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Pediatric Dentistry Hillsboro OR Keeping routine dental appointments is essential for maintaining good long-term oral health and is important for kids as well. Dentistry for kids is a pediatric dental specialty that offers children, teens, and people with special needs dental care, free from anxiety and pain. At Hoffman Dental, we ensure that we have a child-friendly environment where our patients feel comfortable, confident, and happy.Your Child’s First VisitMost parents do not take their younger children to the dentist unless they develop a cavity. However, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should have their first dental appointment between the ages of six and 12 months. This is very important since the child’s first tooth erupts during this time and it is important you take care of it so that subsequent teeth will be healthy as well. The first appointment is typically an “ice breaker” and is used to familiarize the baby with the dental office. During this appointment, we will educate the baby’s parents on issues like:
After the first visit, your child should have an appointment with us every six months. By age three, once your child has a full set of teeth, we will start a comprehensive exam of their mouth. When your child turns six, they will experience their first baby tooth loss and get their first adult tooth. By the time the child turns 13, they should have almost all of their adult teeth, with the exception of wisdom teeth, which they may get between the ages of 17 and 25. Therefore, this entire period of youth is crucial for your child’s future dental health. The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene for KidsAt Hoffman Dental, we will educate your child on how to take care of their oral health. We will show them the correct way of brushing their teeth and flossing them. By the age of eight, children should be able to independently floss their own teeth. We will also address your child’s eating habits. It is important that as parents, you counsel your child on consuming food that is good for their oral health as well as general health. Additionally, your baby should never go to sleep while they are breastfeeding or drinking juice from a bottle. For older kids, it is important that they brush their teeth before bedtime without fail. It is important that your child’s first visit is as comfortable, anxiety-free and enjoyable as possible as it can have a big impression on the child’s willingness to come to a dental appointment in the future. We will instruct them directly and will let them know in fun terms what they can expect during the visit. They will also be encouraged to ask any questions they have. Dental Sealants and Fluoride TreatmentA dental sealant is a thin plastic varnish that is applied to the chewing surface of your teeth to protect them against decay and infection. Dental sealants bond quick and hard to your teeth and provide extra strength to the enamel. Children and teenagers often have dental sealants applied to prevent cavities from forming on their teeth. This is why it is important to have a healthy diet and to avoid extra sugar, as sugar can easily create cavities. Sealants are used to prevent cavities from having the ability to form. At Hoffman Dental, we use dental sealants often in conjunction with fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral, which can strengthen the enamel. While dental sealants can protect an individual tooth, fluoride treatment can protect all of their teeth by strengthening the enamel and making it hard for dental plaque to break through it. Using fluoride treatment can prevent dental decay while using sealants can provide a smooth chewing surface to the molars and premolars, allowing them to be cleaned easily and preventing bacteria from coming into contact with the enamel. Schedule Your Child’s AppointmentYour child’s dental care is extremely important for the development of their teeth. It is essential that your child gets rid of their fear of the dentist early on so that they do not hesitate to keep their dental appointments when they are adults. To schedule an appointment for your child, call us today at (503) 648-7700. |
 Hours Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri 7am to 5pm 7am to 5pm 7am to 5pm 7am to 3pm Once per month |