PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY PORTLAND
How We Keep Cavities at Bay
Did you know that the most common childhood disease in the world is tooth decay? Our preventive services cannot only prevent cavities, but they also give us a chance to observe your child’s oral development and correct potential issues while they are still small and easy to treat. This way, your child can spend less time in our office and more just being a kid! Has it been more than six months since their last visit? If so, then it’s time for an appointment at Dr. Pike Dentistry for Children, and you can schedule it by clicking here.
Why Choose Dr. Pike Dentistry for Children for Kid’s Preventive Dental Care?
- Science-Based Method for Keeping Kids Calm
- Fun & Game-Filled Dental Office
- Highly Trained Children’s Dentistry Team
Dental Checkups & Cleanings
The foundation of everything that we do here begins with regular checkups and cleanings at least twice a year. This is when we examine your child’s mouth, remove cavity-causing plaque and tartar, and establish a lasting, positive connection with them so they don’t ever fear the dentist. Our well-honed system has helped countless kids finally feel relaxed during these routine visits.
Fluoride Treatment
We can apply a fluoridated paste to your child’s teeth as part of their cleaning to give them an extra layer of protection against cavities while also reducing any sensitivity. And if your child has active decay, we can treat it directly with silver diamine fluoride, a compound that kills harmful bacteria while simultaneously preserving the remaining enamel (this means we don’t have to drill it).
Learn More About Fluoride Treatment
Dental Sealants
If a child is going to get a cavity, it will most likely be in one of their back teeth. These are hard for little hands to clean and also have many deep grooves and crevices that easily build up food particles and bacteria. With sealants, we place a thin layer of clear dental resin over these teeth, essentially giving them an “umbrella” that will keep them shielded for up to a decade.
Learn More About Dental Sealants
Athletic Mouthguards/ Sportsguards
Whether your child just started playing organized sports, attends the occasional pick-up game, or is a future star athlete, they could definitely benefit from a custom mouthguard. This appliance makes sure that unexpected impacts don’t lead to dental injuries and a surprise trip to the dentist. Our mouthguards are specially made for comfort and allow a child to speak and breathe normally while you breathe a sigh of relief on the sidelines.
Learn More About Sports Dentistry
Thumb-Sucking
Most babies and young children will suck their thumbs at some point, and the majority will naturally stop. However, for those who keep up the habit past when their teeth start to appear, this can cause problems. The continuous pressure in the mouth can negatively affect how the teeth and jaw grow. We know that getting a child to stop sucking their thumb can be a struggle, but we have a method for helping them stop that prioritizes positive reinforcement over punishment to make the process as smooth (and short) as possible
Phase 1 Orthodontics
Phase 1 Orthodontics is meant to correct issues like crookedness, crowding, and gaps present in the baby teeth. This can make a child feel better about their smile while also helping them avoid the need for more extensive orthodontic care down the line. The primary goal is to give their adult teeth all the room they need to come in straight. We’ll keep a close eye on the alignment of your child’s teeth during their checkups, and we’ll recommend this treatment when it will be most effective.