Family Dentistry / Children's Dentistry
Children's Dentist in Irvine
Gentle checkups, cleanings and cavity prevention for kids from about age 3, in the same office as the rest of the family, so you can book visits back to back.
- Whole familyparents and kids seen in one office
- Open until 7 PMon Mondays and Thursdays, after school
- Most PPO plansincluding Delta Dental
- Since 2008caring for Irvine families
What happens at a child's checkup
We keep visits short, calm and positive, and we explain each step in words kids understand.
Kids' visits at a glance
- Ages: children from about age 3, plus teens
- Checkups: usually every 6 months
- Includes: exam, gentle cleaning, and fluoride when recommended
- Prevention: sealants and custom sports mouth guards
- Languages: English, Farsi, Tagalog, and Arabic
Say hello
We let your child sit in the chair, see the tools and ask questions before we start. Younger kids can sit with a parent nearby.
Look and count
The dentist checks each tooth, the gums and the bite, and watches how new teeth are coming in.
Gentle cleaning
Plaque and stains are polished away, and fluoride is applied when it is recommended to help strengthen the enamel.
X-rays only when needed
We take digital X-rays only when they will help, such as checking between back teeth that touch.
Tips for home
We show you and your child how to brush and floss, and answer your questions about snacks, thumb-sucking and more.
Keeping kids' teeth healthy
Most cavities in children can be prevented. These are the services and habits that help the most.
Regular checkups
A visit every six months catches small problems early, when they are easy to fix. Learn more about cleanings and exams.
Sealants
A thin coating on the chewing surfaces of back teeth keeps food and bacteria out of deep grooves. Dental sealants
Fluoride
Fluoride toothpaste at home, and fluoride at checkups when recommended, help make enamel stronger.
Sports mouth guards
A custom guard protects young athletes' teeth during practice and games. Sports mouth guards
Tooth-colored fillings
If a cavity does form, we repair it with a natural-looking composite filling.
Smart snacking
Fewer sugary drinks and sticky snacks between meals means fewer cavities. Water is the best drink between meals.
Helping your child feel at ease
Keep it positive. Talk about the visit in a simple, cheerful way. Avoid words like "hurt" or "shot".
Practice at home. Play "dentist" by counting each other's teeth with a toothbrush.
Pick a good time. Book when your child is usually rested and fed. Our evening hours on Mondays and Thursdays make after-school visits easier.
Bring a comfort item. A favorite toy or blanket can help younger kids relax.
Book together. Many families schedule a parent's visit right before or after a child's, so the child can see that it's no big deal.
Read more in our guide to your child's first dental visit.
When to bring your child in
Children's dental groups recommend a first dental visit by the first birthday. Our office sees children from about age 3. If your child is younger, call us and we can talk through the best next step.
After the first visit, most children should have a checkup every six months. Call us sooner if you notice a dark spot on a tooth, swelling, a toothache, or a tooth that was chipped or knocked loose. For an injury, see our emergency dental care page.
Cost and insurance
Most PPO dental plans, including Delta Dental, cover children's checkups, cleanings and X-rays as preventive care, and many also cover sealants and fluoride. We check your benefits before the visit. Insurance and payment options
Questions from parents
What age do you start seeing children?
We see children from about age 3, as well as teens, adults and seniors. If your child is younger than 3, call us and we can talk through the best next step.
How often should my child see the dentist?
Most children should have a checkup and cleaning every six months. Your dentist may suggest a different schedule based on your child's teeth.
Do baby teeth really matter?
Yes. Baby teeth help children chew, speak and smile, and they hold space for the adult teeth. A cavity in a baby tooth can cause pain and infection.
Are dental X-rays safe for kids?
Yes. Digital X-rays use a very small amount of radiation, and we take them only when they are needed to check for problems we can't see.
Can I book my child's visit with mine?
Yes. Sand Canyon Dental sees children and adults in the same office, so families can often book visits back to back.
Does insurance cover my child's checkups?
Most PPO plans, including Delta Dental, cover children's checkups, cleanings and X-rays as preventive care. Sand Canyon Dental in Irvine checks your benefits before the visit.
Book your child's next checkup
Schedule online or call us. Ask about booking the whole family at the same time.
Sand Canyon Dental
16100 Sand Canyon Ave, Suite 270
Irvine, CA 92618
Mon and Thu 8 AM to 7 PM
Tue, Wed, and Fri 8 AM to 5 PM