The American Association of Pediatrics (MDs and DOs) and The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommend finding a dental home for your first child when the first tooth erupts or when the child reaches the age of 1. We can provide great guidance and preventative information for new parents of toddlers. We check for early signs of decay, discuss teething and pacifier habits, and help your little one get comfortable with the doctors and our fun, friendly team.

We specialize in turning "scared" into "smiles!" Our office is designed to be a non-threatening, fun environment with TVs above every chair, iPads with age appropriate games in the reception area, and a gentle team trained in pediatric behavior management. For children with higher anxiety or sensory needs, we offer safe sedation options including Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. We move at your child’s pace to ensure a positive, trauma-free experience.

Baby (primary) teeth serve a critical role: they hold space for permanent teeth and are essential for proper chewing and speech development. Also, while 8 front teeth come at between the ages of 6-8, 12 baby teeth share the mouth with permanent teeth for over 5 years (until age 11-12).

If a cavity is left untreated, it can cause severe pain, infection, or premature tooth loss, which often leads to orthodontic crowding later. At Cali KiDDS we use conservative, minimally invasive techniques to repair baby teeth and keep your child's smile healthy until the adult teeth are ready to come in.

Yes! In addition to standard metal braces, or even ceramic brackets, Dr. Brenda and Dr Brittany are is expert providers of Invisalign Teen for families in Carmel Valley, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe. Many local teens prefer Invisalign because the clear aligners are virtually invisible in school photos and can be removed for sports or eating. Located in the heart of 92130 (on Village Way), we make it convenient for students at Canyon Crest Academy, Torrey Pines, and Cathedral Catholic to pop in for quick adjustment appointments.

Accidents happen! If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, keeps it moist (in milk or saliva) and call us immediately—time is critical to saving the tooth. For chipped teeth, toothaches, or dental trauma, Cali KiDDS offers emergency pediatric dental care for families in Del Mar, Carmel Valley, and San Diego. Call our office at (858) 452-7272 and we will do our best to get you seen the same day.

Your child's safety is our top priority. We use state-of-the-art digital X-rays, which emit up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. We only take images when necessary to diagnose issues we can't see with the naked eye (like cavities between teeth or bone health). Digital imaging also allows us to show you the images instantly on a screen, so the dentist can review the images with you and your child.

Sealants are one of the easiest ways to prevent cavities! A sealant is a thin, protective coating painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars), where 80% of cavities in permanent teeth occur. It acts as a shield against food and bacteria. We typically recommend sealants for children as soon as their permanent molars appear (usually around age 6 and age 12). The process is quick, painless, and requires no drilling.

Phase 1 Orthodontics, or "early interceptive treatment," is designed to fix structural jaw issues before they become permanent. If Dr. Dixon recommends this for your child, it is usually to create room for crowded permanent teeth or to correct a crossbite/underbite while the jaw is still growing. Correcting these issues at age 7-9 often prevents the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery later in the teen years.