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The Aloha Blog

Parent guides for East Bay families

Straight answers on first visits, emergencies, treatments and costs — written and reviewed by the doctors at our Berkeley and Orinda offices.

Start with what you need

Six paths through the library, organized the way parents actually ask.

First Visits

New to the dentist?

What happens at a first appointment, kindergarten screenings, and how we pace a visit around your child.

Dental Emergencies

Something hurts?

Tooth pain, chips and knocked-out teeth — what to do in the moment, and when to call us right away.

Treatments & Comfort

A treatment was suggested?

Fillings, crowns, SDF and Happy Air — what each one does and how we keep visits easy.

Cavity Prevention & Nutrition

Keeping cavities away

Brushing, fluoride, sealants, snacks and sugar — the everyday habits that protect teeth.

Special Needs & Sensory Care

A calmer kind of visit

Sensory-friendly appointments, extra time, and planning the visit around your child's needs.

Insurance & Costs

Money questions, plainly

Insurance, estimates and payment — answered before your visit, with no surprises.

Featured guide

The one to read first

First Visits

How to Choose a Pediatric Dentist in Berkeley, Oakland & the East Bay (Parent’s Guide)

Choosing the right pediatric dentist in Berkeley, Oakland, or the East Bay can feel overwhelming—especially if your child is anxious, very young, or has special needs. This guide breaks down exactly what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to make the best decision for your child’s long-term dental health. If your child has never been to the dentist before, you may also want to review what to expect at your child’s first dental visit.

Dr. Robert Khalil

4

min read

Read the guide →

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Cavity Prevention & Nutrition

Cavity-Free Smiles Guide

Make snack time tooth-friendly with these tasty tips

Dr. Ameneh Khosrovani

2

min read

Cavity Prevention & Nutrition

How to Brush Your Teeth

Keep your smile bright by brushing the Aloha Way!

Dr. Amita Ruehe

2

min read

Cavity Prevention & Nutrition

What Are Sealants?

Sealants are a special protective coating placed on your child’s back teeth to help prevent cavities — especially in the deep grooves where toothbrushes can’t always reach!

Dr. Mika Katsura

2

min read

Treatments & Comfort

All About “Happy Air” (Nitrous Oxide Sedation)

Helping Kids Feel Calm, Comfortable & Confident at the Dentist!

Dr. Carolynn Vuong Shultz

3

min read

Insurance & Costs

Insurance FAQ

We have experience working with all insurance companies and are here to help you make the most of your benefits.

Dr. Robert Khalil

2

min read

Treatments & Comfort

Getting Ready for Your Child’s Filling Appointment!

At Aloha Pediatric Dentistry, we want every visit to be calm, positive, and even a little fun! Here's how you can help us make your child's filling experience a great one.

Dr. Arnold Nakazato

2

min read

Dental Emergencies

First Aid for Dental Emergencies

A resource from Aloha Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Ameneh Khosrovani

2

min read

Treatments & Comfort

What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)?

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a super liquid that helps stop or slow down cavities (those pesky sugar bugs that eat your teeth)!

Dr. Amita Ruehe

2

min read

Cavity Prevention & Nutrition

Sweet or Sneaky? Let’s Talk Sugar!

How much added sugar kids can have in a day, where sugar hides in common snacks and drinks, and low-sugar swaps that protect teeth.

Dr. Mika Katsura

2

min read

Cavity Prevention & Nutrition

Aloha Snack Guide

Support healthy teeth with smart snack choices!

Dr. Carole Miyahara

1

min read

Cavity Prevention & Nutrition

Aloha’s Guide to Tooth Decay Prevention

Tooth decay can be avoided by eating smart snacks! These foods help keep your smile shiny and strong!

Dr. Carolynn Vuong Shultz

2

min read

First Visits

Community Engagement and Education

Aloha Pediatric Dentistry is dedicated to our local community. We give back through partnering with local schools, preschools & libraries to provide engaging preventative dental education to students in our community.

Dr. Carole Miyahara

1

min read

First Visits

Welcome to Aloha Pediatric Dentistry

Aloha and welcome to our dental ohana! At Aloha Pediatric Dentistry, we're thrilled to introduce you to a pediatric dental experience unlike any other. For decades, we've been serving our community with a unique blend of Hawaiian warmth and cutting-edge dental care. Let's explore what makes our practice special and why families have trusted us for generations.

Dr. Arnold Nakazato

3

min read

Three offices, one team

South Berkeley

2640 Telegraph Ave #101 · (510) 848-6494

Book online

North Berkeley

906 Ensenada Ave · (510) 528-1546

Book online

Orinda

3 Altarinda Rd #210 · (925) 253-8190

Call Orinda
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