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The foundation of your child’s lifelong dental health begins with regular dental exams and cleanings. At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, we’ve created a warm, inviting environment where these essential visits become positive experiences that children actually look forward to. Our gentle approach combines thorough professional care with education that empowers both you and your child to maintain healthy smiles between visits.
As a pediatric dental specialist in Portland, Dr. Tesha Waggoner has dedicated her career to making dental visits comfortable and even fun for children of all ages. From infants getting their first tooth to teenagers preparing for adult dental care, we tailor each exam and cleaning to your child’s unique needs and developmental stage.
Written by Dr. Tesha Waggoner
Your child’s dental exam is much more than just checking for cavities. Our comprehensive approach includes:
During each visit, we carefully examine your child’s teeth, gums, tongue, and oral tissues. We look for signs of decay, gum problems, and evaluate how your child’s teeth and jaw are developing. This allows us to catch potential issues early when they’re easiest to treat.
Using low-radiation digital x-rays, we can see what’s happening beneath the surface. We follow guidelines to minimize radiation exposure while still getting the images needed to monitor development and detect hidden problems. For most children, x-rays are recommended only once per year unless there are specific concerns. As far as when patients need to start taking their first set of x-rays, that varies based on many factors including age, spacing between teeth, a history of tooth trauma, and more.
As pediatric specialists, we monitor how your child’s teeth, jaw, and facial structures are developing. We can identify potential orthodontic needs early and discuss options for addressing them at the optimal time.
We believe in empowering children to take ownership of their dental health. During exams, we teach age-appropriate brushing and flossing techniques and discuss nutrition choices that support healthy teeth.
Even with excellent home care, professional cleanings are essential for removing plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing might miss.
Our dental hygienists are specially trained to work with children. They use gentle techniques to remove plaque and tartar while keeping your child comfortable and engaged throughout the process.
After cleaning, we apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen tooth enamel and provide added protection against cavities. We personalize the fluoride concentration based on your child’s age and risk factors for tooth decay.
For children with deep grooves in their molars, we may recommend dental sealants—protective coatings that block food particles and bacteria from getting trapped in these hard-to-clean areas. Sealants have been shown to reduce cavity risk by nearly 80% in molars.
At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, we go above and beyond to ensure dental visits are positive experiences:
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends:
Establishing regular dental visits early creates a foundation for lifelong dental health. Our team at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry makes these essential appointments positive, educational, and even fun! As moms ourselves, we understand the importance of creating dental experiences that children don’t fear or dread.
Contact us today at (503) 292-9274 or through our contact form to schedule your child’s next dental exam and cleaning. We’re committed to giving your child the gentle, thorough care they deserve in our comfortable Portland office.
15962 Boones Ferry Rd, Suite 208
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
We’re so excited to share that Dr. Tesha and the Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry team are opening a second location this July! We’re bringing the same warm, kid-friendly care families know and love — now closer to Lake Oswego. Stay tuned for more details!
