Tips, insights, and resources for your family

The Smile Guide

Expert guidance on pediatric dentistry, oral health, and growing smiles in Santa Barbara and Goleta. Thoughtful, practical insights from our board-certified pediatric dentists, designed to help you feel confident in every stage of your child's care, from first visits to the teen years.

About us
Latest Post
September 30, 2026

Welcome to Santa Barbara Children's Dentistry

Serving families across Santa Barbara, Montecito, and the surrounding communities with board-certified pediatric dental care that children actually look forward to.

Orthodontics
What Bite Issues Can Invisalign Fix?
Orthodontics
October 17, 2025

What Bite Issues Can Invisalign Fix?

If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth but don’t want the discomfort and hassle of wearing metal braces, you’re not alone.

Preventive dentistry
Fall Dental Care: Practical Patient Tips and FAQs for a Healthy Smile in September
Preventive dentistry
September 25, 2025

Fall Dental Care: Practical Patient Tips and FAQs for a Healthy Smile in September

As the vibrant colors of autumn paint the landscape and cooler weather sets in, September emerges as the perfect time to refresh your dental care routine.

Orthodontics
Orthodontics for Children: Breaking Myths and Highlighting New Opportunities
Orthodontics
July 31, 2025

Orthodontics for Children: Breaking Myths and Highlighting New Opportunities

Introduction: Early Orthodontic Care Is Key to a Healthy, Confident Smile As a parent, you want the best for your child's health and happiness — and their smile plays a huge role in both.

Orthodontics
Traveling with Braces: Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Summer Vacation
Orthodontics
July 11, 2025

Traveling with Braces: Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Summer Vacation

Summer is the perfect time to explore new places, visit family, and make lifelong memories.

Preventive dentistry
Busting 10 Common Myths About Children's Dental Care: A Parent's Guide to Healthier Smiles
Preventive dentistry
April 11, 2025

Busting 10 Common Myths About Children's Dental Care: A Parent's Guide to Healthier Smiles

As parents, we want the best for our kids—and that includes their dental health.

Orthodontics
Invisalign for Teens: A Discreet Solution for a Confident Smile
Orthodontics
March 24, 2025

Invisalign for Teens: A Discreet Solution for a Confident Smile

A confident smile can make a world of difference for teenagers, boosting self-esteem and encouraging social interactions.

Preventive dentistry
Spring Cleaning for Your Teeth: Essential Oral Hygiene Tips
Preventive dentistry
March 10, 2025

Spring Cleaning for Your Teeth: Essential Oral Hygiene Tips

Spring is just around the corner, and while many of us are gearing up for a seasonal home refresh, why not extend that deep cleaning to your smile?

Preventive dentistry
Preventive dentistry
October 29, 2024

No Tricks, Just Treats: How to Enjoy Halloween and Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy

Halloween is just around the corner, and families in Santa Barbara and Goleta, CA, are preparing for all the festive fun—costumes, trick-or-treating, and plenty of candy!

Orthodontics
Earning an A+ Smile: 7 Reasons Why September is the Perfect Time to Start Your Invisalign Journey
Orthodontics
September 27, 2024

Earning an A+ Smile: 7 Reasons Why September is the Perfect Time to Start Your Invisalign Journey

Earning an A+ Smile: 7 Reasons Why September is the Perfect Time to Start Your Invisalign Journey As the summer days slowly fade away and the crisp autumn air begins to creep in, September marks a time of new beginnings.

Preventive dentistry
Understanding and Preventing Gum Disease in Kids: A Comprehensive Guide
Preventive dentistry
May 29, 2024

Understanding and Preventing Gum Disease in Kids: A Comprehensive Guide

At Santa Barbara Children's Dentistry , our number one goal is to help educate both our patients and their parents on the best oral hygiene practices to prevent issues like cavities, gum disease and tooth decay in their little ones.

Preventive dentistry
Oral Health Awareness Month: Understanding the Link Between Oral Health and Overall Wellness
Preventive dentistry
April 25, 2024

Oral Health Awareness Month: Understanding the Link Between Oral Health and Overall Wellness

Now that flowers are starting to bloom and April is here, our team at Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry is welcoming spring and celebrating Oral Health Awareness month!

Preventive dentistry
Celebrate Children's Dental Health Month: Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles!
Preventive dentistry
February 16, 2024

Celebrate Children's Dental Health Month: Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles!

Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? The American Dental Association declared February 8th as Children’s Dental Health Day in 1949, then in 1981 the holiday was extended to month-long observance!

Orthodontics
Six Hidden Benefits of Braces
Orthodontics
December 28, 2023

Six Hidden Benefits of Braces

For More Than Straight Teeth At Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry, our number one goal is to help each one of our patients build and preserve the health of their smile.

Preventive dentistry
How to Choose the Right Toothbrush for Your Child
Preventive dentistry
November 28, 2023

How to Choose the Right Toothbrush for Your Child

Choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste is vital to your kiddo's oral health, and it’s important to know what tools are best for their oral care at every developmental stage.

Preventive dentistry
5 Ways Oral Hygiene Impacts Your Child’s Overall Well-Being
Preventive dentistry
September 29, 2023

5 Ways Oral Hygiene Impacts Your Child’s Overall Well-Being

At Santa Barbara Children's Dentistry, we know teaching and instilling good oral hygiene habits in your children can be difficult, but these habits are necessary for more than just clean and happy teeth.

Orthodontics
5 Habits That can be Harmful to Your Teeth
Orthodontics
July 26, 2023

5 Habits That can be Harmful to Your Teeth

As your dentist, I want to teach you how to properly care for your teeth during and after your orthodontic treatment, so you can have the best smile possible!

Preventive dentistry
5 Tips to Step Up Your Home Dental Care
Preventive dentistry
June 29, 2023

5 Tips to Step Up Your Home Dental Care

Cavities and gum disease are easy to prevent at home. Dr. Hayley shares five simple habits to step up your family's daily dental care routine.

Preventive dentistry
5 Easy Tips to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit
Preventive dentistry
May 30, 2023

5 Easy Tips to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

Is it time for your child’s first dental appointment? Are you feeling nervous about their first appointment?

Preventive dentistry
Overcoming Dental Anxiety
Preventive dentistry
April 28, 2023

Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is totally normal and is experienced by a large portion of the population.

Orthodontics
Why Straight Teeth Matter
Orthodontics
April 17, 2023

Why Straight Teeth Matter

Several patients pursue orthodontic treatment at Santa Barbara Children's Dentistry so they can have an aesthetic, straight smile, but straight teeth provide more than just a pretty smile.

Preventive dentistry
Five Perks of Following Your Dentist on Social Media
Preventive dentistry
April 3, 2023

Five Perks of Following Your Dentist on Social Media

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok are all social media apps we find ourselves, and our teens, browsing throughout the day.

About us
About us
September 30, 2026

Welcome to Santa Barbara Children's Dentistry

Serving families across Santa Barbara, Montecito, and the surrounding communities with board-certified pediatric dental care that children actually look forward to.

Don't just take our word for it.

See what families are saying

Dr. Annie is a miracle worker. Our toddler absolutely fought us when it came to teeth brushing, but Dr. Annie had him completely cooperative within just a few minutes with fun kid-friendly techniques. She took the time to explain how to take the techniques home and how to build good habits to set him up for life. We are so grateful! 

Taryn Martin

Dr. Hannah and the entire staff were amazing—from the scheduling process to the actual appointment. I’ve never experienced a practice that so thoughtfully took my daughter’s temperament into consideration. They truly went above and beyond to make her feel comfortable, which resulted in a very successful first dental visit. We’re so grateful—thank you so much! 

Angelie Wallace

We’ve had such a great experience at Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry. The doctor and all the staff are incredibly kind and professional. My kids enjoy going, which says a lot. My younger son is only two years old, and the nurse was so gentle and patient while helping him brush his teeth. It made the whole visit stress-free for both of us. Really appreciate the care and warmth here. Highly recommend! 

Maribel Garcia

We’ve had such a great experience at Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry. The doctor and all the staff are incredibly kind and professional. My kids enjoy going, which says a lot. My younger son is only two years old, and the nurse was so gentle and patient while helping him brush his teeth. It made the whole visit stress-free for both of us. Really appreciate the care and warmth here. Highly recommend! 

Mia

Dr Cox and all of her team members are amazing! Elena my daughter had a perfect first appointment. The office is so beautiful and modern. We can’t wait for our next visit. Thank you all so much

Daniela Cadavid

Great experience for a toddler's 1st dentist appointment. Clean waiting room with toys to entertain, all the staff are so kind. Dr. Hayley is great! Also Bluey playing on the ceiling is a great distraction :)

Julia Jacobson

I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Cox and her team. From the moment we walked in, the experience was nothing short of amazing. The staff is incredibly friendly, patient and gentle with kids. The office is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Plus, the waiting area is full of great toys and entertainment that kept my little one entertained and at ease. It’s clear they truly care about making dental visits a positive experience. Highly recommend! My little man loves coming here.

Crystal McGregor

I cannot rave enough about SB Children’s Dentistry. My son has been seen at the practice since he was 1 and we have received nothing but excellent care from Dr.Hayley and this last visit Dr.Hannah! The entire staff is super friendly and welcoming. My son genuinely enjoys going to the dentist because of their approach to treating children.

Erika Adame

Serving Santa Barbara and Goleta

Choose the location most convenient for your family

Santa Barbara

Monday - Friday: 8:30am to 5:00pm

Goleta

Monday - Friday: 8:30am to 5:00pm