Pediatric Dentistry
At Sacramento Holistic Dentist, we believe that establishing healthy dental habits early in life creates lifelong benefits — not just for teeth, but for overall health. Dr. Yana Pekarski, DDS has 20 years of pediatric dental experience and creates a warm, comfortable, low-stress environment for children of all ages. Families throughout Sacramento, Carmichael, Roseville, and Elk Grove bring their children to our practice because they know every material used will be completely biocompatible.
Biocompatible Pediatric Dentistry — No Compromises for Kids
Children's developing bodies are especially sensitive to chemical exposures. That is why we apply an even higher standard of biocompatibility for our youngest patients. We use Admira Fusion ceramic-based ORMOCER restorative material for all children's fillings — completely free from BPA, bisGMA, bisDMA, and TEGDMA derivatives. We strive to ensure that every restoration we place in a child’s mouth uses the most biocompatible material currently available in dentistry.
Our Approach to Fluoride for Children
We apply a thoughtful, individualized medical model to fluoride. If a child has a high cavity risk due to diet, poor hygiene, or reduced saliva, fluoride may be appropriate as a risk-reduction tool. For children with good oral hygiene and diet, we recommend hydroxyapatite treatments instead — a naturally occurring mineral that remineralizes enamel without any of fluoride's potential side effects, including dental fluorosis.
Prevention First: The Best Cavity Is the One That Never Forms
"The best way to limit exposure to chemicals you want to avoid is to not need them in the first place." At our practice, prevention is not just a buzzword — it is the foundation of every child's care plan. We invest significant time in:
- Diet counseling — identifying cavity-causing foods and beverages and finding healthier substitutes
- Brushing and flossing technique — hands-on instruction for both children and parents
- Early orthodontic monitoring — watching for crowding, bite issues, and jaw development concerns
- Space maintainers — when baby teeth are lost prematurely, preventing crowding of permanent teeth
- Sealants — protective coating for deep grooves in back teeth (using BPA-free materials)
Gentle Sedation for Anxious or Special-Needs Children
Some children experience dental anxiety, or may have special needs that make routine treatment challenging. Dr. Pekarski has extensive experience with pediatric sedation — including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and deeper sedation options — allowing necessary care to be completed safely and comfortably in a single visit when needed.
Why Choose Sacramento Holistic Dentist for Your Child's Dental Care
Dr. Pekarski graduated from UCLA School of Dentistry in 2007 and has dedicated her career to biocompatible, holistic dental care for patients of all ages. At our Carmichael office, children are treated with the same material standards as adults — BPA-free, mercury-free, and metal-free whenever possible. We use digital radiography (reducing radiation by approximately 90% compared to traditional film) and always use lead aprons with thyroid collars for additional protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Within 6 months of the child's first tooth emerging, or by age one — whichever comes first. Early visits establish comfort with the dental environment and let Dr. Pekarski guide diet and hygiene from the start.
When infants sleep with bottles containing milk, formula, or juice, the sugars pool around teeth and cause rapid decay. We'll show you how to prevent this and what to do if early decay has already begun.
Use a warm washcloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush. The main goal is simply to remove any plaque or food debris from the teeth — there is no need for chemicals on a baby.
Yes. Dr. Pekarski is experienced with pediatric sedation, including nitrous oxide and deeper options, making dental care possible for anxious, young, or special-needs children.
We use digital radiography, which reduces radiation by approximately 90% compared to traditional film. We also use lead aprons with thyroid collar protection for every radiograph.
Yes — it is our only option. We use Admira Fusion ORMOCER restorations for all children's fillings. There is no conventional BPA-containing composite used in our office, period.
Yes. Dr. Pekarski has experience with children who have autism, sensory sensitivities, and other special needs. We offer sedation options and take as much time as needed to help every child feel safe and comfortable.