We Make Going to the Dentist fun

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Kids Love Us. Parents Trust Us.

With an open and inviting feel, our office is environmentally friendly and state-of-the-art, with low-radiation digital X-ray machines. We also use the most up-to-date dental materials which are mercury-free, dye-free, BPA-free, and latex-free.

The People Behind The Smiles

Lily-H-Ghafouri-DMD-MS

Lily H. Ghafouri, DMD, MS

Learn About Dr. Lily
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Shiva Borukhim DDS

Learn About Dr. Shiva

Your Child’s First Visit

The American Society of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit a dentist before they turn one, or within six months of the appearance of the first baby tooth.

Bringing your child to the pediatric dentist at a very early age allows him or her to meet the dentist, and become comfortable in the dental office setting. Sometimes new places can make kids nervous and uncooperative and that's alright! We will be patient and take our time to develop a solid relationship. If your child ever needs a filling or extraction, we always avoid the words “hurt”, “shot”, “pull”, “needle”, and suggest you do too.

First visits usually include a gentle exam of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues, a gentle cleaning, demonstration of proper home cleaning, fluoride treatment, and answering any questions you may have about your child’s oral health.

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Services

Your child's first visit to the dentist can set the stage for a lifetime of good oral health. We offer an array of services that will grow with your children through the years and put them on the right path of a lifetime of good oral health.

  • Sunset Pediatric Dental Group

    Dental Cleanings & Fluoride Treatments.

  • Sunset Pediatric Dental Group

    Baby Exams.

  • Sunset Pediatric Dental Group

    Digital X-rays.

  • Sunset Pediatric Dental Group

    Dental Sealants.

  • Sunset Pediatric Dental Group

    Restorative Care including Crowns, Fillings, Root Canals, and Extractions.

  • Sunset Pediatric Dental Group

    Tooth-Colored Fillings and Crowns.

  • Sunset Pediatric Dental Group

    Laser dentistry.

  • Sunset Pediatric Dental Group

    Flippers.

  • Sunset Pediatric Dental Group

    Minimal Sedation with Nitrous Oxide (“Laughing Gas”).

  • Sunset Pediatric Dental Group

    General Anesthesia When Necessary.

  • Sunset Pediatric Dental Group

    Space Maintainers (Spacers).

  • Sunset Pediatric Dental Group

    Sports Dentistry, including Exams & Athletic Mouthguards.

  • Sunset Pediatric Dental Group

    Emergency and Dental Trauma Care.

  • Sunset Pediatric Dental Group

    Limited Orthodontic Treatment.

Healthy Little Teeth

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Expecting Moms

Expecting Moms

The benefits of good dental health begin well before your baby is born, so get an early start on a lifetime of healthy smiles by taking good care of your own mouth now. Research shows that bacteria....

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Expecting Moms

The benefits of good dental health begin well before your baby is born, so get an early start on a lifetime of healthy smiles by taking good care of your own mouth now. Research shows that bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease in a mother’s mouth can easily be passed to her child.

Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy mouth during pregnancy.
  • Brush for two minutes, twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss every day.
  • Eat healthy foods and follow your physician’s advice about diet. When you need a snack, choose foods that are low in sugar and nutritious, such as raw fruits and vegetables, yogurt, or cheese.
  • Visit your dentist. For most women, routine dental visits are safe during pregnancy.
  • If you are vomiting frequently, try rinsing your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water instead of brushing your teeth directly after vomiting. When stomach acids repeatedly come into contact with teeth, it can cause tooth enamel to wear away.
  • Drink plenty of water.
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Ages 0-3

Ages 0-3

It's never too soon to start caring for your baby’s dental health. A baby’s 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaw at birth and usually begin coming through the gums around 4-6 months of age.

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Ages 0-3

It's never too soon to start caring for your baby’s dental health. A baby’s 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaw at birth and usually begin coming through the gums around 4-6 months of age. Most children have a full set of baby teeth by the time they are 3 years old. The most common cause of tooth decay in children is frequent, prolonged exposure of the teeth to sugar.

Here are some helpful tips:
  • Put only plain water, formula, milk, or breast milk in bottles. Avoid filling bottles with liquids such as sweetened water, fruit juice, or soft drinks.
  • Never put your baby to bed with a bottle. Even when it’s breast milk or formula, it can still decay teeth.
  • Use clean pacifiers—don't dip them in sugar or honey.
  • Try not to share saliva with the baby by using the same spoon or licking a pacifier to clean it. Tooth decay can begin with cavity-causing bacteria being passed from the mother to the baby.
  • Keep your baby’s gums and teeth clean. You can begin to clean your baby’s mouth during the first few days by wiping the gums with a clean, moist washcloth after each feeding. When your child’s teeth begin to come in, brush the teeth gently twice a day with a child-sized toothbrush and a very small amount of toothpaste (around the size of a grain of rice).
  • Injuries are common as babies learn to walk. Protect your baby’s teeth by placing barriers on sharp corners and hard surfaces.
  • Pacifier and finger habits should be discontinued by the 2nd birthday.
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Ages 4-5

Ages 4-5

As kids grow up, their oral hygiene habits should grow with them. Establish a routine that includes brushing teeth twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.

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Ages 4-5

  • As kids grow up, their oral hygiene habits should grow with them. Establish a routine that includes brushing teeth twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Let them brush independently, but always brush after them to make sure the teeth are being properly cleaned, especially before bedtime. If thumb or finger habits continue into this age, you will most likely see changes in their jaw structure.
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Ages 6-10

Ages 6-10

At about 6 years of age, your child’s adult teeth start to replace their baby teeth. While your child is starting to lose their front teeth, it’s important to know that there are usually adult molars at the back of the mouth.

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Ages 6-10

  • At about 6 years of age, your child’s adult teeth start to replace their baby teeth. While your child is starting to lose their front teeth, it’s important to know that there are usually adult molars at the back of the mouth. These teeth often come through the gum without replacing a baby tooth and are often unnoticed.
  • Children in this age group are learning independence, which should be encouraged. However, parents should still physically assist with the daily care of their children’s teeth until at least 9-10 years old. Orthodontic evaluation also begins at this age, as modifications can be made in facial growth through appliances or braces.
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Ages 11 and Up

Ages 11 and Up

As if the preteen years don't give kids and their parents enough to think about, new oral health concerns loom on the horizon. Along with major changes to the body, brain, and emotions, additional risk factors...

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Ages 11 and Up

As if the preteen years don't give kids and their parents enough to think about, new oral health concerns loom on the horizon. Along with major changes to the body, brain, and emotions, additional risk factors for tooth decay and gum disease appear during adolescence—the period of development starting around age 11 and extending through the teen years that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. A combination of hormones, lifestyle changes, and poor oral hygiene habits raises the risk of oral health problems among adolescents. A more independent social life may be accompanied by a change in eating habits and easier access to snacks and beverages that are sugary, acidic (like sports drinks and soda), or full of refined carbohydrates—none of which are tooth-healthy choices. And as children move toward greater independence, parents are less likely to micromanage their children’s personal care, including their oral hygiene routines. Good oral hygiene can keep dental plaque at bay, lowering the chance of having gingivitis and cavities. But let’s face it: Adolescents have a lot to think about, and keeping up with their oral health may not be a priority.

To help your preteen stay on top of their oral health, keep healthy snacks at home for your children and their friends, and make sure you are well stocked with supplies such as new toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste. In addition, most preteens (and teens) can benefit from gentle reminders about oral hygiene routines. By this age, kids most likely have all their permanent teeth. Evaluation for orthodontics is completed at this age.

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Special Needs

Special Needs

Pediatric dentists have unique expertise and extra training to treat children with special needs. Parents of special needs children often have concerns about their child's tolerance of dental appointments...

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Special Needs

Pediatric dentists have unique expertise and extra training to treat children with special needs. Parents of special needs children often have concerns about their child's tolerance of dental appointments, but postponing the visit is not the answer. Providing us with information about your child prior to the first visit can help our office prepare for any special situations.

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Oral Hygiene

Oral Hygiene

We recommend brushing 2 times per day with toothpaste and flossing as soon as the teeth begin to touch. Use light pressure and go in circular motions. Make sure they brush for at least two minutes.

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Oral Hygiene

We recommend brushing 2 times per day with toothpaste and flossing as soon as the teeth begin to touch. Use light pressure and go in circular motions. Make sure they brush for at least two minutes. Anything you can do to make brushing teeth fun for the little kids is helpful. Sing songs, talk about getting the sugar bugs out, use brushing apps, etc.

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Diet & Nutrition

Diet & Nutrition

When it comes to dental health, what your children eat and drink—and even how they consume it—has a powerful impact on their teeth. And you may find some surprises on the list of good and bad foods.

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Diet & Nutrition

When it comes to dental health, what your children eat and drink—and even how they consume it—has a powerful impact on their teeth. And you may find some surprises on the list of good and bad foods. The worst enemy of your kids’ teeth is acid, which can come directly from the food or drink or is produced by tooth-damaging bacteria that eat sugar and convert it to acid. This acid is what creates cavities by eating away at the tooth’s protective enamel. The best friends of your children’s teeth are foods and drinks that neutralize or rinse away acids, supply minerals and vitamins that repair tooth enamel, and stimulate saliva production.

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Sports Dentistry

Sports Dentistry

Sports dentistry is the prevention and treatment of oral and facial sports injuries as well as related oral diseases.

We highly encourage the use of a mouth guard for contact sports.

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Sports Dentistry

Sports dentistry is the prevention and treatment of oral and facial sports injuries as well as related oral diseases.

We highly encourage the use of a mouth guard for contact sports. For younger children with permanent front teeth (usually starting at around age 7-8), we recommend a store-bought bite and boil athletic mouth guard. For older children who have all their permanent teeth (frequently > age 12-13), we highly recommend a dentist-made custom mouth guard, as they have been shown to be more effective at preventing tooth damage than store-bought mouth guards.

Dental Emergencies

If your child has suffered a blow to the head or any other life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or proceed to your nearest emergency room. If your child faces a dental emergency, call us immediately. We are always here to assist when your child’s dental health is at risk. Here are some tips on dealing with urgent dental situations:

Cut Lip, Tongue or Cheek

Cut Lip, Tongue, or Cheek

Soft tissue injuries to the mouth—such as a cut lip, bitten tongue, or lacerated cheek—are common in active children and can look alarming due to how quickly the mouth bleeds. Begin by gently rinsing the injured area with clean water, then apply firm but gentle pressure using a clean piece of gauze or cloth to control the bleeding. Placing a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth against the outside of the face can help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. In most cases, minor cuts will resolve on their own; however, if the bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes of consistent pressure, the wound appears deep or jagged, or you suspect it may require stitches, take your child to the nearest emergency room right away. For non-severe injuries, contact our office so we can assess for any related dental trauma.

Facial Swelling

Facial Swelling

Facial swelling in a child—particularly around the jaw, cheek, or under the eye—can be a sign of a serious dental infection or abscess that requires prompt attention. While waiting to be seen, apply a cold compress to the outside of the face to help minimize swelling, and offer a child-appropriate dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain and inflammation. Do not apply heat to the area, as this can worsen the infection. Facial swelling should never be ignored or treated as a “wait and see” situation—contact our office immediately for an urgent evaluation. If the swelling is spreading rapidly, is accompanied by a high fever, or is making it difficult for your child to breathe or swallow, go directly to the nearest emergency room or call 911, as these may be signs of a life-threatening complication.

Toothache

Toothache

A toothache in a child can stem from several causes, including tooth decay, a cracked filling, trapped food debris, or an emerging tooth—and in some cases, it may signal the early stages of infection. For immediate relief, have your child gently rinse their mouth with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) and use child-safe dental floss to carefully remove any debris that may be lodged near the painful tooth. Offer an age-appropriate dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help manage discomfort—but never place aspirin directly on the gum or tooth, as this can cause chemical burns to the soft tissue. If pain subsides quickly and there are no other symptoms, schedule a routine appointment with us soon. However, if the pain is severe, persists beyond 24 hours, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or a foul taste in the mouth, contact our office right away for an urgent evaluation, as these symptoms may indicate an abscess or active infection.

Broken Tooth

Broken Tooth

A chipped or broken tooth—whether from a fall, collision, or biting something hard—can range from a minor enamel fracture to a more serious break that exposes the inner nerve. As a first step, have your child gently rinse their mouth with warm water to cleanse the area, then apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling. If there is any bleeding, have your child bite down gently on a piece of clean gauze. Collect and save any broken tooth fragments by placing them in a small container of milk or clean water, and bring them to your dental appointment. Avoid giving your child hard, sticky, or very hot/cold foods in the meantime. Contact our office as soon as possible for an evaluation—even seemingly minor chips should be examined promptly to check for hidden nerve involvement, prevent infection, and determine whether bonding, a crown, or further treatment is needed.

Knocked Out Tooth

Knocked Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies—particularly when it involves a permanent (adult) tooth. Act immediately: locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), being careful not to touch the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with clean water—do not scrub it, use soap, or remove any attached tissue. If your child is old enough to cooperate safely, try to gently reinsert the tooth back into its socket and have them bite down on clean gauze to hold it in place. If reinsertion is not possible, keep the tooth moist by storing it in a small container of cold milk, saline solution, or your child’s own saliva—never wrap it in a dry tissue or store it in tap water. For baby teeth, do not attempt to reinsert the tooth, as doing so can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Call our office immediately and get to us—or the nearest emergency dental provider—within 30 to 60 minutes, as this window is critical for saving a permanent tooth. If you are unsure whether the knocked-out tooth is a baby or permanent tooth, treat it as permanent and seek care right away.

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