At East Wind Dental Care, we believe every child deserves a healthy, beautiful smile—and a positive dental experience that sets them up for a lifetime of good oral health. Dr. Merat Ostovar and our gentle, kid-friendly team specialize in making dental visits fun, comfortable, and stress-free for children of all ages. From first teeth to teen years, we provide comprehensive pediatric dental care in a warm, welcoming environment.
Why Choose East Wind Dental Care for Your Child?
Kid-Friendly Environment
Our office is designed with children in mind. From the welcoming reception area to our comfortable treatment rooms, we create a space where kids feel safe and at ease. We take extra time to explain procedures in kid-friendly language, use positive reinforcement and praise, show children our tools before using them, and let kids control aspects of their visit when appropriate.
Experienced with Children of All Ages
Dr. Ostovar has years of experience working with children, from infants to teenagers. He understands the unique dental needs of each age group and knows how to make every child feel comfortable and cared for.
Gentle, Patient Approach
We never rush. Every child receives the time and attention they need. For anxious children, we use gentle techniques, distraction, and—when needed—sedation options to ensure a positive experience.
Parent-Centered Care
Parents are always welcome in the treatment room. We keep you informed, answer your questions, and partner with you to ensure your child’s oral health.
Pediatric Dental Services
Preventive Care
- Dental Exams & Cleanings: Regular checkups to monitor growth, development, and oral health.
- Fluoride Treatments: Strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
- Dental Sealants: Protective coating on molars to prevent decay in hard-to-clean grooves.
- X-Rays: Low-radiation digital X-rays to detect hidden problems.
- Oral Hygiene Education: Age-appropriate brushing and flossing instruction.
Restorative Care
- Tooth-Colored Fillings: Natural-looking, mercury-free fillings for cavities.
- Crowns: For severely decayed or damaged baby teeth.
- Pulp Therapy: Treatment for infected baby tooth pulp (similar to root canal).
- Extractions: Gentle removal of severely damaged or problematic teeth.
Additional Services
- Space Maintainers: Preserve space for permanent teeth after early tooth loss.
- Athletic Mouthguards: Custom-fitted protection for sports.
- Emergency Care: Same-day appointments for dental injuries or pain.
- Orthodontic Evaluation: Early assessment for braces or Invisalign.
Dental Care by Age
Infants (0-12 Months)
First Dental Visit: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children see a dentist by age 1 or within 6 months of their first tooth. This early visit allows us to evaluate development and risk for cavities, provide guidance on teething, feeding, and oral care, identify early problems, and establish a dental home.
At-Home Care: Wipe gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeding. Once teeth appear, brush with a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle (can cause “baby bottle tooth decay”).
Toddlers (1-3 Years)
Dental Visits: Checkups every 6 months. We use a “lap exam” technique where your child sits in your lap during the exam—comfortable and secure.
At-Home Care: Brush twice daily with a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Start flossing when teeth touch. Limit juice and sugary snacks. Transition from bottle to cup by age 1.
Preschoolers (3-5 Years)
Dental Visits: Continue 6-month checkups with cleanings, fluoride, and X-rays as needed. We may recommend sealants as molars come in.
At-Home Care: Increase to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Supervise brushing (most kids need help until age 6-7). Encourage spitting, not swallowing, toothpaste.
School-Age Children (6-12 Years)
Dental Visits: Regular cleanings, exams, sealants, and X-rays. Orthodontic evaluation around age 7.
At-Home Care: Gradually transition to independent brushing with supervision. Floss daily. Wear mouthguards for sports.
Teenagers (13-18 Years)
Dental Visits: Continue preventive care. Address any orthodontic needs. Discuss wisdom teeth. Talk about the effects of diet, smoking, and oral piercings.
At-Home Care: Reinforce good habits. Maintain a healthy diet. Avoid tobacco and excessive sugary drinks.
Creating Positive Dental Experiences
The “Tell-Show-Do” Approach
We use the “tell-show-do” technique to help children feel comfortable. We explain what we’re going to do in simple terms, show the child our instruments and how they work, and then gently perform the procedure while continuing to explain.
Positive Reinforcement
We celebrate every success! Children receive praise, stickers, and small prizes for being brave and cooperative.
Sedation Options for Anxious Children
For children who are very anxious or need extensive treatment, we offer nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) which helps children relax while remaining awake and responsive. We can discuss other sedation options if needed.
Common Pediatric Dental Concerns
Cavities in Baby Teeth
“They’re just baby teeth—do cavities really matter?” Yes! Untreated cavities can cause pain and infection, spread to other teeth, affect eating and speech, impact the development of permanent teeth, and lead to early tooth loss (which can cause spacing problems).
Thumb-Sucking & Pacifier Habits
These habits are normal in infants and toddlers but should ideally stop by age 3-4 to prevent bite problems. We can provide guidance and appliances if needed to help break the habit.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Many children grind their teeth, especially during sleep. It’s often related to stress, misaligned teeth, or jaw development. Most children outgrow it, but we’ll monitor for excessive wear and discuss treatment if needed.
Dental Injuries
Kids will be kids—and accidents happen! If your child chips, breaks, or knocks out a tooth, call us immediately. We offer same-day emergency appointments.
Tips for Parents
Before the Visit
- Use positive language—avoid words like “hurt,” “shot,” or “pain”
- Read books about going to the dentist
- Play “dentist” at home
- Avoid bribery (it can backfire)
- Schedule morning appointments when children are rested
During the Visit
- Stay calm—your child picks up on your anxiety
- Let our team take the lead with explanations
- Offer reassurance and encouragement
- Celebrate after the visit!
At Home
- Make brushing fun with songs, timers, or apps
- Let kids choose their own toothbrush
- Brush together as a family
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Offer water instead of juice or soda
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child first see a dentist?
By age 1 or within 6 months of their first tooth—whichever comes first.
How often should my child see the dentist?
Every 6 months for most children. Some may need more frequent visits based on their oral health.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes. We use digital X-rays, which emit 80% less radiation than traditional X-rays. We also use lead aprons and only take X-rays when necessary.
What if my child is afraid of the dentist?
We specialize in helping anxious children! Our gentle approach, positive environment, and sedation options help even the most nervous kids feel comfortable.
Should baby teeth be filled if they’re going to fall out anyway?
Yes! Baby teeth are important for chewing, speech development, and guiding permanent teeth into place. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infection.
What are dental sealants?
Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars. They prevent cavities by sealing out bacteria and food particles.
Is fluoride safe for my child?
Yes. Fluoride strengthens enamel and prevents cavities. We use age-appropriate amounts and can discuss fluoride needs based on your child’s risk factors.
When should my child start using fluoride toothpaste?
From the first tooth! Use a smear (rice-grain size) for children under 3 and a pea-sized amount for ages 3-6.
Does my child need a mouthguard for sports?
Yes, for any contact sport or activity with a risk of falls or collisions. Custom mouthguards offer the best protection and fit.
When will my child’s permanent teeth come in?
Most children start losing baby teeth around age 6, with permanent teeth continuing to erupt through age 12-13. Wisdom teeth typically appear in the late teens.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment
Give your child the gift of a healthy smile! At East Wind Dental Care, we make dental visits positive experiences that set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
Call: (503) 614-0198
Visit: 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Serving: Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha, and Surrounding Areas
Written by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery | 15+ Years Experience
Aloha Modern Dentistry | Beaverton, Oregon
Last updated: November 22, 2025