Children's dentistry in Seattle

Friendly, gentle care For Your Child at Green Leaf Dental

Call (206) 316-2351

The Benefits of a Children's Dentist

at green leaf dental

A child at the dentist
Check mark
Our friendly staff and gentle dentists in Seattle keep kids comfortable by treating them like our own
Check mark
With a focus on preventive dental care, we help parents set their children up for a lifetime of good dental health
Check mark
Routine visits help us catch problems early and reduce dental anxiety

How To Teach Your Child

Good Oral Health Habits

Check mark
Be a Role Model - Teaching your child how to do something should start with you. You will need to model the behavior that you want your child to pick up on. This means avoiding speaking negatively about the dentist, being proactive about going to dental appointments, regularly brushing and flossing, and teaching your child the proper ways to clean their teeth. 

Avoid negative words like “pain” and “needle” when talking about the dentist. Demonstrate how to properly brush and floss slowly and visually.
Check mark
Make Things Fun - You can get your child more involved in their oral hygiene and make it less of a chore by letting them have some fun with it. Let them choose a toothbrush that’s their favorite color or has a character they like on it. Play a song when they brush their teeth that is 2 to 3 minutes long so they know when to stop brushing. Prepare your child for dental checkups by practicing on their favorite stuffed animal. Read books to them and play shows or movies that tell positive stories about going to the dentist.
Check mark
Find a Family Dentist - Most importantly, choose the right kind of dentist. A family dentist that offers extensive pediatric dental services and can treat your whole family will make your child feel at home and provide them with the care they need. 

Kids who go to the same dentist as the rest of their family have reduced rates of dental anxiety and form a trusting relationship with their dentist. This forms a positive relationship with dental care and we can carefully explain to them what is going to happen at the appointment. Parents will receive information about how to care for their child’s teeth from Dr. Yoni and Dr. Bean.
A child at the dentist
when should i make a dentist appointment for my child?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should have their first visit to the dentist by their first birthday. During that appointment, the team will welcome you and your child into our office, making you both feel right at home. Dr. Yoni will answer any questions you may have about your child’s dental health and work with you to develop a positive oral care routine that will set you and your family up for success. Dr. Yoni has years of experience treating children and has an enthusiastic and outgoing demeanor that will make your child’s first visit memorable and exciting.  

Green Leaf Dental also provides special needs dentistry to children and adults. If you'd like to make a special needs appointment, contact us today.

Why is it important to bring my child to the dentist?

Bringing your child in for routine checkups while they are young is vital to their dental health. Common dental issues and dental anxiety are much less likely if your child is comfortable with the dentist at an early age and is used to visiting the office on a regular basis. Preventive measures such as sealants and fluoride can significantly lower your child's chance of getting cavities. Developing a relationship with your dentist will help set your child on a trajectory toward positive dental health that will last a lifetime.

How can dental sealants help my child?

Dental sealants are a tooth-colored, protective layer that is painted onto your child’s teeth to prevent decay and cavities. Sealants are meant to keep the sugars and acids that cause decay off the surface of teeth, especially the hard-to-clean back molars. If you’re interested in protecting your child’s dental health with sealants, give us a call today to schedule an appointment.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe For Kids?

Yes, dental x-rays are used conservatively and sparingly so your child will never be exposed to unnecessary radiation. At our office, we use digital x-rays that emit 80% less radiation than traditional x-rays taken on film. 

The amount of radiation your child is exposed to is very small and is less than what is emitted from eating a banana. Protective equipment such as lead aprons is also used to minimize this exposure even further.

X-rays, when used only when necessary as a preventative tool to diagnose and plan restorative treatment, can help us detect oral health problems in your child’s soft tissues and teeth that otherwise would have gone undetected by the naked eye. In this way, x-rays are a useful preventative tool that prevents worsening oral health outcomes that could require invasive treatment.

What are Common Dental Issues that Children Face?

The most common dental issues that children face include tooth decay, dental trauma, gingivitis, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath. A child’s teeth are thinner than adult teeth so they have a higher risk of developing cavities. 

Active children who run around and play sports can also suffer from oral injuries if they don’t wear a mouthguard. Children often lack the dexterity to thoroughly brush and floss their teeth until they are about 7 years old. 

A lack of a proper oral hygiene routine can lead to plaque buildup which causes gingivitis. As long as this is caught early, it can be reversed through dental cleanings, brushing, and flossing. Your child’s thin tooth enamel may also be the cause of tooth sensitivity. 

It could also be a result of teeth grinding, enamel erosion, cavities, damage, or infection. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by many different things, including eating smelly foods. However, if it’s persistent and chronic, it’s likely a result of poor oral hygiene.

Schedule Your Child’s Next Pediatric Dental Appointment Today!

Is your child at least one year old or has received their first tooth? It’s time to take them for a checkup! Give us a call at Green Leaf Dental to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.

Ready to schedule your appointment?

Book Online