Pediatric Dentist in Erie, PA

At our pediatric dental office in Erie, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care for your child and your family. Our practice is committed to the oral health and well-being of our youngest patients, ensuring every visit is a positive experience from the moment you walk through our door.

We understand that a trip to the dentist can sometimes cause pain, anxiety, or an uneasy feeling for young ones. That’s why our staff goes above and beyond to make every patient feel comfortable and safe upon arrival. 

We offer a wide range of dental services tailored to youth, including preventative care, routine check-ups, and specialized treatments. Our professional, caring team provides special attention to each individual, working to establish a lifelong commitment to oral health.

Calm, Confident Smiles for Kids

One of the unique services we offer is the support of our therapy dog, "Dogtor" Gizmo, who helps our patients feel at ease during their visit. For those who need extra support with dental anxieties and phobias, Dr. Kevin Mahoney, a board-certified dental anesthesiologist, provides safe, effective sleep dentistry. We are proud to provide these options to ensure everyone can receive the dental care they need without fear.

Another aspect of pediatric dentistry also ties into orthodontics. Braces are a big dental milestone for children, and it is recommended that parents schedule an orthodontic appointment for their child by the age of seven.

Young children, pre-teens, and teenagers all have unique needs that differentiate pediatric dentistry from general dentistry. It is important to understand that to help them avoid future dental problems and guide them through healthy dental growth and development. We look forward to welcoming you to our office and being a part of your family’s dental journey!

Pediatric Dentistry Erie, PA Dr. Kevin Mahoney

Schedule an Appointment  

Pediatric Dentistry FAQ

What is pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is a specialty focused on the unique dental needs of infants through teens. Our team has advanced training to provide comprehensive dental care and address the specific needs of young patients.

How often should a child see a dentist?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should receive a dental check-up at least twice a year. The ideal frequency of dental visits depends on the amount of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns, or poor oral hygiene. Your child must get professional teeth cleanings and fluoride treatments to help prevent future cavities.

How do I prevent dental problems?

Preventing cavities is very important in maintaining good oral hygiene for you and your children. For infants, it's good to use a wet washcloth or a piece of gauze to wipe away the plaque from their teeth and gums. Be sure to avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water.

With older children, make sure they are brushing at least two times a day. It is also a good idea to limit the number of snacks with sugar in them. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends six-month visits to the pediatric dentist, beginning with your child's first birthday.

How do I get my child to brush?

In order to get your kids to brush their teeth willingly, make it fun! Adding something as simple as music to your teeth-brushing routine can help get kids excited to brush their teeth. Play their favorite song and have them brush for at least two minutes of the song. While that is just one way, there are plenty of options to get kids excited about brushing their teeth.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen enamel and prevent decay. It has been documented to not only be safe but also highly effective at preventing cavities. 

The greatest risk when using fluoride is with children who tend to swallow their toothpaste. This could lead to an excessive amount of consumption of fluoride, which could lead to fluorosis (a condition that affects the appearance of tooth enamel). We’ll discuss the right amount for your loved one during your visit!

You can take these steps to decrease the risk of using fluoride:

  • Use a small amount of toothpaste when brushing your children's teeth.
  • Use baby tooth cleanser on the toothbrushes of very young children.
  • Account for all sources of fluoride in your food and liquids.
  • Before giving your child fluoride supplements, test your water for the amount of fluoride.
  • Find out more about what's in your toothpaste.
My child has a cavity in a baby tooth. Why should I have it fixed if it will fall out eventually?

Baby (Deciduous) teeth are very important. Each tooth has a function. Should a tooth become diseased (like a cavity) and left untreated, the results could be painful, causing eating to become a difficult task and in the case of school-aged children, causing poor performance in school.

My child hates going to the dentist. Is sleep dentistry a safe option?

Yes,  sleep dentistry is a safe and effective service for those with severe dental anxiety or special needs. Our professional team will discuss all options with you.

Where To Find Us

We look forward to meeting you and your loved ones and to being your trusted partner in pediatric dental care. Continue your family’s journey to a healthy smile with us! 
📍 Address: 3915 Caughey Rd, Erie, PA 16506
 
📞 Phone:  (814) 833-3505
 

Recent Posts

More Than a Dental Anesthesiologist: Why To Choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney

Posted on April 30th, 2020 at 11:49 AM
More Than a Dental Anesthesiologist: Why To Choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney

As a practicing dental anesthesiologist specializing in family and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Kevin Mahoney has never seen a situation quite like COVID-19. Regardless, he continues to see to his patients' unique needs, delivering quality dental care tailored to the individual — just as he has for over three decades. If you're looking to establish a routine appointment schedule once government closure mandates lift, you can trust Dr. Mahoney to provide for you safely and capably.

For emergency dental care

Oral health closely correlates to overall health, so when a dental emergency arises, it’s important to get care fast. Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney offers same-day appointments to patients and non-patients alike, to address severe pain or swelling of the mouth or jaw, infections and abscesses, or broken or cracked teeth, crowns, or fillings. Don’t fret about payment or lack of insurance — between our work with insurance carriers and our monthly payment plans, our office makes a coordinated effort to ease your financial burden.

If dental fear or phobia is preventing you from getting the urgent dental care you need, do not let it. Dr. Mahoney is the only dentist in the Erie area licensed to administer general anesthesia, characterized by a deep state of unconsciousness. You’ll feel no pain and have no memory of the emergency procedure, but the relief you feel afterward will be something to remember going forward. 

For routine dental care

Of course, trips to the dentist shouldn’t just be reserved for emergencies. It’s recommended that dental visits occur every 6 months, or at least annually — by monitoring the health of the teeth, gums, and mouth consistently, there is a lesser chance of dire situations popping up in the first place! Furthermore, by seeing you more frequently, we can hone in on achieving your best smile through our array of cosmetic (aka aesthetic) dentistry services.

We understand that even routine dental procedures like bonding and fillings can be stressful or difficult for folks with anxieties, phobias, or special needs. For these patients, Dr. Mahoney can administer sedation or general anesthesia before he performs his work, getting more done in fewer visits. He also collaborates with the compassionate canine, Dogtor Gizmo — a certified dental therapy dog who's happy to sit or snuggle with you during your procedure. Dogtor Gizmo is wonderful with children and special needs patients.

It is these efforts to reinforce calm and reduce stress that set Dr. Mahoney apart.

dr kevin mahoney sleep dentistry procedure

Kind words from our patients

We know that deciding on one dentist can seem overwhelming when there are so many options available. We encourage you to choose the dentist best for you — who you’re both comfortable with and who delivers the care you need. In the meantime, here are a few examples of why our patients feel we’re the best for them.

From our Google Reviewers (5.0 stars, 13 reviews)

“Friendly, Professional, Compassionate, Experienced”

— 5 star review from Glenn Henry (Local Guide)

“Dr. Kevin Mahoney and staff have always made me feel at ease. I quite often call myself ‘Chicken Little’ when it comes to dentistry. The Sleep Dentistry is a bonus, the main reason I started to go there. They are very professional, friendly and informative. Thank you for making my visits stress free!”

— 5 star review from Kim Tavernese

From our Facebook Reviewers (4.3 stars, 52 reviews)

“The only phobia I have bigger than spiders and needles is going to the dentist, and I must say in all my years of going to a dentist, Dr. Mahoney has made that phobia go away. I was not put to sleep [when I] didn't need to be, I had my teeth cleaned and 2 fillings done all the same day and I felt no pain and never felt the needles. Dr. Mahoney has mastered his craft and makes you feel so comfortable and anxiety free, if there were 6-star [reviews], Dr. Mahoney definitely would have got one from me!!!”

— 5 star review from Butchie Knight

“My 6-year-old had some major problems with his teeth and needed surgery, [but] he was scared of the dentist ... When we finally thought we found an answer and had scheduled a surgery, the coronavirus outbreak made his surgery get cancelled and hope was lost. Of course my son's tooth took a turn for the worse. We got into [Dr. Mahoney’s] office the same day that we called them and the next morning my son had his surgery. WHAT A LIFE SAVER! Extremely satisfied with the service not to mention sanitary conditions in the office as well!”

— 5 star review from Katie Payne

If you, a friend, or a relative need emergency dental services during the COVID-19 outbreak, call Dr. Mahoney’s office at (814) 833-3505 to arrange a same-day appointment. When routine dental care is allowed to resume, please get in touch with us! We will be seeing new patients after previously scheduled appointments are fulfilled. 

BECOME A PATIENT