PEDIATRIC DENTAL SERVICES

Pediatric Dental Exams and Cleanings in Oakland, CA

At Redwood Pediatric Dentistry, we provide gentle pediatric dental exams and cleanings in Oakland, CA, designed to support your child’s oral health from their first visit through their teenage years. Our team focuses on prevention, early detection, and personalized guidance to help children build healthy habits and feel comfortable at the dentist.

Building a Strong Foundation for Your Child’s Oral Health

A pediatric dental exam checks your child’s teeth, gums, and bite as they grow. Dr. Franklin looks for cavities, follows tooth development, and identifies areas that may need attention. You’ll have time to discuss concerns such as brushing difficulties, sensitive teeth, or changes you’ve noticed at home.

Professional cleanings remove plaque and hardened buildup that can collect on teeth. The cleaning approach depends on your child’s age and needs. As part of their preventive dental care, we may also recommend fluoride Treatment, X-rays when indicated, and changes to brushing, flossing, or eating habits.

Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist in Oakland

Meet Dr. Niekia Franklin​

Dr. Niekia Franklin is a board-certified pediatric dentist dedicated to providing comfortable and personalized dental care for infants, children, teens, and children with special healthcare needs. Her pediatric training gives her a detailed understanding of developing teeth, childhood cavities, and the support children may need during dental procedures.

With advanced pediatric training and experience caring for children with different needs, Dr. Franklin provides personalized treatment focused on prevention, comfort, and long-term oral health. She combines modern pediatric techniques with a compassionate approach to help children feel supported while receiving quality dental care.

Her credentials include:

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
  • Pediatric Dentistry Residency Certification
  • Board Certification by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Why Choose Redwood for Pediatric Dental Exams and Cleanings?

Regular dental visits should do more than check teeth. At Redwood Pediatric Dentistry, we create a supportive experience where children feel comfortable, parents receive clear guidance, and every visit supports healthy development.

Pediatric-Focused Dental Visits

Children’s dental appointments require more than routine cleaning. Our team understands growing smiles and tailors exams around your child’s age, development, and comfort.

Gentle and Comfortable Approach

We use child-friendly explanations and a calm environment to help children feel more relaxed during their dental visits.

Thorough Oral Health Evaluation

Dr. Franklin evaluates more than cavities by checking tooth development, bite changes, gum health, etc . During regular visits, our team can also help identify concerns that may require additional attention, including situations involving emergency dental care.

Clear Guidance for Parents

We explain what we find during your child’s visit and provide practical recommendations for maintaining their smile at home.

Benefits of Pediatric Dental Exams and Cleanings

Routine pediatric dental visits help protect your child’s smile while supporting preventive treatments such as professional cleanings, dental sealants, and healthy habits that last beyond childhood.

Detects Early Dental Concerns

Routine exams help identify cavities, enamel changes, gum concerns, and developmental changes before they become more complex.

Removes Plaque and Buildup

Professional cleanings remove plaque and buildup from areas that may be difficult to reach with brushing and flossing alone.

Monitors Growing Smiles

Regular visits allow our team to track tooth eruption, spacing, bite development, and changes as your child grows.

What Happens During a Pediatric Dental Exam and Cleaning?

Every child’s visit is personalized based on their age, comfort, and oral health needs. A typical appointment may include:

1

Review Your Child’s Health

We review medical and dental history, medications, allergies, and current concerns. Tell us about any previous dental experiences or situations your child finds difficult.

2

Examine Teeth and Gums

Dr. Franklin checks the teeth, gums, bite, and dental development. If X-rays are recommended, we explain what information they can provide about your child’s teeth.

3

Clean Your Child’s Teeth

Our team cleans the teeth using an approach suited to your child’s age and needs. We also point out areas that need extra attention at home.

4

Discuss Findings and Home Care

We explain the exam findings and discuss brushing, flossing, and any recommended care. Before you leave, you can ask questions about your child’s next visit.

Reviews

What Families Say About Redwood Pediatric Dentistry

Parents appreciate our honest communication, thoughtful guidance, and commitment to empowering families with the knowledge they need to make confident decisions about their child’s health.

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Morgan Cepparo
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This was our first visit and we loved it. They took amazing care of my 14 month old and made her feel comfortable. They were gentle, kind, and playful. A great experience!
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Iman A profile picture
Iman A
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This is hands down the best pediatric dentistry in the entire Bay Area. From the moment you walk in, the reception staff is incredibly kind and welcoming. That warmth continues with the dental assistants and Dr. Franklin herself. My children are always so well cared for, but today’s visit truly stood out. When we discovered my young son had cavities, Dr. Franklin immediately sensed our worry. Before even discussing the treatment, she took the time to console my husband and me, reassuring us that this happens often and isn't a reflection of our parenting. Her empathy is unmatched. We are so grateful to have found this practice and cannot recommend them highly enough. If you want the best for your children, look no further. Dr. Franklin + Staff: I wish you all nothing but health, wealth, and success! You guys are WONDERFUL! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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Emily Berenberg Schlesinger
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We love Dr. Franklin and her whole staff. My three boys are all patients at Redwood Pediatric Dentistry and I appreciate their suggestions for dental health and how they really connect with my kids. The lots of personal touches like their names on the door, my little one loves the toys and my older kids appreciate that the staff are all very friendly and fun to talk to. They also make scheduling and insurance billing very easy. Highly recommend!
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Linda Xu
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I started taking my now three-year-old here when she first turned one. Dr. Franklin and the team makes the experience so seamless and as fun as comforting for the kiddos, as well, a dentist trip can be :). We’re very grateful to have found this place and we’re excited that our kiddos will be here for a very long time.
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Courtney Jo
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My family and I are so happy we came across Dr. Franklin’s office for my 6 yr old son. All the staff are so friendly and welcoming. You feel like family when you go and I love that not only is the space specifically curated for kids but all the staff have a talent for working with kids. They know exactly what to do to help the kids feel at ease. When my son had a filling, he was nervous going in but once he got on the chair Dr. Franklin explained everything to him step by step and when we was done he said it wasn’t so bad :) I also love that Dr. Franklin gives you a lot options when your child needs treatment. She is very health conscious and puts that at the forefront of her practice. I wish I had a child dentist like this when I grew up. I would always look forward to going. If you’re looking for a dentist for your child, I highly recommend Dr. Franklin!
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Katrina
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I took my 2 year old here for her first dentist visit and we could not have had a better experience! My daughter had so much fun and every staff we interacted with was kind, friendly, and patient! Couldn’t recommend this pediatric dentist more!!
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Suzanne Spencer
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Dr Franklin is wonderful and so are all the hygienists we’ve met!
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Marianella Cateriano
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We always have a wonderful experience with the team at Redwood Pediatric Dentistry. They are so patient, kind, and great with kids. My daughter always feels comfortable, and everything is explained clearly to both of us. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great pediatric dentist!

Pediatric Dental Exam and Cleaning FAQs

When should my child have their first dental exam?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing a dental home by the first birthday or when the first tooth appears. Early visits help monitor development and introduce children to dental care in a comfortable way.

Many children benefit from visits every six months, but the recommended schedule depends on your child’s oral health, cavity risk, dental development, and individual needs.

Yes. Pediatric dental cleanings are designed specifically for children and are performed using gentle techniques appropriate for their age and comfort level.

Not every visit requires X-rays. Digital X-rays are recommended when they provide helpful information about areas that cannot be seen during a visual exam, such as cavities between teeth or developing structures.

If a cavity or other concern is found, Dr. Franklin will explain the condition and discuss appropriate treatment options based on your child’s needs, comfort, and the condition of the tooth.If your child needs more than preventive care, Dr. Franklin will explain available restorative options based on the condition of the tooth.

Conveniently Located Pediatric Dentist for Exams and Cleanings in Oakland, CA

Redwood Pediatric Dentistry provides pediatric dental exams and cleanings in Oakland, CA, helping families access personalized preventive dental care close to home. Our team offers routine checkups, professional cleanings, digital X-rays, fluoride treatments, and personalized recommendations designed to support healthy smiles at every stage.

Families throughout Oakland and nearby communities, including Montclair, Piedmont, Alameda, Berkeley, and surrounding Bay Area areas, can rely on Redwood Pediatric Dentistry for child-focused dental care. Whether your child is visiting for their first dental appointment or returning for ongoing preventive care, our team is here to support a healthy smile with comfortable, personalized visits.