Pediatric Care

A Dentist Your Kids Will Actually Look Forward To Visiting

We know that’s a tall order. But at Silverlake Dental Group, we’ve built our pediatric experience around one goal: making sure your child’s first experiences with the dentist are calm, positive, and even fun — because kids who aren’t afraid of the dentist grow up to be adults who actually take care of their teeth.

Silver Lake is a neighborhood full of young families — and we love being the dental home for kids from Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Echo Park, Atwater Village, and Glassell Park.

Dr. Josh grew up in a family of dentists and is now raising a family of his own in the neighborhood. He treats every child who comes through our doors the way he’d want his own kids treated — with patience, kindness, and zero judgment.

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD FIRST SEE A DENTIST?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by age 1, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits aren’t about doing a lot of treatment — they’re about getting your child comfortable with the environment, checking that development is on track, and giving parents practical guidance on brushing, diet, and habits like pacifier use or thumb sucking.

Starting early makes every visit after that easier.

WHAT WE OFFER FOR KIDS

Pediatric Exams & Cleanings

Routine exams and cleanings are the foundation of your child’s dental health. At each visit we check for cavities, evaluate jaw and bite development, assess incoming permanent teeth, and clean away any buildup that brushing at home misses. We also talk through what we’re seeing in plain language so you leave knowing exactly where your child stands — and what, if anything, to watch for before the next visit.

We recommend cleanings every six months for most kids, though children who are cavity-prone or have other concerns may benefit from more frequent visits.

Dental X-Rays for Kids

X-rays let us see what’s happening between teeth and beneath the gumline — areas that are impossible to evaluate visually. We use digital X-rays, which emit significantly less radiation than traditional film and produce instant, high-resolution images we can show you and your child on screen right away.

For most children, we take X-rays once a year. Kids who are higher risk for cavities may need them more frequently. We never take X-rays unless they’re clinically necessary.

Fluoride & Fluoride-Free Mineralization Treatments

Fluoride is one of the most effective tools in preventing cavities — it strengthens enamel and helps remineralize early decay before it becomes a real problem. After each cleaning, we apply a quick fluoride treatment that takes just a minute and provides months of protection.

For families who prefer to avoid fluoride, we also offer fluoride-free hydroxyapatite mineralization treatments, which support enamel strength using a mineral that’s naturally found in teeth. Just let us know your preference and we’ll work with you.

Dental Sealants

Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back molars — the teeth most likely to develop cavities in kids. The grooves and pits on molars are notoriously hard to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush, and sealants seal those surfaces off from food and bacteria.

The application is quick, completely painless, and requires no drilling. Sealants are most commonly recommended when permanent molars first come in, typically between ages 6 and 12. Research consistently shows they reduce the risk of cavities in treated teeth by up to 80%.

Cavity Treatment & Fillings

If we find a cavity, we’ll explain exactly what we found, how significant it is, and what the options are. Small cavities in baby teeth are sometimes monitored rather than immediately filled — especially if the tooth will be lost soon anyway. When treatment is needed, we use tooth-colored composite fillings that blend naturally with the tooth and require less removal of healthy structure than older silver fillings.

We take our time with kids during filling appointments. If your child is nervous, we talk through every step before we do it, and we never rush.

Habit Counseling

Prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use past age 3, and mouth breathing can all affect how your child’s teeth and jaw develop. If we see signs of these habits influencing your child’s bite or tooth alignment, we’ll have an honest, judgment-free conversation about it and suggest practical strategies — and when to involve an orthodontist if needed.

Early Orthodontic Evaluation

We monitor jaw and bite development at every visit. If we spot signs that early orthodontic intervention could prevent bigger problems down the road — like significant crowding, crossbite, or an underbite — we’ll let you know and refer you to an orthodontist at the right time. Catching these issues early can mean simpler, shorter, and less expensive treatment later.

MAKING VISITS EASY FOR KIDS (AND PARENTS)

We know a lot of parents are as anxious about their kid’s dental visit as the kids are. Here’s what we do to make it easier:

Kid-friendly environment — Our office is relaxed and welcoming. We play your child’s favorite cartoons during their appointment to keep them comfortable and distracted.

We go at your child’s pace — We never rush a nervous child. If a child needs extra time to warm up, we take it. A good first experience is worth more than a fast one.

We explain everything — We use simple, non-scary language with kids so they understand what’s happening without feeling anxious about it. No surprises.

Parents are always welcome chairside — You’re never asked to wait in the lobby while your child is treated. You can be present for every step.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: SETTING YOUR CHILD UP FOR SUCCESS

Start brushing early — Begin cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft cloth even before teeth appear. Once teeth come in, use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.

Make it routine, not a battle — Brush together at the same time every morning and night. Let younger kids pick their toothbrush. Make it part of the rhythm of the day.

Watch what they drink — Juice, sports drinks, and flavored milk are among the biggest culprits for childhood cavities. Water is always the best between-meal drink. Milk is fine with meals.

Don’t skip the flossing — As soon as two teeth are touching, they need to be flossed. Cavities between teeth are extremely common in kids and can only be prevented with flossing.

Don’t pass on your dental anxiety — Kids pick up on everything. If you’re nervous about the dentist, try to keep that to yourself around your child. Framing dental visits as normal and no big deal goes a long way.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

At what age should my child start seeing a dentist? By age 1 or within six months of their first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. Early visits are short, low-key, and mostly about getting your child comfortable and checking development.

My child has only baby teeth — do cavities in baby teeth matter? Yes. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, help your child chew and speak properly, and can cause significant pain and infection if decay is left untreated. Untreated cavities in baby teeth can also affect the development of permanent teeth beneath them.

How often should my child come in for cleanings? Every six months for most children. Some kids who are more cavity-prone benefit from visits every three to four months.

My child is terrified of the dentist. Can you still help? Absolutely. We work with anxious kids every day. We go slowly, explain everything, and never force a child through a procedure before they’re ready. For children with significant dental anxiety or special needs, we can discuss additional comfort options.

Are dental X-rays safe for children? Yes. Our digital X-rays use a fraction of the radiation of traditional film X-rays and are well within safe limits for children. We also use lead aprons as an extra precaution and only take X-rays when they’re clinically necessary.

Do you see children with special needs? Yes. We welcome children of all abilities and work hard to make our office a comfortable, accommodating environment. Please let us know about your child’s specific needs when you call so we can prepare accordingly.

Silver Lake is a neighborhood full of young families — and we love being your family’s dentist. Call us at (323) 922-6016 to schedule your child’s first visit or next appointment. We can’t wait to meet them.