Children’s Dentistry – Long Beach, CA
Compassionate, Gentle Care for Growing Smiles
Although the primary teeth, or “baby teeth,” are only around for a few short years, they play an important role in your child’s dental development. From the moment your little one’s first tooth pokes past their gumline until their wisdom teeth start to emerge, they’ll need a dedicated children’s dentist to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. Dr. Matthew Listiyo would love to provide your child with the compassionate, gentle care they need to thrive, and you can book your child’s first visit by calling us today!
Why Choose Listiyo Family Dental for Children’s Dentistry?
- In-Network with Several Dental Insurance Carriers
- Same-Day, After-Hours, & Weekend Emergency Appointments
- Safe Dental Sedation Available for Children
Dental Checkups & Cleanings for Kids
Once your child turns one, they should start attending two dental checkups per year. With regular preventive visits, Dr. Listiyo can monitor your son’s or daughter’s dental growth and development. If he finds any concerns, he can often address them early on, making treatment easier and more successful. At these appointments, our hygienists can also professionally clean your child’s teeth and educate them on maintaining a healthy smile until their next checkup.
Dental Sealants
The back teeth, or molars, have tiny grooves in their chewing surfaces, which can trap food debris and become havens for harmful bacteria to thrive. Children in particular often have difficulty cleaning these teeth, so one way we can reduce the risk of cavities is by applying dental sealants. These invisible plastic coatings form a barrier over the molars’ grooves, protecting them from decay for up to a decade.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a vital mineral that can be found all around us, from the toothpaste we use to the tap water we drink. Regular fluoride exposure to the teeth can make the enamel stronger and greatly reduce the risk of cavities. When children receive plenty of fluoride, it can even benefit their adult teeth that haven’t even come in yet. That’s why our team can quickly and painlessly coat your child’s teeth in extra-strength fluoride after we’ve performed their routine cleaning.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
More than half of all children will develop a cavity in their baby teeth at some point, but that doesn’t mean we have to treat it with a noticeable silver filling. Instead, Dr. Listiyo can restore your child’s smile with a tooth-colored filling. Made from composite resin, these fillings are more conservative than metal ones, allowing us to repair the tooth without altering as much of its structure. Plus, your little one’s adorable smile won’t look any different!
Athletic Mouthguards
If your little one plays local or community sports, make sure their smile is protected by having them wear an athletic mouthguard. These devices are designed to absorb the impact of a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of injury to the mouth and jaw. Custom-made mouthguards from our office are more effective than the flimsy ones at the sporting goods store. They’re also more comfortable, so your child will be more likely to actually wear them.