Children’s Dentist – Fair Oaks, CA

Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings for Kids

Just like adults, kids need regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings at least twice a year. Every time you bring your little one into our dental office, Dr. Rivera will monitor their oral development. If any problems are present, she can arrange for them to be treated as quickly and conservatively as possible. Our team will also professionally clean their pearly whites and teach them (in kid-friendly ways, of course) the proper techniques for maintaining a healthy smile at home.

 

Dental Sealants

Compared to adults, children are generally more susceptible to cavities, particularly on the molars and premolars toward the back of the mouth. These teeth contain deep pits where food debris can get stuck, and their location can make them difficult for small hands to reach. To give primary teeth an extra boost of protection, we can paint a thin layer of composite resin over the chewing surfaces. This treatment, known as dental sealants, provides a barrier that can dramatically reduce the risk of decay for up to a decade.

 

Fluoride Treatments

You can often find fluoride in toothpaste and tap water, and children can especially benefit from regular exposure to this naturally occurring mineral. It can take a while for kids to fully master brushing and flossing, and fluoride helps their teeth grow stronger and more resistant to cavities. That’s why we’re happy to quickly and painlessly apply a highly concentrated fluoride gel to your child’s teeth after we’ve finished with their routine cleaning.

 

Athletic Mouthguards

Do you have a future star athlete at home? Instead of relying on an uncomfortable, one-size-fits-all mouthguard to protect their smile, it’s worth investing in a custom-made mouthguard from our dental office. Not only will it be more effective at minimizing damage from injury, but it will also be more comfortable, increasing the likelihood that your child will wear it during every game and practice. 

 

Frenectomies/Lip & Tongue-Tie Treatment

A lip or tongue-tie occurs when the small band of soft tissue that connects to a child’s lips or tongue limits their movement, usually by being too short or thick. These problems can be especially harmful to infants, as they create difficulties and discomfort for both the baby and mother during feeding. Fortunately, Dr. Rivera can resolve both lip and tongue-ties quickly and easily using a soft tissue laser. In just a few minutes, she can release the tissue, restoring your little one’s oral function while preventing other problems from arising down the road.