Portland Kids Dental Exams and Cleanings

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 pediatric dental specialists in Portland, Drs. Tesha Waggoner and Audrey Mikkelson have dedicated their careers 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.

What to Expect During Your Child's Dental Exam

Your child’s dental exam is much more than just checking for cavities. Our comprehensive approach includes:

Thorough Examination

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.

Digital X-Rays When Needed

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.

Growth and Development Assessment

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.

Oral Health Education

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.

Professional Dental Cleanings for Children

Even with excellent home care, professional cleanings are essential for removing plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing might miss.

Gentle, Thorough Cleaning

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.

Personalized Fluoride Treatment

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.

Dental Sealants When Appropriate

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.

Making Dental Visits Positive Experiences

At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, we go above and beyond to ensure dental visits are positive experiences:

Our office features kid-friendly decor and activities to help children feel welcome and relaxed
We use tell-show-do techniques to explain procedures in child-friendly terms
Meyers, our in-office dog, provides comfort and helps ease anxiety for children of all abilities
We offer special accommodations like weighted blankets, low lighting, or movies during treatment
Parents can choose to accompany younger children or encourage independence for older ones

When Should Children Have Dental Exams and Cleanings?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends:

First dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months after the first tooth appears
Regular checkups every 6 months for most children
More frequent visits for children with higher cavity risk or special dental needs

Schedule Your Child's Dental Exam Today

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.