Kid’s Dentist Serving Bay Area, San Jose, CA
Dr. Victoria Vuong DDS and Dr. Henry Chang DDS at Selective Dental specialize in providing compassionate and gentle dental care for children. With a focus on preventative care and early detection, we strive to create a comfortable environment that promotes long-term oral health and healthy smiles. Contact us today or schedule an appointment online! We are conveniently located at 3151 South White Road, Suite 203 San Jose, CA 95148.


Table of Contents:
When should my child first visit the dentist?
What happens during my child’s first dental visit?
Are pediatric dentists trained to handle children’s dental needs?
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
At Selective Dental, we recognize that early dental care plays a critical role in your child’s overall health. Scheduling your child’s first dental visit is an important milestone, and we are here to help guide you through the process. We recommend that your child visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Here’s why this early visit is vital and can support you and your child:
Why Choose an Early Visit
• Comprehensive Early Detection: Our skilled team at Selective Dental will assess the development of your child’s teeth and gums, identifying potential issues such as cavities, tooth decay, and bite problems early on, ensuring timely and effective treatment.
• Advanced Preventive Care: We provide professional teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants to protect your child’s teeth from decay, using the latest techniques and materials for the best care.
• Friendly and Comfortable Environment: We strive to create a welcoming, stress-free atmosphere, ensuring that your child feels comfortable in our office, and reducing anxiety about future visits.
Watch for These Signs of Dental Problems
If you notice any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with us right away:
• White spots or discoloration on teeth
• Bleeding, swollen, or tender gums
• Loose or chipped teeth
• Pain or sensitivity in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Benefits of Early Dental Care with Selective Dental
• Lower Risk of Cavities and Dental Disease: Our regular dental visits and preventive measures help reduce the risk of future dental issues.
• Enhanced Overall Health: Good oral health contributes to better sleep, nutrition, and overall well-being.
• Proactive Intervention and Treatment: Early detection prevents dental issues from becoming severe or costly problems.
At Selective Dental, we believe that prevention is key. Regular dental check-ups ensure your child’s long-term health and well-being.
Your child’s first dental visit is an important milestone. Our goal is to make the experience both educational and comfortable, helping lay the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. Here’s what you can expect during your child’s first visit:
• Warm Welcome and Personalized Care: From the moment you enter, our friendly staff will ensure you feel welcomed and at ease. Our pediatric specialists engage your child in friendly conversation and use gentle language to build trust and alleviate any anxiety. We focus on creating a positive and supportive environment from the start, making sure your child feels comfortable.
• Comprehensive Medical History Review: Our dentists take the time to review your child’s medical history, which helps us tailor our approach to meet their specific needs. We address any concerns that might impact their oral health and ensure we provide the best care possible.
• Thorough and Gentle Examination: Using child-friendly techniques, we conduct a complete examination of your child’s mouth, teeth, and gums. We check for early signs of tooth decay, assess jaw development, and ensure everything is progressing as it should be, all in a gentle and non-threatening way.
• Parental Guidance and Support: We guide parents through common challenges like thumb sucking, pacifier use, and dental emergencies. Additionally, we provide advice on teething and developmental milestones to support your child’s growth and oral health.
• Regular Follow-Ups and Preventive Care: To ensure your child’s continued oral health, we recommend follow-up visits every six months. These appointments help us monitor their development, address concerns, and provide ongoing preventive care.
We prioritize creating a non-threatening and informative environment. Our aim is for your child to leave feeling proud of their healthy smile and excited about future dental visits, helping establish strong dental habits for years to come.
Our pediatric dental specialists are skilled in managing the growth and development of children’s teeth and jaws. They are trained to address issues related to tooth eruption, alignment, and overall dental health, ensuring smooth and healthy dental development. We prioritize preventive care, including fluoride treatments and dental sealants, to protect young teeth from decay and lay the foundation for lifelong oral health.
Understanding that a positive dental experience is essential for children, our pediatric dentists excel in behavior management techniques. They use child-friendly communication and gentle methods to minimize anxiety and fear, making each visit as comfortable as possible. If needed, sedation options are available to ensure a stress-free experience for our young patients.
At our practice, we also focus on educating parents and caregivers. Our pediatric dentists provide valuable guidance on proper oral hygiene, the impact of nutrition on oral health, and preventing dental injuries. By working closely with parents, we address any concerns regarding a child’s dental development and overall oral health.
A toothache can disrupt sleep, affect eating habits, and interfere with daily activities.
Common Causes of Toothaches in Children
• Cavities: The most common cause of toothaches, cavities form when bacteria feed on sugars, creating acids that erode tooth enamel.
• Trauma: Accidents that chip or break a tooth can damage its inner pulp, causing pain.
• Gum Disease: Conditions like gingivitis can cause gum inflammation and tooth pain.
• Abscess: Infections in the tooth pulp or surrounding gums can create painful abscesses that require immediate attention.
Recognizing Toothache Symptoms
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Throbbing pain
• Swelling or tenderness of the gums
• Bad breath or unusual taste in the mouth
Immediate Relief for Toothaches
• Rinse: Have your child rinse their mouth with warm salt water to clean the affected area.
• Floss: Gently floss to remove any trapped food particles.
• Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the cheek to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
• Pain Relief: Offer age-appropriate pain medication, but avoid applying aspirin directly to the gums.
If the toothache persists beyond 24-48 hours or is accompanied by fever or swelling, schedule an appointment with us immediately. Our dentists will diagnose the issue, whether it’s a cavity, infection, or other concerns, and recommend the best treatment.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage your child’s toothache and promote their long-term dental health. For further assistance, Selective Dental is here to provide the highest standard of care. Avoid giving your child very hot, cold, or sugary foods and beverages, as these can worsen the pain. Contact us today or schedule an appointment online! We are conveniently located at 3151 South White Road, Suite 203 San Jose, CA 95148. We serve patients from all over Santa Clara County CA: San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and beyond!

Additional Services You May Need
- Dental Implants
- Dental Bridges
- Dental Crowns
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Smile Makeover
- Root Canal Therapy
- Teeth Whitening
- Dental Cleanings
- Veneers
- Cracked Tooth Treatment
- Emergency/Same-Day Services
- General Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Family Dentistry
- Children Dentistry
- Aesthetic Dentistry
- TMJ Treatment
- Extractions
- Emergency Dental Appointments
- Mouth Guards and Night Guards
- Ortho Retainers

Additional Services You May Need
- Dental Implants
- Dental Bridges
- Dental Crowns
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Smile Makeover
- Root Canal Therapy
- Teeth Whitening
- Dental Cleanings
- Veneers
- Cracked Tooth Treatment
- Emergency/Same-Day Services
- General Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Family Dentistry
- Children Dentistry
- Aesthetic Dentistry
- TMJ Treatment
- Extractions
- Emergency Dental Appointments
- Mouth Guards and Night Guards
- Ortho Retainers