When should my baby first see a dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in, whichever comes first. At Turley Pediatric Dentistry near Manhattan Beach, Dr. Patricia Turley sees children starting at 6 months old. Early visits help catch potential issues, get your child comfortable with the dental office, and give you guidance on brushing, diet, and habits like thumb-sucking.

What are dental sealants and does my child need them?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of your child's back teeth (molars). Molars have deep grooves where food and bacteria get trapped, making them the most cavity-prone teeth. Sealants fill in those grooves and create a smooth surface that is much easier to keep clean. The procedure is quick, painless, and requires no drilling. Sealants are typically applied when permanent molars come in, around ages 6 and 12, and can reduce the risk of cavities in those teeth by up to 80 percent.

How often should my child see a pediatric dentist?

Most children should visit the dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. During these visits, Dr. Patricia Turley checks for cavities, monitors how the teeth and jaw are developing, applies fluoride to strengthen enamel, and provides guidance on home care. Some children with higher cavity risk or specific dental conditions may need more frequent visits. Because our practice also has orthodontists on site, we can seamlessly monitor your child's bite development and refer for orthodontic evaluation at the right time without sending you to a separate office.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a regular dentist?

A pediatric dentist completes two to three additional years of specialty training after dental school, focused specifically on treating infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special needs. This training covers child behavior management, sedation techniques for young patients, growth and development of the teeth and jaw, and conditions unique to children's teeth. Dr. Patricia Turley is a board-certified pediatric dentist with over 30 years of experience treating children from 6 months through age 21.

What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?

If your child knocks out a baby tooth, do not try to put it back in. Control any bleeding with gentle pressure using a clean cloth, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and call our office. If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, this is a dental emergency. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part you can see in the mouth, not the root), rinse it gently with milk or saline if it is dirty, and try to place it back in the socket. If you cannot reinsert it, put the tooth in a cup of cold milk and get to our office or an emergency room immediately. Time matters — the best outcomes happen when the tooth is replanted within 30 minutes.

Do you see children with special needs?

Yes. Dr. Patricia Turley has extensive experience providing dental care for children with special needs, including patients with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and sensory processing challenges. Our team takes a patient, individualized approach to make each visit as comfortable as possible, and we work with parents to develop a care plan tailored to each child's specific needs.

Pediatric Dentist Near Manhattan Beach — Ages 6 Months to 21

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Tiny Smiles, Big Care

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Pediatric Dentistry That Puts Kids First

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We specialize in preventative dental care for children from 2 months to 21 years old. Early dental care prevents problems and establishes healthy habits that last — that’s why we take the time to treat each child as the unique person they are.

We create a comfortable environment where children feel safe during dental care.

Pediatric Dental Services

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Meet Dr. Patricia Turley

Dr. Patricia Turley is a pediatric dentist with 30+ years of experience specializing in children's dental care from 6 months to 21 years. Her expertise includes preventive care, behavior management, and treatment for children with special needs.

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Pediatric Dental Care FAQs

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting. Early visits help establish healthy habits and catch any potential concerns before they become problems.
Thumb sucking is common and completely normal in infants and toddlers. Most children grow out of the habit on their own by age 4. However, if thumb sucking continues past age 5, it can begin to affect the alignment of the teeth or the roof of the mouth. We offer gentle strategies to help your child stop the habit without stress or shame.
Just like adults, kids should visit the dentist every 6 months for cleanings and check-ups. These regular visits help monitor growth, reinforce good habits, and make dental care a routine part of life.
Fear of the dentist is completely normal for some children! Our team is specially trained to make dental visits comfortable, friendly, and even fun. We take a tell-show-do approach and use age-appropriate language so your child feels safe every step of the way.
Yes! Baby teeth are essential for proper chewing, speaking, and guiding permanent teeth into place. Keeping them healthy helps avoid pain, infection, and early loss—which can lead to spacing and alignment issues later on.

Tiny Smiles, Big Care

Pediatric Dentistry That Puts Kids First

Meet Dr. Patricia Turley

Pediatric Dental Care FAQs

When should my child have their first dental visit?

Is thumb sucking harmful to my child’s teeth?

How often should my child visit the dentist?

What if my child is afraid of the dentist?

Are baby teeth really that important?