Frequently Asked Pediatric Dental Questions Portland

When should my child have his or her first dental appointment?

Ideally, you should bring your child in for their first appointment around their first birthday. These appointments are essential for establishing a good relationship with us and will be important for getting your child comfortable with the dentist's chair.

When will my child begin to get their teeth?

Most babies will sprout their first tooth between four and seven months of age. However, early developers may get their first tooth as soon as three months, while late bloomers may not have teeth until after their first birthday.

How can I help my child maintain proper brushing and flossing habits?

Go through the basics of teeth brushing with your children, including how to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle, using short and round strokes for the fronts and backs of teeth, and using sweeping strokes to clean the chewing surfaces. You should also highlight the importance of flossing and be sure to change your child’s toothbrush 3-4 times per year.

How do I help my child prevent tooth decay?

The best way to help your child prevent tooth decay is to begin teaching good oral hygiene habits from a young age. Additionally, regular trips to our office for cleanings and checkups can help to remove plaque and spot problem areas before tooth decay develops.

How many children have you treated?

At Dr. Pike Dentistry for Children, we have been treating children for more than 50 years. In that time, we’ve seen thousands of children (as well as their children) and look forward to treating your kids.

What will my child’s dental care experience be like from start to finish?

After checking in, Dr. Pike or Dr. Baker will greet you and your child before showing you around the office. Then, we will discuss any concerns you may have while providing instructions on how to keep teeth clean, and if any work is needed, we will practice with your child to make sure they are comfortable with the process.

How long is a pediatric dental appointment?

Average dental appointments at our clinic last between 30 and 50 minutes.

What do you have in the dental office to make a child’s experience more comfortable?

Our wonderful and experienced staff is trained to make all of our patients comfortable, and we offer video games, pet gerbils, toys, and movies on the iPad to help your children feel more relaxed. We understand that children are often nervous when coming to our office, so we can also offer nitrous oxide in order to help relieve their anxiety.

How frequently should my child go to the dentist?

A check-up once every six months is generally recommended to prevent cavities and other possible dental problems. However, your child’s oral health may require more frequent visits to our office.

Why do baby teeth require special care if they aren’t permanent?

Baby or primary teeth are important for a variety of reasons, so they should be cared for similarly to permanent teeth. The baby teeth will help your child to chew naturally and speak clearly, and they also work to form a path that your child’s permanent teeth will follow when they eventually erupt.

What’s the best way to keep my baby’s teeth clean?

A toothbrush is the best way to remove plaque bacteria that could cause tooth decay. Choose a soft-bristled brush with a small head, and if possible, find an option that has been created specifically for infants.

At what age should I begin to use toothpaste when brushing my child’s teeth?

You should start brushing your child’s teeth with fluoridated toothpaste as soon as the teeth emerge. For children under the age of two, use a “smear” of toothpaste, and then graduate to a pea-sized amount after their second birthday.

Why should I consider dental sealants for my child?

Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating that can help protect your child’s teeth against cavities. The sealant will act as a physical barrier that will prevent cavity-causing bacteria from developing on the teeth.

My child plays sports. How can I protect their teeth?

A mouthguard is the best way to protect your child’s teeth while they are playing sports. While a store-bought mouthguard will provide better coverage than nothing, the best protection comes from having a mouthguard custom-made from our dental office.

What should I do if my child is a thumb sucker?

Thumb-sucking habits will typically only become a problem if they continue for an extended period of time. Your child will likely stop this habit on their own, but if they continue to suck their thumb past their third birthday, we may recommend a mouth appliance to protect the teeth.

When will my child need their first dental X-rays?

Usually, children will have had their first dental X-ray taken by the age of 6, around the time they begin to get their adult teeth. Dental X-rays are an important tool that can allow us to see how the adult teeth are developing in the jaw while detecting potential bite problems.