Frequently Asked Questions

  • We follow the AAPD guideline to establish a dental home for children by the eruption of their first tooth or their first birthday, whichever comes first. We understand that it doesn’t always work out this way…but that’s the recommendation.

  • Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months. There are instances where more frequent visits are recommended for children at higher risk of cavities, those undergoing orthodontic treatment, patients with certain medical or developmental conditions, or kids who need extra support building healthy habits. We'll always let you know what schedule makes the most sense for your child.

  • Pediatric dentists have completed specialized training beyond dental school to care for children's unique needs — from managing anxiety to treating primary and permanent teeth differently. We understand child development, behavior, and communication in ways general dentists aren’t set up for. Our office is designed specifically for kids: the environment, our approach, even the way we explain things — it all makes a difference.

  • Baby teeth matter more than people think! They're not just placeholders. Baby teeth help your child chew properly, speak clearly, and guide the permanent teeth into their correct position later on. Untreated decay in baby teeth can lead to pain, infection, and even affect the development of adult teeth underneath. Taking care of baby teeth now sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

  • There’s a lot of buzz about airway right now. A tight tongue or lip tie can make it harder for the tongue to rest properly, which may contribute to mouth breathing or restless sleep for some kids. It doesn't always cause problems, and not every child needs treatment. If we spot signs during an exam — or if you've noticed mouth breathing or snoring at home — we'll talk it through with you and loop in other specialists if needed.

  • Stay calm — kids pick up on our energy. Save any tooth pieces if you can find them, and give us a call. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, rinse it gently (no scrubbing), place it back in the socket or store it in milk, and call us right away — time matters. For a baby tooth, we usually don't re-implant it, but still give us a call to have it checked. We always have a dentist on call, so don’t hesitate to reach us.

  • Yes! We have Spanish-speaking team members at both our Sebastopol and Windsor offices to help make sure every family feels comfortable and understood.

  • We know fluoride is a topic some parents feel strongly about, and we respect that every family makes this decision differently. Based on the research and guidance from pediatric dental organizations, we do recommend fluoride as a safe and effective way to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities when used appropriately for your child's age. That said, we're always happy to talk through your specific concerns, discuss the amount and type we use (if at all), and find an approach that feels right for your family.

  • Absolutely — parents and guardians are always welcome in the room. That said, some kids actually do better on their own, without a parent present, especially as they get more comfortable with our team.

  • We see patients from their very first tooth all the way through the teen years — and honestly, sometimes beyond. We build real relationships with our families, and it's not unusual for us to keep seeing patients through high school, and even home from college for summer or winter break. It's hard to let go of patients we've watched grow up!

  • Yes. We use digital X-rays, which involve very low levels of radiation. Even a full set of X-rays taken at a visit is generally comparable to, or less than, the radiation you'd get from a single airplane flight, or from spending a day outside in the sun. We only take X-rays when truly necessary to catch issues we can't see with a visual exam, like cavities between teeth, growth and development, or problems with developing adult teeth.

  • Baby bottle tooth decay happens when a baby's teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids — like milk, formula, or juice — especially during naps or overnight, when saliva flow slows down and sugars sit on the teeth longer. It most often shows up on the upper front teeth and can progress quickly. The good news: it's largely preventable with a few simple habits, like avoiding putting your baby to bed with a bottle and wiping gums or brushing teeth after feedings.

  • Not every child does — it really depends on how their teeth and jaw are developing. Common signs we look for include crowding, gaps, an uneven bite, or teeth erupting out of position. We keep an eye on this at every regular checkup, and since we see your child so consistently, we're often the first to catch something worth watching. If orthodontic care makes sense, we'll talk it through with you and make a referral to a trusted orthodontist when the time is right.