Kids’ Dentist in Long Beach, CA: Gentle Dental Care from the First Tooth
Finding a dentist your child actually likes shouldn’t be hard. At Salem Dentistry in Long Beach, Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS, sees children from 6 months old through the teen years, and their parents too. Your child sees the same dentist at every visit, in a calm office where kids feel safe and parents feel at ease.
Call 562-435-8339 or book online
Why Long Beach families choose Salem Dentistry
- The same dentist every visit. Dr. Salem is the only dentist here, so she knows your child’s teeth, history, and personality.
- A dentist who is a parent too. Dr. Salem treats every child the way she would want her own treated.
- Children and adults in one office. Book the whole family together, with no need to switch dentists as your child grows up.
- Gentle with nervous kids. We explain each step in words kids understand and go at their pace. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available when a little extra help is needed.
- Same-day appointments are often available, including for toothaches and injuries.
- Orthodontics in the same office, so there’s no referral to a second practice.
- All PPO plans and Medi-Cal Dental accepted.
- Care in three languages: English, German, and Farsi.
Children’s dental services
- Exams and cleanings
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth
- Sealants to help prevent cavities
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Emergency care for toothaches and dental injuries
- Orthodontic evaluations and treatment
Meet Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS
Dr. Salem earned her first dental degree in Germany and her DDS from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 2016. She treats children and adults, and she’s known for a warm, patient manner that helps even anxious kids relax.
“I’m a parent myself, and I love working with children,” says Dr. Salem. “My goal is for every child to leave smiling and grow up feeling comfortable at the dentist, not afraid of it.”
Caring for your child’s teeth at home
- Start cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears
- Under age 3, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice
- From ages 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount
- Help your child brush until about age 7 or 8
- Start flossing when two teeth touch
- Keep juice and sugary snacks to mealtimes, and never put a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice
See our oral hygiene page for step-by-step brushing and flossing instructions.
Questions parents ask
When should my child first see a dentist?
The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a first visit within six months of the first tooth, and no later than the first birthday. We welcome children from 6 months old.
What happens at a first visit?
It’s short and easy. Dr. Salem looks at your child’s teeth and gums, checks how the teeth are coming in, and answers your questions about brushing, teething, and thumb-sucking. Very young children can sit on a parent’s lap.
My child is afraid of the dentist. What do you do?
We never rush. We show and explain each tool before using it, let your child set the pace, and keep you in the room. Toys and TVs in the waiting room help kids settle in before the visit starts.
How often should my child see the dentist?
Every six months for an exam and cleaning, unless Dr. Salem recommends coming in more often.
Do baby teeth really matter if they fall out anyway?
Yes. Baby teeth help your child chew, speak clearly, and hold space for the adult teeth. A cavity in a baby tooth can cause pain and infection and can affect the adult tooth growing underneath.
What are sealants?
Sealants are thin protective coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where most children’s cavities start. They take a few minutes to apply and don’t hurt.
When should my child have an orthodontic check?
Around age 7 is a good time for a first look. Some bite and jaw problems are much easier to correct while a child is still growing, and an early check lets us plan the right time for treatment.
Do you take my insurance?
We accept all PPO dental plans and Medi-Cal Dental. We do not accept HMO plans. Not sure what you have? Call us at 562-435-8339 and we’ll check your benefits for you.
What if my child has a dental emergency?
Call us right away at 562-435-8339. We often see toothaches and injuries the same day. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, keep it moist in milk and come in immediately.
Give your child a healthy start
Healthy habits start early, and the right dentist makes all the difference. Call Salem Dentistry at 562-435-8339 or book online today. We’d love to meet your family.