Gentle, welcoming dental care for kids, from that first baby tooth through the teen years.
It’s never too early to start caring for your child’s smile, and it’s never too early to make the dentist feel like a friendly place. At Kirkland Family Dentistry, we’ve cared for Kirkland kids since 1989, from first baby teeth to teenage checkups, in a warm, family-oriented office where no one feels out of place.
Good oral health habits start young, and we’re here to help your child build them. We even support parents before a baby arrives, with guidance for expectant mothers on keeping both mom and baby healthy. Here’s what children’s dental care looks like with us, and how we help your child grow up with a healthy smile.
Why Choose Kirkland Family Dentistry for Your Child
Kids remember how a place made them feel, so we work hard to make every visit gentle, patient, and pressure-free. Our friendly team knows how to put little ones at ease and explain things at their level, and as Kirkland’s most awarded dental office, we’ve been doing it for families here since 1989.
If you’re looking for a kids dentist in Kirkland, we make visits calm, clear, and age-appropriate for children from their first tooth through the teen years.
We also speak English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, and Russian, so every parent and child feels understood, and we’re in-network with all major PPO plans. From your child’s very first visit, our goal is a kid who honestly doesn’t mind going to the dentist.
They provided with above and beyond work and the care of my daughter's anxiety was set to ease the office here in Mill creek is a definite 5 stars and I recommend 100 percent
Myself and my 3 kids have been patients here for a few years. Friendly reception, kind techs, helpful office staff, and great experience with Dr. Choi. A few of us have even done the Candid aligners through them and have been pleased with our results.
Our family has been coming here for the last 28 years and every visit has been a great experience. We are truly grateful for the friendly and knowledgeable staff.!
What Is Involved in Children’s Dentistry?
Good oral health starts in childhood. Regular visits and learning to brush and floss the right way build habits that carry into adulthood. When your child comes in, they’ll be greeted by a friendly team and made to feel welcome in our family-oriented office.
As your child grows, we clean their teeth regularly and take routine X-rays to catch anything developing early, so we can plan for prevention and treatment. The goal is simple: keep small issues small, and keep your child comfortable the whole way.
Your Child’s First Visit, Step by Step
When Should Children Visit the Dentist?
Children can start seeing the dentist before their first birthday, once one or more baby teeth have come through the gums. If your child is older and hasn’t been yet, the best time to start is now. The sooner they come in, the healthier their teeth tend to stay.
We’re not here to scare anyone into visits. Our goal is to educate and inform, so you can make good decisions about your child’s oral health, and so your child grows up seeing checkups as a normal, no-big-deal part of life.
A Family Dental Care Checklist
Good habits at home make a big difference between visits. A simple family routine looks like this:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to clear plaque between teeth
- Use an age-appropriate fluoride mouthwash
- Come in for cleanings and checkups every six months
- Go easy on sugary snacks and drinks
- Pick age-appropriate toothbrushes and toothpaste for kids
- Encourage plenty of water, especially fluoridated water
What Children’s Dental Care Costs in Kirkland
A children’s exam and cleaning generally runs about $99 to $125, depending on your child’s needs and whether X-rays or additional services are recommended. That’s an estimate, not a fixed quote, and we’ll go over any costs with you before treatment.
Most insurance plans cover children’s preventive visits, and we’re in-network with major PPO plans, so we’ll check your family’s benefits ahead of time. We don’t accept state plans such as Apple Health or Medicaid at this time. For out-of-pocket expenses, we accept eligible HSA and FSA cards and have multiple financing options if needed.
The Importance of Childhood Dental Care
It’s easy to assume baby teeth don’t matter much since they fall out, but the opposite is true. Early visits are one of the best ways to prevent problems down the road. If teeth come in wrong, hurt, or get infected without treatment, a child can face lost teeth or ongoing issues that were avoidable.
Cavities and gingivitis are common in kids, but with regular visits, they’re very manageable. When a cavity does show up, a simple filling usually takes care of it. Primary teeth also help guide adult teeth into place, so problems now can affect the teeth coming in later. We encourage teens to keep up regular visits too, so we can watch for crowding and head off other issues early.
New Mothers and Preventive Dental Care
Your child’s dental care can start before they’re even born. Many people don’t realize how closely oral health and overall health are connected, and that’s especially true during pregnancy. If you’re expecting, a routine dental visit allows us to treat small problems before they become bigger concerns and answer any questions about caring for your oral health during pregnancy. It’s always smart to see a dentist regularly, and even more so when you’re expecting. New patients are always welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Dentistry
How much does a children’s exam and cleaning cost in Kirkland?
A child’s exam and cleaning generally runs about $99 to $125. Most insurance plans cover children’s preventive visits, and we’re in-network with all major PPO plans, so we’ll check your family’s benefits before the appointment.
My child is nervous about the dentist. How do you help?
We do this every day, and we take it slow. Our team is gentle and patient with little ones, explains things at their level, and keeps the visit relaxed so your child feels safe. Tell us ahead of time if your child is anxious, and we’ll plan around it.
How can I help my child feel ready for their first visit?
A little prep goes a long way. Keep it positive, steer clear of scary words, and read a fun book about the dentist together beforehand. We put together some tips here: how to prepare your child for their first dental visit.
Do you see teenagers too?
We do. We care for the whole family, and we keep an eye on teens’ adult teeth for crowding and other issues so we can catch things early.
Do you take my child’s insurance?
We’re in-network with all major PPO plans and will happily check your family’s benefits. One note: we don’t take state plans like Apple Health or Medicaid, so if that’s your child’s coverage, give us a call, and we’ll go over your options.
How often should my child get a dental cleaning?
Most children should come in every six months for a cleaning and checkup. Regular visits help us catch cavities, gum inflammation, crowding, and brushing issues early, before they turn into bigger problems.
Give Your Child a Healthy Start in Kirkland
From your child’s first tooth through the teenage years, we’ll be here to help them build healthy habits, protect their smile, and feel comfortable coming to the dentist year after year. We’ve cared for Kirkland families since 1989, in a warm, welcoming office built for every age, offering general dentistry for the whole family.
When you choose Kirkland Family Dentistry for your child’s care, you can expect:
- Gentle, patient care that puts kids at ease
- A family-friendly team that speaks six languages
- Prevention-first checkups from the very first visit
- In-network with all major PPO plans, plus financing and HSA/FSA options
