Children's Dentistry

Small Smiles Are a Big Deal

Cabrillo Family Dental Care provides families with comprehensive dentistry, including gentle and caring children's dentistry from Dr. Sarah Esmaili, Pacifica's only pediatric dentist who is a Delta Dental PPO Provider.

Smiling young boy wearing glasses and a red sweater.

Prevent Cavities and Improve Your Child's Smile

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Children's Dentistry in our Pacifica, CA Dental Office

Excellent oral health and hygiene are essential to lifelong wellness for adults and children alike. Baby teeth, called “primary” teeth, are just as necessary as permanent adult teeth because they pave the way for our permanent pearly whites. Because of this, children must practice and receive excellent care both at home and at the dental office. Even if your child doesn’t have any teeth or only has a couple, cleaning their gums and teeth is incredibly important.

Young patient smiling during interactive dental education at Pacifica pediatric dental practice.

Cabrillo Family Dental Care offers gentle and comfortable dental care for children and teenagers at our Pacifica, CA dental office. Led by children’s dentist Dr. Ryan Henspetter, our entire team is very down-to-earth, and we want to get to know your child so that we can meet their specific needs with individualized care and compassion. We strive to help small smiles grow into healthy, strong ones!

Please get in touch with our family-friendly dental office today to schedule your child’s appointment.

The Only Delta Dental PPO Pediatric Dentist in Pacifica

Finding a pediatric dentist your child feels comfortable with and your insurance actually covers can be a challenge. At Cabrillo Family Dental Care, Dr. Sarah Esmaili is proud to be the only pediatric dentist in Pacifica, CA who is a Delta Dental PPO Provider. That means local families can access specialized, kid-friendly dental care without the added stress of out-of-network costs.

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Our Children’s Dentistry Services

Comprehensive children’s dental care ensures your child’s smile stays healthy and beautiful for a lifetime. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit be no later than your child’s first birthday.

We also agree with the American Dental Association about getting routine dental exams and cleanings every six months. However, patients with gum disease may need more frequent appointments for deep cleanings and maintenance, usually every three months.

During your routine dental exam and cleaning, you can expect the following:

A friendly discussion about your child’s oral health, goals, and areas of improvement, such as thumb-sucking habits, nutrition, and brushing technique
A comprehensive assessment of your child’s mouth, including teeth, gums, lips, and oral structures, to check their development and overall oral health
Digital dental x-rays to identify any underlying concerns that can’t be seen with the naked eye, such as tooth decay or an infection
Gentle and thorough teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gumline if needed
Fluoride varnish and polish for cavity protection and strengthening the teeth
Sealants to prevent the spread of dental decay, if needed

Our kind and friendly team have years of experience working with children, and we always strive to ensure you and your child feel safe, comfortable, and confident in our care.

Schedule Your Child’s Dental Check-Up Today

At Cabrillo Family Dental Care, we strive to create a compassionate and caring atmosphere for every family that walks through our doors. Our highest mission is to treat your child as our own. We work with our patients and their families to educate and motivate them to maintain a positive attitude towards dental care.

Happy family of three brushing their teeth together in Pacifica.

Dr. Ryan Henspetter, Dr. Chris Jen Kin, and Dr. Sarah Esmaili are skilled and gentle dentists who see patients of all ages, including children. Through continuous education and development, our team is committed to providing superior skills to achieve the most exemplary oral health for your child.

Our dental office is pleased to serve patients from all surrounding areas and neighborhoods, including Rockaway Beach, Vallemar, Park Pacifica, Linda Mar, Pedro Point, Hillsborough, San Mateo, Burlingame, San Bruno, Moss Beach, and Belmont.

Please get in touch with us today by calling (650) 359-1646 or scheduling an appointment online.

We look forward to welcoming your family to our dental office!

My Kids Usually Do Not Like Going to Dentist but They Love Going Here.

My kids usually do not like going to dentist but they love going here. Consistently of staff and especially dentist is very important. The office is always clean and staff members are very friendly and helpful. We are very happy with their services and I have referred family and friends to Dr. Sarah Esmaili.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should my child first see a dentist, and how often are checkups recommended?

Parents often ask us when pediatric dentistry should really start. The short answer: sooner than you might think. Seeing a children’s dentist in Pacifica, CA, early helps establish healthy habits and catches small issues before they become big ones. This is why the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child first visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth.

Why Early Dental Visits Matter

Early dental visits are less about treatment and more about prevention and familiarity. During these checkups, a pediatric dentist assesses whether teeth are coming in properly, looks for early signs of decay, and answers questions about brushing, fluoride, thumb-sucking, and pacifier use. Just as important, these appointments help your child get comfortable with pediatric dentistry in Pacifica, CA, reducing anxiety or fear in the future.

After the first visit, most children, like adults, benefit from a checkup every six months. However, depending on a child’s specific developmental needs or elevated cavity risk, more frequent visits may be recommended.

Gentle Pediatric Dentistry in Pacifica, CA

If you’re in Pacifica and want to learn more about the importance of early dental visits and ongoing pediatric care, contact Dr. Sarah Esmaili and the caring Cabrillo Family Dental Care team to schedule an appointment.

What happens at a children’s dental visit, and how can I help my child feel comfortable?

During a typical dental visit, your child will likely receive a gentle exam, a light cleaning, and, if deemed appropriate, fluoride treatment. The dentist will check how teeth are developing, look for early signs of decay, and explain what’s happening in kid-friendly language. Parents are encouraged to stay involved during these checkups and ask questions about brushing, diet, and oral habits.

Helping Your Child Feel Comfortable

Children’s early dental visits are intended to be calming, straightforward, and age-appropriate. At Cabrillo Family Dental Care, appointments with Dr. Sarah Esmaili, a top children’s dentist in Pacifica, CA, focus on comfort, education, and prevention, not confusing or overwhelming procedures.

To further help your child feel at ease, talk positively about the visit beforehand and avoid using words like “hurt.” Reading books about dentist visits or doing a pretend checkup at home can also help. The goal of pediatric dentistry in Pacifica, CA, is to make dental care feel routine, not scary, so children grow up confidently committed to their oral health.

Stress-Free Pediatric Dentistry in Pacifica, CA

If you’re in Pacifica and want to learn more about children’s dental visits and how to help your child feel comfortable, contact Dr. Sarah Esmaili and the caring team at Cabrillo Family Dental Care to schedule an appointment.

What should I expect at my first dental visit?

Thank you for choosing Cabrillo Family Dental Care for your Pacifica, CA dentist office. We look forward to meeting you in person on your appointment day.

Our office is located at 669 Crespi Dr. #F, Pacifica, 94044. Contact us at (650) 359-1646 if you have any questions about your appointment.

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment, especially if it is your first time at our dental office.

This will give you time to fill out the necessary paperwork beforehand.

What Is an Appointment At Your Office Like?

When you first arrive, our friendly and professional staff will greet you and get you started. You will fill out any necessary paperwork before the appointment begins.

If it has been a while since you have been to the dentist, your first appointment will be an exam, during which time the dentist will inspect the health of your jaw, gums, teeth, and throat to find issues, if there are any.

If you are coming to us for a specific treatment, the dentist or dental assistant will bring you in to prepare you for your appointment. The dentist and support staff will finish making the necessary preparations. This includes getting the required tools and equipment ready, preparing the patient by making them comfortable in the chair, and helping them relax.

During your appointment, your dentist will constantly ensure your comfort and ease. We always place patient care at the top of our priorities.

Afterward, you will have time to ask questions and communicate with your dentist about your oral health moving forward.

Pacifica Dental Office Near You

Cabrillo Family Dental Care proudly serves the greater Pacifica, CA area, providing the highest quality dental care. We always put our patients first.

If you have already scheduled an appointment, we thank you for choosing us to be your dentist.
If you haven't yet, contact us today to schedule a time to come in for a dental exam and cleaning.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Sarah Esmaili

Originally from the Bay Area and a college graduate of Santa Clara University, Dr. Sarah Esmaili (pronounced Es-smiley) headed out to Philadelphia for dental school, where she earned her DMD from Temple University Maurice Kornberg School of Dentistry and received the Edward B. and Arnold R. Cook Award in Pediatric Dentistry. There she discovered her passion of working with children and pursued pediatric dental residency at Geisinger Hospital in Danville, PA, located in an underserved rural area that draws a large pediatric population from more than a two-hour radius.

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Featured Blog Posts - Children's Dentistry

January 17, 2026

When Should Your Child See a Pediatric Dentist in Pacifica, CA

Young girl smiling in dental chair while pediatric dentist shows her a tooth model during examination.

If you’re a parent, you already know kids grow fast, and their smiles do too. One of the most common questions we hear at Cabrillo Family Dental Care is: “When should my child see a pediatric dentist for the first time?: The short answer: sooner than you might think! Visiting a pediatric dentist in Pacifica, CA, early helps set the stage

September 15, 2025

Finding a Children’s Dental Specialist Near You in Pacifica CA

Group of happy children smiling and laughing together outdoors in a park setting.

When it comes to children’s dental health, finding the right children’s dental specialist is crucial. This is because a trusted children’s dentist both provides gentle, effective care while also helping kids feel relaxed and comfortable during their appointments. If you’re searching for a children’s dental specialist in Pacifica, CA, here are some tips to guide your decision. 1. Trust in Experience Kids’

June 16, 2025

Finding the Best Dentist in Pacifica, CA: A Parent’s Guide

Young child with curly blonde hair smiling at camera in Pacifica dental office setting.

Finding the right dentist for your child is just as important as finding the right pediatrician. You want them to thrive and have the very best, which is why you choose wisely. Additionally, dental health is directly related to overall wellness, so it’s critical to explore your options. In this blog, we discuss: What to Look for in a Pediatric Dental Specialist

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