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FAQs

At what age should I bring my child for his or her first dental check-up?
It is recommended that your child see a dentist within six months of the eruption of baby's first tooth and no later than his or her first birthday.

What is a pediatric dentist?
Just as a pediatrician specializes in the unique health needs of children, a pediatric dentist has expertise in managing the dental needs of children. A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist that has undergone additional training beyond dental school (usually 2 to 3 additional years of training) and exclusively treats infants, children and teenagers.

Do children still get cavities?
Unfortunately dental care is one of the greatest overlooked health needs in children. By age two, 10 percent of children have dental decay, and by age three over 50 percent have decaying teeth. By the teenage years, 80 percent of these young adults have some beginning signs of gum disease and over eleven cavities. The good news is that cavities are preventable with good dental hygiene, diet and regular visits to the dentist. It is important to point out that dental disease is five times more common than Asthma.

Do cavities on baby teeth need to be fixed - won't they just fall out anyway?
The primary dentition (baby teeth) lay the foundation for healthy permanent or adult teeth. Cavities and infections associated with baby teeth can damage the permanent teeth and can contribute to bite problems if left untreated.

What makes Central Coast Pediatric Dental Group unique?
Going to the dentist for a child or teenager is often thought to be an unpleasant
experience. It does not have to be anymore. Our offices offer a colorful environment and lots of smiling faces. Open reception and treatment areas with lots of sunshine, music and video games' eliminate most fears and anxieties. Our caring staff put young people at ease. All procedures are explained thoroughly.

We encourage parents and young people to visit our offices for a look. Our parents are often surprised and pleased that their child or teenager looks upon us as friends as well as health professionals. Many actually look forward to their visits with us. The youngsters find comfort in seeing other young people just like them getting their teeth checked by the dentist. For the teens, our office has treatment areas specially designed for the teenager in mind with comfortable chairs, cool decorations and educational materials specially tailored for their needs.

Our convenient office hours and locations, our twenty-four hour answering service, our bilingual staff and our accommodation to your financial and insurance situations help make dental care available to all infants, children and teenagers.

What should I expect for my child's first dental visit?
After being introduced and meeting with the dental assistant and dentist a thorough examination of the mouth is done. Often at this first visit the child's teeth may be professionally cleaned, fluoride topically applied, and X-rays taken when necessary to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning. A personalized home dental care program is discussed including tooth brushing, dietary and fluoride recommendations and treatment explanation. As your child grows, we are also able to recognize the need for early treatment of bite problems if they occur.

Where are your offices located?
We have two offices conveniently located in Salinas, located in both North (633 East Alvin Drive) and South Salinas (945 Blanco Circle, Suite D), and one new office in Seaside (1717 Fremont Blvd.).

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DIPLOMATE OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY