At Summitview Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to help every child achieve lifelong oral health.

Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry is the cornerstone of lifelong oral health; by combining regular dental visits with at-home care, we aim to ensure proper development and a healthy smile for every child we’re lucky enough to treat in our Yakima dental office.

We strive to protect your child’s teeth from infancy through adolescence, giving them the best chance of maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile for a lifetime.

At What Age Should My Child See a Pediatric Dentist?

Our experienced team works solely with children, and we appreciate their unique personalities. We love getting to know your little one and building a lasting relationship with them.

Dr. Carlos recommends scheduling your child’s first visit around the time they turn one or whenever they get their first tooth. These early visits make it possible to evaluate their oral health and encourage positive habits that carry them into adulthood.

Not only that, but when children visit from a very young age, they get used to the sights and sounds of a dental office. We do everything we can to make it fun for your child so they look forward to seeing us instead of feeling anxious or afraid.

Teaching Your Child How to Brush and Floss

Even if your child willingly brushes their teeth, proper technique is an important part of their daily routine. We recommend these steps:

The 2-2-2 Rule

Encourage your child to brush their teeth 2 times a day for 2 minutes each time, and schedule a routine exam and cleaning 2 times a year.

Toothbrush Position

Have your child position their toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against their gums. Show them how to use small circles or short back-and-forth strokes.

Spit, Don’t Rinse

Explain to your child that it’s better to spit out the excess toothpaste but not take a drink of water right away to achieve maximum fluoride benefits.

Testimonial

My kids like coming here they always feel so comfortable.

They are awesome. My kids like coming here they always feel so comfortable. We love Dr. Dorantes and his staff.
-Joana

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Making Brushing and Flossing Fun: Tips for Parents

There are plenty of ways for parents to have fun with their kids and encourage good dental hygiene habits.

Here are some tips to make brushing and flossing fun:

Set a timer or play music — Consider setting a two-minute timer or playing your child’s favorite song while they brush or floss. Make it a game to see if they can brush the entire time.
Give them choices — Kids love to pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste, so let them choose their favorite character or toothpaste flavor to get them excited about brushing. Also, kid-friendly flossers make flossing easier and more enjoyable.
Act out scenarios — Either play dentist with your kids or pretend to fight “sugar bugs” while they’re brushing. Pretending with your child will make them look forward to dental hygiene.
Provide incentives — Create a sticker or reward chart so your child can track their progress. Let them collect stickers, and when they reach a milestone, allow them to choose a family activity or treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I take my child to a pediatric dentist?

Watching your child grow and develop healthy habits is one of life’s greatest joys—but when it comes to dental care, the stakes feel high. You want a dentist who truly understands children, their unique needs, and the way little mouths grow.

That’s why taking your child to a pediatric dentist is about more than clean teeth; it’s about creating a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

At Summitview Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in gentle, expert care designed just for kids, blending dental expertise with warmth, patience, and fun.

Pediatric dentists receive additional training beyond general dentistry to care for children’s teeth, gums, and oral development. They know how to make dental visits enjoyable and reduce anxiety, helping children feel comfortable from their very first appointment.

Benefits of Choosing a Pediatric Dentist for Your Child

Choosing a pediatric dentist ensures your child receives care designed specifically for them:

Specialized expertise in children’s oral health and development
Early detection and prevention of cavities, misalignments, and other issues
Child-friendly environment that reduces fear and builds confidence
Personalized guidance on nutrition, brushing, and habits like thumb-sucking
Access to modern technology, such as digital and panoramic X-rays

Regular visits with a pediatric dentist also help children build positive associations with dental care, encouraging lifelong habits and reducing dental anxiety as they grow.

Give Your Child the Best Start With Pediatric Dental Care

Your child deserves dental care that’s not only expert but also compassionate and engaging.

Schedule an appointment at Summitview Pediatric Dentistry in Yakima today and give your child a trusted partner in oral health, helping them develop strong teeth, confident smiles, and a positive relationship with dentistry for years to come.

How often should my child visit the dentist for preventive care?

As a parent, it’s natural to want the very best for your child, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. Oral health is no exception, and establishing consistent preventive care early can make a lifetime of difference.

At Summitview Pediatric Dentistry, we see firsthand how regular checkups help children avoid painful problems, develop healthy habits, and feel confident with their smiles.

The general recommendation is that children should visit a pediatric dentist every six months for preventive care. These visits allow us to monitor growth, detect cavities or alignment issues early, and provide professional cleanings that remove plaque and tartar buildup that daily brushing may miss.

What Preventive Care Includes

During preventive visits, our pediatric dental team focuses on thorough, gentle care that keeps teeth and gums healthy:

Professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar
Comprehensive oral exams to check teeth, gums, and jaw development
Digital or panoramic x-rays when needed to detect hidden issues
Guidance for brushing, flossing, and healthy nutrition
Monitoring habits like thumb-sucking or pacifier use

These steps help prevent future dental problems, saving time, discomfort, and potential treatments down the road.

Schedule a Regular Preventive Visit Today

Preventive dental care is the cornerstone of a healthy smile and a positive experience for your child.

Contact Summitview Pediatric Dentistry in Yakima today to schedule your child’s next preventive visit and ensure they’re on a path to strong, healthy teeth and a lifetime of confident smiles.

Prioritizing Children's Oral Health in Yakima

If you live in Yakima, Sellah, Union Gap, Toppenish, Sunnyside, Zillah, Granger, or Prosser, our caring dental team would love to meet you! At Summitview Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the important role preventive dental care plays in your child’s long-term oral and overall health.

Please give us a call at (509) 966-4433 to get started today.

OUR TEAM

Dr. Carlos Dorantes DDS, MS

Dr. Carlos Dorantes received his dental degree from Francisco Marroquin University in Guatemala and practiced in his hometown for three years, focusing mainly on children’s dentistry. In 1999, Dr. Dorantes moved to Birmingham and began his specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Alabama Dental School (UAB). UAB’s Pediatric Dental Residency is a challenging 3-year dental school and hospital-based program; this gave Dr. Dorantes the unique opportunity to practice at the world-renowned Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

When he was not busy with patients or academic work, Dr. Dorantes worked ...