in Fremont, Tracy & San Leandro, CA
Where Healthy Smiles Begin
Taking a child to a new dental office isn’t usually high on a parent’s fun list. It’s normal to worry. Will there be tears? Will they sit still? Are we going to get lectured if we missed a night of flossing?
We want you to know right now: There’s no judgment here, only support.
At Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we know that protecting your child’s oral health is a journey, and we aren’t here to make it harder. Whether you visit us in Fremont, San Leandro, or Tracy, CA, our goal is to offer a true supportive environment—a place where kids feel safe, and parents can exhale. Pediatric dentistry shouldn’t be scary. We’re dedicated to leading with compassion and patience, helping everyone from toddlers to teens build a healthy smile without the stress. We’re here for the bright smiles, but we’re here for the nervous moments, too.
What Is Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry is the dental specialty dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. Just as you take your child to a pediatrician for their medical needs, a pediatric dentist is specially trained to handle the unique behavioral and physical growth of young teeth and jaws. To become a specialist, a dentist completes two to three additional years of rigorous training after dental school, focusing on child psychology, growth and development, and the care of patients with special needs.
When you choose a board-certified pediatric dentist, you are choosing a provider who has demonstrated the highest level of expertise and clinical excellence through voluntary exams and continuous learning. At Just Kids, our doctors are experts at communicating with kids on their level, using “tell-show-do” techniques to explain procedures without fear. Our office is trained to accommodate smaller mouths and shorter attention spans, ensuring that every patient receives quality dental care in a way that makes them feel welcome and safe.
Benefits of Pediatric Dentistry
Choosing a specialized pediatric dental practice offers a better, more tailored experience for your kids than a general dentist. We focus entirely on the specific developmental stages of childhood. Here are a few reasons why families in San Leandro, Tracy, and Fremont choose us.
- Prevention First: We emphasize preventive care to stop problems before they start, saving parents time, money, and stress in the long run.
- Positive Association: By making the dental visit fun and engaging, we help kids develop a positive attitude toward oral health that sets the stage for the rest of their lives.
- Specialized Expertise: Board-certified pediatric dentists are trained to identify subtle developmental issues that a general provider might miss.
- Behavior Guidance: We are experts at managing anxiety and wiggles, helping even the most nervous child feel at ease.
- Emergency Readiness: We are fully equipped to handle dental emergencies, from knocked-out teeth to severe toothaches, providing urgent yet compassionate treatment when you need it most.
Pediatric Dentistry Candidates
Every child is a good candidate for pediatric dentistry! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you establish a preferred dentist by age one or when the first tooth erupts. Our services are tailored to every stage of development.
- Infants and Toddlers: For our youngest patients, the focus is on early detection and parent education. We check for lip ties, monitor eruption patterns, and discuss healthy habits like bottle usage.
- School-Aged Kids: As kids grow and become more independent, we shift our focus to proper oral hygiene techniques and preventing sports injuries.
- Teens: We continue to see teens to monitor the arrival of wisdom teeth, discuss orthodontic needs, and reinforce the importance of hygiene during the busy high school years.
- Special Needs Patients: We are proudly committed to serving children with physical, intellectual, or behavioral disabilities. Our compassionate team adapts the appointment to meet their unique needs, ensuring a dignified and comfortable experience.
What Issues Does It Address?
Pediatric dentistry addresses a wide spectrum of oral health concerns. The most common issue we treat is tooth decay. Cavities in baby teeth are not just minor problems; if left untreated, they can cause pain, infection, and damage to the developing permanent teeth underneath. We provide comprehensive care to restore these teeth using fillings or crowns when necessary.
Beyond decay, we monitor growth and development. We look for early signs of orthodontic issues, such as crowding or bite misalignment. We also manage gum health. While gum disease is more common in adults, kids can experience gingivitis if plaque isn’t managed. Furthermore, we address habits like thumb sucking or pacifier use that can alter the shape of the jaw. In our San Leandro and Fremont, CA, locations, we also treat frequent dental emergencies, providing rapid relief for chipped or traumatized teeth resulting from playground accidents or sports injuries.
Why We Often Suggest Pediatric Dentistry Now
You might wonder why we suggest bringing a baby to the dentist before they even have a full set of teeth. Many parents assume they should wait until school age, but early intervention is key. By starting dental care early, we can prevent “nursing bottle decay” and spot developmental concerns when they are easiest to fix.
Letting your child establish a relationship with a pediatric dentist early builds a foundation of trust. If a child only visits the dentist when they are in pain, they learn to associate the dental office with discomfort. Bringing them in for “happy visits” when they are healthy can create a positive experience that makes future appointments much smoother. Families who prioritize early preventive care often find their children have fewer cavities and less anxiety about healthcare in general. It sets the stage for a lifetime of bright smiles.
Consultation and Preparation
We have designed a welcoming environment that feels more like a play zone than a clinic to make sure your child’s appointment is as comfortable as possible. In our San Leandro and Fremont offices, you will find colorful decor and friendly faces dedicated to making your child smile.
As your child prepares for their first appointment, we encourage parents to speak positively about the dentist. You might tell your son or daughter that we are going to count their teeth and show them how to keep them shiny. We recommend avoiding using words like “shots,” “hurt,” or “drill,” as these can create unnecessary fear. When you arrive, our team will greet you warmly. We review your child’s medical history and discuss any concerns you have. Our goal is to make the process transparent and low-stress for the parents and the patient.
The Checkup
The routine checkup is the heartbeat of pediatric dental care. We strive to make this appointment gentle and interactive. We often start with a “Tell-Show-Do” approach: we tell the child what we are going to do, show them the tool on their finger or a stuffed animal, and then do the procedure.
The dental visit typically includes a thorough examination of the teeth, gums, jaw, and oral tissues. The pediatric dentist counts the teeth and checks for any “sugar bugs” (cavities). We do a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing might miss. We may apply topical fluoride to strengthen the enamel and make it more resistant to decay. If necessary, we take digital X-rays to see what is happening between the teeth and under the gum line. Throughout the cleaning, our team chats with the child, keeping the atmosphere light and fun. We want them to leave feeling proud of their healthy smile.
Types of Pediatric Dental Services
Pediatric dentistry encompasses a variety of services tailored to fix problems and protect teeth. At Just Kids, we customize every treatment plan to each child.
Preventive Care
This is our primary focus. Preventive care includes exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the tops of the back teeth, where cavities are most likely to show up. They act as a shield against food and bacteria.
Restorative Dentistry
If a child does have a cavity, we offer gentle restorative options. We use tooth-colored fillings to repair small areas of decay, blending seamlessly with the natural tooth. For more extensive damage, we may recommend crowns to cover and protect the tooth. We ensure the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure, using local anesthesia or sedation options if needed to minimize discomfort.
Interceptive Orthodontics
We monitor the growth of the jaws to catch bite issues early. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely because of injury or decay, we may place space maintainers. These custom-made appliances hold the space open so the permanent tooth can erupt into its proper position, preventing crowding and reducing the need for extensive braces later.
Emergency Care
Accidents happen. Whether it’s a fall on the playground or a sports injury, we handle dental emergencies with speed and compassion. From repairing a chipped tooth to managing a knocked-out permanent tooth, you can rely on us to calm the situation and restore your child’s smile.
Recovery and Life with Healthy Teeth
Building healthy habits at home is just as important as the care we provide in the office. After a dental visit, we take the time to educate parents and kids on proper oral hygiene techniques. We demonstrate how to brush effectively, reaching all the tricky spots in the back, and how to floss to keep the gums pink and healthy.
Your child’s diet plays a huge role in oral health. We discuss smart snacking choices, encouraging families to limit sugary drinks and sticky candies that cling to the teeth. If your child receives restorative treatment like fillings, recovery is usually quick. We provide clear instructions on managing any numbness and what foods to eat while the mouth heals. Reinforcing these habits daily, you ensure the detail of our work lasts, and your child’s smile remains bright.
Your Child’s Pediatric Dentistry Results
The ultimate result of quality pediatric dentistry is a child who grows up with a healthy mouth and a positive attitude toward dental care. We measure success not just by the absence of cavities, but by the confidence our patients show. A healthy smile boosts self-esteem and contributes to overall physical health.
When a child graduates from our practice as a young adult, they leave with a full set of healthy teeth and the knowledge to maintain them. We see our patients from Fremont, San Leandro, and beyond grow into young adults who value their oral health. That long-term impact is why we are so passionate about what we do.
Cost of Pediatric Dentistry
We understand that families must balance the budget, and we believe that quality dental care should be accessible for everyone. The cost of pediatric dental visits varies depending on the services required. Preventive care is generally the most affordable and cost-effective way to manage health.
We accept most major PPO insurance plans and work hard to maximize your benefits. Our administrative team is compassionate and helpful, ready to answer your questions about coverage and co-pays. For treatments not fully covered by insurance, we offer flexible payment options. We see dental care as a vital investment. Treating issues early is always less expensive than addressing complex problems later. We are transparent about costs so you can make informed decisions without surprise.
Why Choose Just Kids for Your Child?
There are many dentists in the Bay Area, but Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics stands out for our commitment to the total patient experience. Our board-certified pediatric dentists bring a level of expertise that ensures the highest standard of care. But beyond the clinical skills, it is our heart for children that defines us.
Our offices in San Leandro, Tracy, and Fremont, CA, are designed to be fun and distracting, removing the clinical feel that scares many children. We are a dual-specialty practice, meaning we handle both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof. This allows us to provide seamless, comprehensive care as your child grows. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where parents feel heard and kids feel safe. You can trust us to treat your child with the same gentle touch we would want for our own.
Schedule Your Pediatric Dentistry Appointment Today
Whether you have a toddler ready for their first “happy visit” or a teen needing a checkup, we are ready to welcome you. Don’t wait for a toothache to stay on top of your child’s oral health.
Join the many families across Fremont, San Leandro, and Tracy who trust Just Kids with their most precious smiles. Schedule your appointment today and experience the difference that a supportive environment and expert care can make. Let’s work together to build a future of bright smiles.
Pediatric Dentistry
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child see a dentist for the first time?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting. This early start helps us catch issues before they become severe and acclimate your child to the office.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes. We use modern digital X-rays that emit very low radiation—significantly less than traditional film. We only take them when necessary to diagnose issues we cannot see with the naked eye, such as decay between teeth.
How often does my child need a checkup?
We typically recommend a checkup and cleaning every six months. This allows us to monitor growth, remove plaque buildup, and reinforce proper oral hygiene techniques regularly.
What if my child cries or has a tantrum?
Please don’t worry! As pediatric dentists, we are trained to handle all kinds of behavior. We respond with compassion and patience. We have many tricks to calm a nervous child and ensure they stay safe and comfortable during their appointment.
Why fix baby teeth if they fall out anyway?
Baby teeth are crucial for chewing, speaking, and holding space for permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay, it can cause crowding issues later. Treating cavities also prevents pain and infection from spreading to the developing adult teeth.
Do you treat dental emergencies?
Absolutely. If your child knocks out a tooth or has a severe toothache, call our Fremont or San Leandro office immediately. We prioritize dental emergencies to get your child out of pain fast.