Pediatric Dentistry in Hillsboro | Kid-Friendly Dental Care | East Wind Dental Care

At East Wind Dental Care, we believe that building healthy smiles starts early. Our pediatric dentistry services are designed to make dental visits positive, educational, and even fun for children of all ages—from infants to teenagers. Led by Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O), our gentle, patient team creates a welcoming environment where kids feel safe, comfortable, and excited about taking care of their teeth.

Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today → | Call (503) 614-0198

Why Choose East Wind Dental Care for Your Child’s Dental Care?

1. Gentle, Kid-Friendly Approach

Dr. Ostovar and our entire team have extensive experience working with children. We understand that every child is unique, and we tailor our approach to each child’s age, temperament, and comfort level. We use:

• Age-appropriate language and explanations
• Positive reinforcement and encouragement
• Tell-show-do technique (explain, demonstrate, then perform)
• Gentle touch and patient pace
• Fun distractions (TVs, music, toys)
• Rewards and celebrations for bravery

2. Building Positive Associations

Our goal isn’t just to treat teeth—it’s to help children develop positive attitudes about dental care that will last a lifetime. We want kids to leave our office feeling proud, confident, and excited to come back.

3. Family-Centered Care

We’re a true family dental practice, serving patients of all ages. This means:

• Parents and children can be treated in the same office
• Siblings can have appointments scheduled together
• We build long-term relationships with your entire family
• Continuity of care from childhood through adulthood

4. Education & Prevention Focus

We empower children and parents with knowledge about oral health, proper hygiene techniques, nutrition, and preventive care. Our goal is to help your child avoid dental problems through education and prevention.

5. State-of-the-Art, Comfortable Environment

Our modern office is equipped with the latest technology to make dental care more accurate, efficient, and comfortable for young patients:

• Digital X-rays (90% less radiation)
• Intraoral cameras (so kids can see their teeth on TV)
• Gentle instruments designed for small mouths
• Comfortable treatment rooms with entertainment options

Pediatric Dental Services We Offer

Infant & Toddler First Visits (Ages 1-3)

When Should My Baby First Visit the Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by age 1 or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting—whichever comes first.

What Happens at a Baby’s First Dental Visit?

Your baby’s first visit is gentle, brief, and primarily educational:

• Examination of existing teeth and gums
• Assessment of oral development
• Discussion of teething, thumb-sucking, and pacifier use
• Guidance on proper cleaning techniques for baby teeth
• Nutrition counseling for healthy teeth
• Fluoride recommendations
• Establishing a dental home for your child

Lap Exam for Toddlers:

For very young children, we often perform a “lap exam” where your child sits in your lap for comfort and security while Dr. O gently examines their mouth. This approach helps children feel safe and reduces anxiety.

Children’s Dental Exams & Cleanings (Ages 3+)

Comprehensive Exams:

Regular dental exams for children include:

• Visual inspection of all teeth
• Checking for cavities
• Assessing gum health
• Monitoring tooth development and eruption
• Evaluating bite alignment
• Oral cancer screening
• Checking for signs of thumb-sucking or grinding

Professional Cleanings:

Gentle, thorough cleanings include:

• Removal of plaque and tartar
• Polishing teeth
• Fluoride treatment (if recommended)
• Education on proper brushing and flossing techniques

Recommended Frequency:

Children should visit the dentist every 6 months for routine exams and cleanings. Some children with higher cavity risk may benefit from more frequent visits.

Preventive Care

Fluoride Treatments:

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. We offer:

• Professional fluoride varnish applications
• Guidance on fluoride toothpaste use at home
• Fluoride supplementation recommendations (if water supply is not fluoridated)

Dental Sealants:

Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) to prevent cavities. They’re especially beneficial for:

• Children ages 6-14 (when permanent molars erupt)
• Kids with deep grooves in their teeth
• Children at higher risk for cavities

The process is quick, painless, and can reduce cavity risk by up to 80%.

Mouthguards:

We provide custom-fitted mouthguards to protect your child’s teeth during sports and activities. Custom guards offer superior protection, comfort, and fit compared to store-bought options.

Restorative Care

Tooth-Colored Fillings:

If your child develops a cavity, we use tooth-colored composite fillings that blend naturally with their teeth. We make the process as comfortable as possible with:

• Gentle numbing techniques
• Distraction and positive reinforcement
• Efficient treatment to minimize chair time

Dental Crowns:

For extensively damaged baby teeth, we may recommend dental crowns to restore function and protect the tooth until it naturally falls out.

Pulp Therapy (Baby Root Canals):

If a baby tooth develops a deep cavity or infection, pulp therapy can save the tooth and relieve pain. This is important because baby teeth:

• Hold space for permanent teeth
• Are essential for proper chewing and nutrition
• Are important for speech development
• Affect self-esteem and confidence

Emergency Dental Care for Children

Kids are active, and dental emergencies happen. We provide prompt care for:

• Knocked-out teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Severe toothaches
• Dental injuries from falls or sports
• Objects stuck between teeth

If your child has a dental emergency, call us immediately at (503) 614-0198.

Orthodontic Evaluation

We monitor your child’s dental development and bite alignment at every visit. Early orthodontic evaluation (around age 7) allows us to:

• Identify potential bite problems
• Assess jaw growth and development
• Determine if early intervention is needed
• Refer to an orthodontist at the optimal time

Many bite problems are easier to correct when treated early, during the growth and development phase.

Dental Development by Age

Infants (0-1 Year)

What’s Happening:

• First teeth begin erupting around 6 months (though timing varies widely)
• Typically front bottom teeth appear first
• Teething discomfort is common

Dental Care:

• Wipe gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings
• Brush emerging teeth with a soft infant toothbrush
• Avoid putting baby to bed with bottles (causes “baby bottle tooth decay”)
• Schedule first dental visit by age 1

Toddlers (1-3 Years)

What’s Happening:

• Most baby teeth erupt by age 3
• Developing coordination for brushing
• Learning to communicate dental discomfort

Dental Care:

• Brush twice daily with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste
• Begin gentle flossing when teeth touch
• Transition from bottle to cup by age 15 months
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks
• Visit dentist every 6 months

Preschoolers (3-5 Years)

What’s Happening:

• All 20 baby teeth are present
• Developing more independence in oral care
• Beginning to understand cause and effect

Dental Care:

• Brush twice daily with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Parent supervision of brushing is essential
• Consider dental sealants for molars
• Encourage healthy eating habits
• Continue 6-month dental visits

School-Age Children (6-12 Years)

What’s Happening:

• Baby teeth begin falling out around age 6
• Permanent teeth begin erupting
• Mixture of baby and permanent teeth (“mixed dentition”)
• Permanent molars erupt around ages 6 and 12

Dental Care:

• Brush twice daily for 2 minutes
• Floss daily (with parent assistance)
• Apply sealants to permanent molars
• Consider orthodontic evaluation around age 7
• Mouthguards for sports
• Continue 6-month dental visits

Teenagers (13+ Years)

What’s Happening:

• Most permanent teeth have erupted
• Wisdom teeth may begin developing
• Increased independence and responsibility for oral care
• Orthodontic treatment is common

Dental Care:

• Maintain excellent brushing and flossing habits
• Avoid sugary drinks and energy drinks
• Consider teeth whitening for special occasions (with dentist approval)
• Monitor wisdom teeth development
• Continue 6-month dental visits

Creating Positive Dental Experiences

Before the Appointment

Prepare Your Child:

• Talk positively about the dentist visit
• Read children’s books about going to the dentist
• Avoid using scary words like “pain,” “hurt,” “shot,” or “drill”
• Explain that the dentist will count their teeth and make sure they’re healthy
• Let them know they’ll get to pick a prize after their visit

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t share your own negative dental experiences
• Don’t use the dentist as a threat or punishment
• Don’t bribe with sugary treats (defeats the purpose!)
• Don’t promise “nothing will hurt” (breaks trust if they feel discomfort)

During the Appointment

Let Us Take the Lead:

Our team is experienced in working with children. We know how to communicate with kids, put them at ease, and make the experience positive.

Stay Calm:

Children pick up on parent anxiety. Stay positive, relaxed, and confident—even if you’re nervous.

Provide Support:

Young children may want you in the treatment room for comfort. Older children often do better without parents present, as they feel more grown-up and independent.

Encourage but Don’t Force:

We never force treatment on children. We go at their pace and may schedule multiple short visits to build trust if needed.

After the Appointment

Celebrate Success:

Praise your child for their bravery and cooperation. Let them pick a prize from our treasure chest and celebrate with a fun, healthy activity (not sugary treats!).

Maintain Routine:

Continue the positive momentum by maintaining excellent oral hygiene habits at home.

Common Pediatric Dental Concerns

Cavities

Cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease—more common than asthma or allergies. They’re caused by bacteria, sugary foods, and poor oral hygiene.

Prevention:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks
• Drink fluoridated water
• Apply dental sealants
• Regular dental visits

Thumb-Sucking & Pacifier Use

Sucking is a natural reflex that helps infants feel secure. However, prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use (past age 3-4) can affect dental development and bite alignment.

Recommendations:

• Most children stop on their own between ages 2-4
• Gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement work better than punishment
• If habit continues past age 4, talk to us about intervention strategies

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Many children grind their teeth at night, often due to stress, misaligned bite, or natural jaw development.

When to Worry:

• Most childhood grinding is temporary and harmless
• We’ll monitor for tooth wear and jaw problems
• Custom nightguards can be provided if needed

Dental Injuries

Active kids often experience dental injuries from falls, sports, or play.

Prevention:

• Supervise young children during play
• Use mouthguards during sports
• Childproof your home to prevent falls

If Injury Occurs:

Call us immediately. Prompt treatment can often save injured teeth.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Putting babies to bed with bottles containing milk, formula, or juice can cause severe cavities in baby teeth.

Prevention:

• Never put baby to bed with a bottle
• Transition from bottle to cup by age 15 months
• Wipe gums and brush teeth after feedings

Oral Hygiene Tips for Parents

Brushing Technique

For Babies & Toddlers:

• Use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush
• Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste
• Brush gently in circular motions
• Brush twice daily

For Children Ages 3+:

• Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Brush all tooth surfaces (front, back, chewing)
• Brush for 2 minutes twice daily
• Parent assistance and supervision required until age 7-8

Make It Fun:

• Use a timer or play a 2-minute song
• Let children pick their toothbrush and toothpaste
• Brush together as a family
• Use reward charts for consistent brushing

Flossing

Flossing should begin when two teeth touch each other, usually around age 2-3. Young children need parent assistance with flossing until they develop the dexterity (usually around age 10).

Tips:

• Use floss picks for easier handling
• Establish a routine (before bed is ideal)
• Be gentle to avoid hurting gums
• Make it part of the daily habit

Nutrition for Healthy Teeth

Foods That Support Dental Health:

• Dairy products (calcium for strong teeth)
• Crunchy fruits and vegetables (natural tooth cleaning)
• Lean proteins
• Water (especially fluoridated water)

Foods to Limit:

• Sugary snacks and candy
• Sticky foods (raisins, gummies)
• Sugary drinks (soda, juice, sports drinks)
• Frequent snacking (constant sugar exposure)

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry

1. When should my child first visit the dentist?

By age 1 or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting, whichever comes first.

2. Will my child need X-rays?

We only take X-rays when necessary to diagnose problems not visible during visual exams. Our digital X-rays use 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays and are very safe.

3. Are sealants necessary?

While not absolutely necessary, sealants are highly effective at preventing cavities in molars and are especially beneficial for children at higher risk for decay.

4. What type of toothpaste should my child use?

Use fluoride toothpaste at all ages—a tiny smear for babies and toddlers, a pea-sized amount for children 3+.

5. My child is terrified of the dentist. What can you do?

We specialize in helping anxious children feel comfortable. We use gentle techniques, positive reinforcement, and can offer sedation options if needed. Many fearful children become our biggest fans after just a few visits!

6. Do baby teeth really matter since they’ll fall out anyway?

Yes! Baby teeth are essential for proper chewing, speech development, jaw growth, and holding space for permanent teeth. Premature loss of baby teeth can cause serious problems.

7. When should my child start orthodontic treatment?

Every child is different. We evaluate bite development at every visit and will refer to an orthodontist if early intervention is recommended (typically around age 7).

8. How can I prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?

Good oral hygiene (brushing twice daily, flossing), limiting sugar, drinking fluoridated water, applying sealants, and regular dental visits are your best defense against cavities.

9. What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?

Call us immediately! For permanent teeth, try to place the tooth back in the socket or keep it in milk. For baby teeth, do not replant—but still call us for evaluation.

10. Does insurance cover pediatric dentistry?

Most dental insurance plans include pediatric coverage. We accept most insurance plans and will file claims on your behalf.

Building Healthy Smiles for Life

At East Wind Dental Care, we’re passionate about helping children develop healthy smiles and positive attitudes about dental care. We take time to make every visit comfortable, educational, and even fun—because we know that early positive experiences lead to a lifetime of good oral health.

Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today

Call: (503) 614-0198 Visit: 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124 Serving: Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha, and Surrounding Areas

Give your child the gift of a healthy smile—call us today to schedule their first visit or next checkup!

East Wind Dental Care—Where Kids Love Going to the Dentist!