Patient Education

Children's Oral Health

Good habits — and the right visits at the right time — set kids up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Starting Early

We recommend a child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in, whichever comes first. These early visits are low-pressure and focused on getting your child comfortable in the chair, checking for early decay, and giving you guidance on brushing, teething, and diet — not on doing extensive work.

Common Concerns for Kids

Cavities in baby teeth are common and worth treating, even though those teeth will eventually fall out — they hold space for adult teeth and support healthy chewing and speech in the meantime. Thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and mouth breathing are also worth mentioning at visits, since they can affect how teeth and jaws develop if they continue past a certain age.

Tips for Parents

Help kids brush twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, supervising until they have the coordination to brush well on their own — usually around age 6 to 8. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks, especially sipped throughout the day, makes a real difference. Sealants on molars can also add extra protection against cavities in hard-to-clean back teeth.

Questions About This?

We're always happy to talk through your specific situation in more detail — call us or book a visit anytime.

MH

Dr. Hanrahan practices family and restorative dentistry at Lake Oswego Smiles, with an emphasis on thoughtful, conservative treatment.

Have a Question?

We're always happy to talk through anything you've read here in more detail.

Location

16699 Boones Ferry Road, Suite 200
Lake Oswego, OR 97035

Hours

Mon – Thu, 7am – 4pm
Fri – Sun, Closed

Contact

(503) 635-3653
[email protected]