-sucking, pacifiers, gum disease, bad breath and canker sores.

Dental sealants are a thin, plastic film that is painted on the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. Sealants create a barrier, protecting the tooth from plaque and bacteria. Sealants make it so a tooth is much less likely to suffer from decay or develop a cavity, causing pain and requiring more expensive dental treatment later on. Studies show that children without sealants are three times more likely to have cavities than those with dental sealants.

Your child’s dentist is often the first one to notice things in your child’s mouth that may be contributing to sleeping problems. Dentists play a key role in early intervention of sleep disorders by understanding how the structures of the jaw and mouth can also lead to sleep-disordered breathing in children. By evaluating your child’s upper airway and breathing patterns, Dr. Kim or  Dr. Mulcahey can determine your child’s risk and make a referral for a proper diagnosis if necessary.

We understand that many children are fearful about going to see the dentist. We want to keep your child as comfortable and happy as possible, whether they’re coming in for a routine checkup or having decay removed, sedation dentistry may help alleviate some fears in children and help make going to the dentist a more positive experience. Sedation dentistry is a service that our pediatric dentist offers that uses special medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. Sometimes it is referred to as sleep dentistry, although most patients are not actually asleep during the procedure.

Space maintainers, commonly called spacers, are custom-made devices designed to fill any gaps in your teeth. They are most typically used for children who have lost baby teeth prematurely, due to accidents or decay to keep their teeth from shifting into undesirable positions. With metal and plastic options available, space maintainers can be fixed or removable. Dr. Kim or Dr. Mulcahey will recommend the best option for your child to help them develop the best bite possible and possibly avoid the need for orthodontic treatment later on. 

Mouthguards are dental devices that cover the upper teeth to protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining from trauma caused by teeth grinding or sports injuries. If your child plays sports, mouthguards are an important part of their dental care. Not only do they protect teeth from injury, but they can also help prevent concussions. In fact, mouthguards are so important that many schools now require them for all athletes.

Fluoride plays an important role in keeping your child’s teeth strong and helping prevent cavities. Dr. Kim and Dr. Mulcahey recommend brushing with fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water when available. If your child does not get enough fluoride from these sources or has a higher risk of cavities, a professional fluoride treatment may provide additional protection. These quick treatments help strengthen tooth enamel and support your child’s healthy smile.

Fluoride plays an important role in keeping your child’s teeth strong and helping prevent cavities. Dr. Kim and Dr. Mulcahey recommend brushing with fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water when available. If your child does not get enough fluoride from these sources or has a higher risk of cavities, a professional fluoride treatment may provide additional protection. These quick treatments help strengthen tooth enamel and support your child’s healthy smile.