Pediatric Dentist in Portland, OR
First impressions are pivotal–especially with children! That’s why here at Bethany Family Dental, we put all our energy towards making your child’s first appointment a positive one. We are all about creating a long-lasting impression that gets your little one’s lifetime of dental health started on the right foot! To keep on top of your child’s oral health, we recommend scheduling an initial appointment when the first tooth comes in. However, no matter when your child visits us for the first time, the appointment will focus on getting to know your child, checking gums and teeth, educating you on how to care for your child’s teeth as they develop, and if necessary, we may do a little cleaning.
What happens during pediatric dentistry visits?
Friendly Bethany Family Dental staff members greet your child when they arrive at the office for dental cleanings and exams. While your child sits in a comfortable dental chair, their provider takes dental X-rays when needed and gently cleans their teeth to remove plaque and tartar in hard-to-reach areas. Dental specialists brush and floss your child’s teeth and offer preventive fluoride treatments and sealants to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Your child’s dentist reviews the results of dental X-rays and examines their teeth and gums. If they find evidence of tooth decay or damage, Bethany Family Dental specialists offer fillings, crowns, inlays and onlays, root canals, and more to restore teeth.
How should my child care for their teeth at home?
There are several ways children can properly care for their teeth at home between dental visits at Bethany Family Dental. Examples include:
- Brushing their teeth after meals
- Flossing daily
- Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports
- Limiting sweets and sugary drinks
- Avoiding sticky foods
- Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Avoiding chewing on hard objects
- Avoiding opening packages with teeth
Adopting exceptional oral health care habits at home is just as important as attending routine dental cleanings and exams at Bethany Family Dental.
When should I schedule pediatric dentistry appointments?
Your child’s first regular dental visit should occur just after their third birthday, but earlier appointments help them get used to the care of dental providers. Schedule dental cleanings and exams at Bethany Family Dental every six months, or any time your child experiences signs of tooth decay or damage, such as tooth pain, discoloration, cracks, or chips. To schedule your child’s next pediatric dentistry visit, call the Bethany Family Dental office or request an appointment online today.