Pediatric Dentistry in Tualatin & Wilsonville, OR
At Dentistry for Kids, keeping children healthy is our specialty! We cater to kids by introducing dentistry to them for the first time in a fun and relaxed way, making their first experience at the dentist their best experience!
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of the dental field. As a specialist and board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. James has extensive knowledge and training in all the things that make your child’s oral health unique. Of course, some things can’t be taught in a school. As the father of two children, Dr. James knows what it is like to be a parent, and the level of compassion needed when working with children.
Your Child’s First Appointment
A child's first visit to Dentistry for Kids in Wilsonville, OR should be enjoyable! Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. Our pediatric dental office in Wilsonville makes a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe each treatment. At Dentistry for Kids, we want you and your child to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel.
We have a no-pressure approach to a patient’s first appointment. Sometimes the first appointment is just a talk with mom or dad about any concerns, playing with a toy, and giving a smile—we call these happy visits. Depending on the comfort level of the child we will introduce new things at the first appointment, such as a cleaning or X-rays.
One of the best parts about our practice is our office itself. We have created an atmosphere that does not look like a traditional medical facility. It is bright and happy and doesn't make children scared. Our staff are hand-picked people with a big heart for young children.
When to Visit the Dentist
We recommend to visit our Wilsonville, OR dental office any time there is a concern, but we like to see our patients twice a year. A lot is changing in the mouths of our growing patients, and twice a year seems to be just the right amount of time to catch up and see all the new changes, and spot problems before they progress.
Regular checkups allow us to keep up with all of the changes that happen with children as they develop. It also allows us to keep their teeth clean, and give them prevention tips along the way. Establishing a home for pediatric dental care is very important. We build a relationship with you and your child, so that when you need us we are here, and your child will be more trusting and familiar with our services.
Caring for Your Child’s Smile between Checkups
Your child's first primary, or “baby” teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of six and twelve months, and will continue to erupt until about age three. During this time, your child's gums may feel tender and sore. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend that you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring. When your child has finished teething, you can expect a total of 20 primary teeth.
As your child's teeth erupt, be sure to examine them every two weeks, looking for lines and discoloration that may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing four times a day for optimal oral hygiene: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime.
Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a tooth erupts, brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children younger than two, do not use fluoride toothpaste unless advised to do so by Dr. James or a member of our team. We suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child.
Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and Dr. James will discuss with you the right time to start flossing. If you notice signs of decay, contact our pediatric dental office in Wilsonville, OR immediately.