Children’s Dental Care in Tigard: Where Kids Love to Visit

Finding the Right Dental Home for Your Child

When it comes to your child’s smile, nothing matters more than finding a dental home where they feel safe, comfortable, and even excited to visit. Pediatric dentistry Tigard Oregon is all about creating exactly this kind of experience – specialized dental care custom specifically for little ones from their very first tooth all the way through the teenage years.

Think of pediatric dentists as the child whisperers of the dental world. Unlike general dentists, they’ve completed an additional 2-3 years of specialized training beyond dental school, focusing exclusively on treating children and understanding their unique developmental needs. This extra education makes all the difference when it comes to making dental visits positive experiences rather than scary ones.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday – much earlier than many parents expect! This “age one dental visit” isn’t just about checking teeth; it’s about establishing a dental home, educating parents, and preventing problems before they start.

What makes a pediatric dental office special? Walk into a pediatric dentistry Tigard Oregon practice and you’ll immediately notice the difference. Gone are the clinical white walls and intimidating equipment. Instead, you’ll find colorful underwater themes, arcade games, treasure chests, and other thoughtful touches designed to transform what could be a scary experience into an trip.

Children aren’t born fearing the dentist – they fear the unknown. That’s why the right pediatric dental practice focuses on prevention and education as much as treatment. From demonstrating proper brushing techniques to applying protective sealants and fluoride treatments, pediatric dentists work to keep little smiles healthy from the start.

Here in Tigard, we’re fortunate to have several award-winning pediatric dental practices, including our own PS Dental. As Dr. Parisa Sepehri, I bring over 30 years of experience to pediatric dentistry Tigard Oregon, specializing in creating positive dental experiences that set children up for lifelong oral health success.

When choosing your child’s dentist, look for someone who takes time to connect with your child, explains procedures in kid-friendly language, and creates an environment where dental visits feel more like fun than obligation. Remember – those first dental experiences shape your child’s attitude toward oral healthcare for years to come.

Must-know Pediatric dentistry Tigard Oregon terms:
– Emergency dentist Tigard Oregon
– Family dentist Tigard Oregon

Pediatric dentistry Tigard Oregon: Specialized Care & First Visits

When it comes to your child’s smile, not just any dentist will do. Pediatric dentistry is a special branch of dental care focused exclusively on children from their very first tooth through their teenage years. Unlike general dentists, pediatric specialists understand the unique challenges of growing mouths and developing minds.

At PS Dental, our approach to pediatric dentistry Tigard Oregon is built on a simple truth: children aren’t born afraid of the dentist—they fear the unknown. That’s why we’ve created a practice where first visits feel more like trips than appointments.

“The moment a baby’s first tooth appears is when the dental journey begins,” says Dr. Sepehri. “And ideally, we want to be part of that journey from the start.”

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children have their first dental visit by their first birthday—what we often call the “Age 1 Visit.” This early introduction isn’t just about checking teeth; it’s about establishing a dental home where your child feels safe and welcomed for years to come.

During these first visits, we monitor tooth development, guide parents through proper cleaning techniques, and catch potential issues before they become problems. Most importantly, we help children feel comfortable in the dental chair when there’s nothing scary happening—so if they ever need treatment, they already trust us.

What Sets Pediatric Dentistry Apart?

The magic of pediatric dentistry Tigard Oregon lies in the details. At PS Dental, we’ve transformed routine dental care into an experience that children actually look forward to.

Our team speaks “kid”—using friendly, simple words that explain without scaring. Instead of saying “We’re going to numb your tooth,” we might say, “We’re going to put your tooth to sleep so it won’t feel tickles.” This communication style, paired with techniques like tell-show-do and positive reinforcement, helps children feel in control and builds lasting trust.

Even our tools are kid-friendly! Smaller instruments designed specifically for little mouths make treatments more comfortable and less intimidating. When a dental mirror looks less like a giant metal spoon and more like a tiny tooth explorer, children become curious rather than fearful.

Perhaps most importantly, our practice emphasizes prevention over treatment. Dr. Sepehri explains it perfectly: “By focusing on prevention and early intervention, we often avoid more invasive treatments later. This saves families time and money, but more importantly, it spares children from potentially negative dental experiences.”

Pediatric dentistry Tigard Oregon training path

Becoming a pediatric dentist isn’t easy—and that’s good news for your child. After completing four years of dental school to earn their DDS or DMD degree, pediatric specialists commit to an additional 2-3 years of rigorous training focused exclusively on treating children.

This extra education covers essential areas that make all the difference in caring for kids:

Child psychology helps us understand how children think and feel at different developmental stages, guiding our approach to each unique patient. Behavior management techniques give us tools to help even the most anxious children feel comfortable. Training in treating children with special healthcare needs ensures every child receives compassionate, appropriate care.

Many pediatric dentists, including those at PS Dental, pursue board certification through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, earning the prestigious title of Diplomate. This Scientific research on pediatric dental certification demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards in children’s dental care.

At PS Dental in Tigard, we never stop learning. Through continuing education, our team stays current with the latest advancements in pediatric dental care—because your child deserves nothing less than the best.

From Cleanings to Laser Surgery: Services & Technologies

Walking into our pediatric dentistry Tigard Oregon practice, you’ll find we offer much more than just basic dental care. We’ve created a comprehensive approach that combines gentle preventive treatments with cutting-edge technology—all designed specifically for children’s unique needs and comfort.

Preventive Services

Prevention is truly the heart of what we do at PS Dental. We’d much rather help your child avoid cavities than have to treat them later!

During regular six-month cleanings, our hygienists gently remove plaque and tartar that even the most diligent little brushers might miss. These visits also give us a chance to reinforce good brushing habits with your child.

We apply protective fluoride treatments twice yearly to strengthen your child’s enamel, making teeth naturally more resistant to decay. For those deep grooves in back molars where cavities love to hide, dental sealants create a protective shield that can last for years. They’re quick, painless, and incredibly effective.

“I love applying sealants for my young patients,” Dr. Sepehri often says. “In just a few minutes, we can protect those vulnerable teeth for years—no shots, no drilling, just simple prevention that works!”

We also take time to discuss nutrition with families, helping you understand which snacks and drinks are kindest to growing smiles.

Restorative Treatments

When prevention isn’t enough, we offer gentle, child-appropriate solutions:

We use tooth-colored white fillings that blend naturally with your child’s smile while repairing cavities. For teeth with more extensive damage, pediatric crowns restore both function and appearance, protecting the remaining tooth structure.

When decay reaches deeper into a tooth, pulp therapy can often save the tooth and avoid extraction. And if a baby tooth is lost too early, we create custom space maintainers to keep the perfect gap open for the adult tooth that will eventually arrive.

Advanced Technologies

At PS Dental in Tigard, we’ve invested in technologies that make dental visits more comfortable and effective:

Our digital X-rays use dramatically lower radiation doses than traditional films while giving us crystal-clear images for accurate diagnosis. For procedures like tongue-tie releases, our laser dentistry tools enable precise, gentle treatment with minimal bleeding and faster healing.

We also offer Silver Diamine Fluoride, a remarkable non-invasive treatment that can actually stop certain cavities without drilling—perfect for very young children or those with special needs who might struggle with traditional treatments.

For children needing crowns, our same-day CEREC technology means we can create and place custom crowns in just one visit—no temporary crowns, no return trips!

Special Services

Kids play hard, and dental emergencies happen! Our team is ready to handle urgent issues from knocked-out teeth to sudden toothaches with prompt, compassionate care.

For children with dental anxiety or special needs, we offer several sedation options, including gentle nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation when appropriate. Each option is carefully custom to your child’s specific needs and comfort level.

Our team has specialized training to accommodate children with physical, developmental, or emotional special needs, creating an inclusive environment where every child can receive the care they deserve.

Learn more about our full range of Pediatric Dentistry services at PS Dental.

Common Childhood Dental Issues & Treatments

Children face unique dental challenges as they grow, and our team is experienced in addressing them all:

Early Childhood Caries (also called baby bottle decay) can develop when infants and toddlers have frequent, prolonged exposure to sugary liquids. We treat the decay and educate parents on prevention strategies.

Many children develop thumb-sucking or pacifier habits. While completely normal in babies and toddlers, we offer gentle guidance when these habits persist long enough to potentially affect tooth alignment.

Bruxism (teeth grinding) is surprisingly common in children. If we notice signs of significant wear, we might recommend a custom night guard for older children.

Active kids sometimes experience dental trauma from falls or sports. Whether it’s a minor chip or a knocked-out tooth, we provide emergency care with a calm, reassuring approach that helps both children and parents through stressful situations.

We also monitor the development of your child’s bite, recommending early orthodontic intervention when it might prevent more complex issues later.

Pediatric dentistry Tigard Oregon tech highlights

The technology in our Tigard office isn’t just about clinical efficiency—it’s about creating more comfortable experiences for your child.

Our dental lasers allow us to perform procedures like frenectomies with remarkable precision and minimal discomfort. Many children who receive laser treatments need no numbing medication and experience faster healing with less post-operative discomfort.

Our low-dose digital imaging systems reduce radiation exposure by up to 80% compared to traditional X-rays while providing superior diagnostic images that help us catch problems earlier.

We use intraoral cameras to show both children and parents exactly what we’re seeing, turning treatment discussions into show-and-tell moments that engage curious young minds.

To help nervous children relax during treatment, we’ve installed comfort TVs on our ceilings. It’s amazing how watching a favorite show can transform a potentially stressful appointment into “not so bad after all!”

Our electric handpieces are notably quieter than traditional dental drills—a small change that makes a big difference for sound-sensitive children.

“When a child who was previously nervous starts looking forward to visits,” Dr. Sepehri shares, “that’s when I know our technology investments are truly worthwhile. Creating positive dental experiences isn’t just about today’s appointment—it’s about setting up a lifetime of good dental health.”

Anxiety-Free Zones: Office Atmosphere, Education & Special Needs

Creating a welcoming, stress-free environment is essential in pediatric dentistry Tigard Oregon. At PS Dental, we’ve designed our office with children’s comfort in mind, changing what could be a scary experience into an trip they actually look forward to.

Many children’s dental offices in Tigard have moved away from the clinical, sterile feeling of traditional dental practices. Instead, they create engaging environments with themes that capture children’s imagination. As one local practice puts it, “Why does a dental office have to look like a dental office?” This philosophy has led to offices designed like surf shops, space stations, or underwater trips.

At PS Dental, we’ve created a warm, inviting space where children feel comfortable from the moment they walk in. Our waiting area features age-appropriate toys and books, interactive games, child-sized furniture, and colorful, engaging decor with TV screens showing children’s programming. These thoughtful touches help reduce anxiety before the appointment even begins, and our famous “prize walls” give children something to look forward to after their visit.

Education Through Engagement

Pediatric dentistry isn’t just about treating teeth—it’s about teaching children and parents how to maintain oral health. We use several educational approaches that make learning fun and memorable.

Our tell-show-do technique has proven remarkably effective with children of all ages. We first explain a procedure in child-friendly language, then demonstrate it on a model or toy, and finally perform it. This simple process builds trust and reduces fear of the unknown by eliminating surprises.

We complement this approach with visual aids like models and interactive demonstrations that help children understand dental concepts in age-appropriate ways. Every small success is celebrated with positive reinforcement—whether that’s verbal praise, stickers, or a special prize from our treasure chest.

Parents don’t leave empty-handed either. Our parental coaching provides practical guidance on reinforcing good oral hygiene habits at home, including proper brushing techniques, flossing tips for wiggly toddlers, and nutritional advice that promotes healthy teeth and gums.

Pediatric dentistry Tigard Oregon for kids with anxiety

Dental anxiety is common among children, but with the right approach, it can be managed effectively. At PS Dental, we’ve developed several gentle strategies to help even the most anxious children feel at ease.

Words matter tremendously when working with nervous children. We avoid potentially frightening terms like “shot,” “drill,” or “pull.” Instead, we use more friendly alternatives like “sleepy juice,” “whistle brush,” or “wiggle a tooth out.” This gentle wording makes a world of difference in how children perceive their dental experience.

For children who need additional help relaxing, nitrous oxide (often called “laughing gas”) provides a mild, safe sedative effect while allowing them to remain fully conscious. It takes effect quickly and wears off just as fast once treatment is complete.

We also teach children simple guided breathing techniques that help them stay calm during procedures. For highly anxious children, we might break treatment into shorter visits, gradually building comfort with the dental environment through positive experiences.

One parent shared: “Dr. Sepehri and her team do a lot to make my daughters feel comfortable. They explain everything in a way that doesn’t scare them, and the TV on the ceiling is a huge help during treatment. My previously anxious child now looks forward to dental visits!”

Special Needs Dentistry

Children with special needs often require additional accommodations and specialized approaches to dental care. At PS Dental, we’re committed to providing inclusive, compassionate care for all children.

For children with sensory sensitivities, we can adjust lighting, reduce noise, and provide weighted blankets or other comfort tools. We understand that standard appointment structures don’t work for everyone, so we offer flexible scheduling options, including longer appointments or quieter periods of the day when the office is less busy.

Our approach to special needs dentistry extends beyond our walls. We work closely with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and lactation consultants to coordinate comprehensive care that addresses interconnected health concerns. This collaborative approach ensures that children receive consistent, thoughtful care across all their healthcare providers.

“Every child deserves quality dental care delivered with dignity and respect,” Dr. Sepehri emphasizes. “We take the time to understand each child’s unique needs and adapt our approach accordingly. Sometimes that means making small adjustments, and other times it requires completely customized care plans.”

What to Expect at the First Visit

Knowing what to expect can significantly reduce anxiety about dental visits. A typical first visit at PS Dental begins with a friendly welcome tour where we show children and parents around our office, introducing them to our team and familiarizing them with our environment.

For very young children, we often use a knee-to-knee position where the child sits in the parent’s lap, facing the parent, then leans back with their head in the dentist’s lap. This position is comfortable for young children while allowing a thorough examination.

The gentle examination includes counting teeth, checking for any concerns, and assessing growth and development. If appropriate for the child’s age and comfort level, we provide a gentle cleaning and apply fluoride varnish to strengthen teeth.

Before you leave, we take time for parent education, discussing home care techniques, answering questions, and providing personalized recommendations. Every visit ends on a positive note, often with a small prize or token to celebrate the child’s cooperation.

“The first visit sets the tone for all future dental experiences,” notes Dr. Sepehri. “That’s why we put so much emphasis on making it positive, educational, and fun. When children leave our office smiling and excited to return, we know we’ve succeeded.”

Maintaining Healthy Smiles: Home Care, Checkups, Costs & Community

Bright, healthy smiles don’t happen by accident—they’re the result of consistent care both at home and through regular professional visits. At PS Dental, we see ourselves as your partners in your child’s dental health journey, providing guidance that grows with your little one.

Daily Oral Hygiene Essentials

Establishing good brushing habits early makes all the difference. We recommend brushing twice daily for two minutes—once in the morning and once before bedtime. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush sized appropriately for your child’s mouth, and remember that little hands need big help! Most children need assistance or supervision with brushing until around age 7-8, when their dexterity improves.

When it comes to fluoride toothpaste, size matters. For our tiniest patients under 3 years old, use just a rice-grain-sized smear—barely visible on the brush. Children between 3-6 years need a pea-sized amount—enough protection without being excessive. Always help younger children rinse and spit after brushing.

Don’t forget about flossing! Begin this important habit as soon as your child has teeth that touch each other, typically around age 2-3. While it might seem challenging at first, flossing removes plaque and food particles from tight spaces between teeth where even the best brushing can’t reach.

“The habits we help children develop now will protect their smiles for decades to come,” says Dr. Sepehri. “That’s why we take the time to demonstrate proper techniques and make oral hygiene fun rather than a chore.”

Nutrition and Cavity Prevention

What your child eats plays a huge role in their dental health. Sugary snacks and drinks are the favorite food of cavity-causing bacteria, while nutritious choices help build strong teeth and healthy gums.

Smart snacking means choosing tooth-friendly options like cheese, yogurt, and crunchy vegetables instead of sticky candies that cling to teeth for hours. Water as the primary beverage between meals helps wash away food particles and doesn’t contain sugar that feeds harmful bacteria. We also recommend limiting juice to mealtimes only and in small quantities—even 100% fruit juice contains natural sugars that can contribute to decay.

One important tip that many parents don’t realize: never put a child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup containing anything but water. Milk, formula, and juice can pool around sleeping children’s teeth, leading to severe decay known as “baby bottle tooth decay.”

The Importance of Regular Checkups

Those twice-yearly dental visits are about so much more than just “checking for cavities.” Every six months, we provide professional cleanings that remove plaque and tartar buildup that even excellent home care can miss. We monitor your child’s growth and development, ensuring teeth are emerging properly and jaws are developing as they should.

These regular appointments allow us to catch small issues before they become painful or expensive problems. A tiny spot of early decay can often be treated with fluoride or minimal intervention, while waiting until a tooth hurts typically means more extensive treatment is needed.

“Prevention is always better than treatment,” Dr. Sepehri often tells parents. “The time and money invested in regular checkups saves families from the stress and expense of emergency dental care.”

For more detailed guidance, check out our article on 5 ways to help your kid have healthy teeth and gums.

Sports and Active Children

If your child plays sports, their smile needs protection! Custom sports mouthguards provide significantly better protection than store-bought options. At PS Dental, we create comfortable, perfectly fitted mouthguards that protect teeth from impact while allowing normal breathing and even speaking during play.

These custom guards not only shield teeth but may help reduce concussion risk by absorbing shock. They’re especially important for contact sports like football and basketball, but we recommend them for any activity where falls or collisions might occur—even skateboarding or gymnastics.

Community Involvement

Pediatric dentistry Tigard Oregon extends beyond our office walls. The PS Dental team regularly visits local schools to provide fun, educational presentations about dental health. You might spot us at community health fairs offering free dental screenings or distributing toothbrushes and educational materials.

These outreach efforts help us connect with more families in our community while spreading the message about the importance of early dental care. We believe every child deserves access to quality dental information and care, regardless of their circumstances.

Insurance & Payment Basics

Understanding dental insurance can feel overwhelming, but our friendly administrative team makes it simple. We work with most major PPO and HMO dental plans and will verify your benefits before treatment begins, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

For families covered by Oregon Health Plan (OHP), we’re proud to be a participating provider, ensuring all children in our community can access quality dental care. If you don’t have insurance coverage, don’t worry—we offer several solutions to make care affordable:

• Flexible financing through CareCredit, often with interest-free payment options
• In-house payment plans custom to your family’s needs
• Family discounts when multiple children receive care
• A membership plan that provides preventive care and discounts on treatment

Money-saving tips for families include scheduling regular preventive visits (which are usually 100% covered by insurance), following home care recommendations diligently, and asking about preventive services like sealants that can save you money in the long run. If your child needs multiple treatments, we can discuss prioritizing the most urgent needs and phasing treatment over time to accommodate your budget.

“We believe that financial considerations should never prevent a child from receiving necessary dental care,” says Dr. Sepehri. “Our team is committed to finding solutions that work for each family’s unique situation.”

At PS Dental, we’re here to partner with Tigard families in creating healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Ready to schedule your child’s visit? Contact our Tigard clinic today!

Conclusion

Establishing good dental habits early is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. Those first trips to the dentist set the foundation for how your little one will view oral healthcare for years to come. That’s why choosing the right pediatric dentistry Tigard Oregon provider matters so much.

At PS Dental, we see ourselves as partners in your child’s journey to a lifetime of healthy smiles. We’ve designed our practice around the unique needs of children—creating a warm, welcoming space where dental visits become something to look forward to rather than fear.

Remember these simple but powerful truths about children’s dental care:

The first birthday milestone isn’t just for cake smashing photos—it’s also time for that important first dental visit. Even with just a few teeth, this early checkup helps us establish a baseline and guide you through those early developmental stages.

Daily dental habits make all the difference. Those few minutes spent helping your child brush and floss properly pay huge dividends in preventing cavities and building lifelong routines. We’re always happy to demonstrate proper techniques that make home care both effective and fun.

Finding the right dental home matters enormously. When children feel comfortable and understood, their dental anxiety melts away. Our team specializes in creating positive experiences that build confidence with each visit.

Regular six-month checkups catch small issues before they become big problems. These visits aren’t just about cleaning—they’re opportunities for us to monitor growth, reinforce good habits, and celebrate your child’s progress.

Dr. Sepehri often reminds parents, “Think of us as your partners in prevention. Together, we can help your child develop healthy habits that will benefit them throughout life.”

Our Tigard office welcomes families from throughout the community with open arms. We’ve combined advanced technology with genuine warmth to create a dental experience unlike any other. Children actually light up when they walk through our doors—and there’s no better testament to our approach than seeing those smiles.

Don’t wait until dental problems arise. The best time to establish care is now, while your child is young and their dental journey is just beginning. Schedule an appointment at our Tigard clinic today and find the PS Dental difference for yourself!

We look forward to being part of your child’s dental health story—from that very first tooth and for many years to come. Because at PS Dental, we’re not just treating teeth; we’re helping shape confident, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.

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Dr. Parisa Sepehri

Dr. Sepehri - Recognized by the Consumer’s Research Council of America as One of America’s Top Dentists: Taking care of people comes very naturally to me. Both of my parents are health care professionals, and I grew up in a home where caring for others always came first. I believe in providing excellent customer service.

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