Kids Dentistry
Portland, OR
 Your oral health is important. So, too, is the oral health of your child. Just like you, brushing and flossing are crucial habits for your child to prevent serious oral health issues like cavities and gum disease. In addition to fostering good oral hygiene habits at home, your child also needs professional care to maintain optimal oral health. Sylvan Heights Dental is here to help.
Cleanings and Exams
Your child should have regular cleanings and exams every six months, just like you. Cleanings are performed to help eliminate all debris from every surface of their teeth, including those surfaces that they might not be able to clean thoroughly on their own. With cleanings, we can help your child to prevent oral health issues from developing. Exams are performed to help detect the presence of oral health issues in their earliest stages, which then allows us to provide your child with prompt treatment, preventing the formation of more serious issues from arising later.
Cavity Prevention
It can be difficult for children to properly brush and floss their teeth. Spaces that are missed can significantly increase their risk of developing cavities. We can help your child to more effectively prevent cavities with fluoride and sealants. Fluoride treatments involve the application of fluoride varnish to the surfaces of the teeth. The fluoride absorbs into the enamel to help strengthen the teeth, enabling them to tight off acid erosion. Sealants use a synthetic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars, where food and bacteria are likely to get trapped. Sealants seal these crevices, preventing buildup and making the teeth easier to maintain.
What if My Child is Anxious?
Children can be anxious about going to the dentist. There are things that you can do to help prepare your child at home. Talk to them about the dentist and let them know that we are here to help them. Read books about going to the dentist. If your child is still anxious and is unable to sit still, we can help them to relax more easily, which then allows us to provide them with effective treatment in the safest way possible, with sedation options.
It can be a daily struggle to get your child to brush, and to brush properly every day. Your child may try to avoid brushing, or they may try to rush through the process. There are ways that you can help your child to make brushing easier, and more fun. Brush your teeth with your child. Demonstrating brushing can be very helpful. If your child sees you brushing every day, they are more likely to follow. Read books about brushing. Play music or sing songs. You can even turn brushing into a fun game.
Protection During Sports
If your child plays sports, particularly ones with a higher risk of injuries, wearing the proper protective gear is important. This gear should include good quality, properly fitting mouth guard. We can custom create a mouthguard for your child to help protect their teeth, gums, and their jawbone from serious dental injuries.
Dental care is just as important for your child as it is for you. For more information, and to schedule an appointment for your child, call Sylvan Heights Dental at (503) 297-1471 today.
Read More About Kids Dentistry at Sylvan Heights Dental
FAQs
What is kids dentistry?
Kids dentistry focuses on helping children build healthy habits and maintain strong teeth and gums as they grow. At Sylvan Heights Dental, our dentists provide gentle dental care designed to support your child’s comfort, oral development, and long-term smile health.
When should my child first visit the dentist?
Children should generally have their first dental visit when their first tooth appears or around their first birthday. Early visits help our dental team monitor tooth development, answer parent questions, and help your child feel comfortable in the dental office.
How often should children have dental checkups?
Most children benefit from dental checkups about twice a year, though some may need more frequent visits depending on their cavity risk, oral hygiene, diet, or dental development. Our dentists can recommend a visit schedule based on your child’s individual needs.
How can I help prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?
You can help prevent cavities by brushing your child’s teeth twice daily, helping with flossing, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, encouraging water, and keeping regular dental visits. Our dental team may also recommend fluoride or sealants when appropriate to provide added protection.
What should I do if my child is nervous about the dentist?
If your child is nervous about the dentist, speak positively about the visit, avoid using scary words, and let our dental team know about any concerns beforehand. At Sylvan Heights Dental, our dentists focus on creating a calm, friendly experience that helps children feel more comfortable with dental care.
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