Dentist FAQs: Kids’ & Family Dental Questions in Beaverton
Answers to common questions about children’s teeth, adult care, sedation, emergencies, and insurance, from the team at Bien Dental in Beaverton, OR.
We start with children, then move to adults, logistics, emergencies, and coverage. Each answer is general information based on guidance from the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and it is not a substitute for an exam. For deeper reading, visit our parent resources, browse pediatric dentistry and general dentistry, or read our new patient guide. When you are ready, request an appointment.
Questions parents (and adults) often ask
When should my child first see a dentist?
Plan a first visit by your child’s first birthday, or within six months after the first tooth appears, and no later than the first birthday. That early visit is short and gentle. It checks growth, talks through feeding and cleaning habits, and helps your child get to know us before any problems arise. See our first dental visit page.
How do I clean my baby’s or toddler’s teeth?
Clean gums with a soft cloth before teeth appear. Once the first tooth erupts, brush twice daily with a soft, small-headed brush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. From age three, use a pea-sized amount. Help your child brush until about age 7 or 8 (tying their own shoes is a common sign they are ready). More in infant oral health.
Is fluoride safe for children?
Yes, when used as directed. The ADA and AAPD support fluoride toothpaste and professional fluoride varnish to strengthen enamel and reduce cavities. The key is the right amount for your child’s age, so young children get only a smear or pea-sized dab of toothpaste. Dr. Hsu can tailor advice to your child. Read about fluoride treatments.
What are dental sealants and does my child need them?
Sealants are thin, protective coatings placed in the deep grooves of back teeth, where food and bacteria hide from a toothbrush. They are quick, comfortable, and non-invasive. Dr. Hsu will recommend them when a child’s molars have grooves prone to decay, typically once the permanent molars come in. Learn more about dental sealants.
Do baby teeth really matter if they fall out anyway?
They do. Baby teeth help your child chew, speak clearly, and hold space for the permanent teeth that follow. Untreated decay can cause pain, infection, and trouble eating, and it can affect the teeth coming in behind it. Healthy habits formed with baby teeth also carry into adulthood.
How can I stop my child from getting cavities?
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth that touch, limit sugary drinks and frequent snacking, and keep regular checkups. Sealants and fluoride varnish add extra protection. Cavities are a bacterial and dietary disease, not a parenting failure, and catching one early usually keeps treatment simple. Our parent resources have a full checklist.
Is thumb-sucking or a pacifier harmful?
For babies and toddlers, sucking is a normal comfort habit. Most children stop on their own. If it continues past the time permanent front teeth start to arrive, it can affect how the teeth and bite develop. We can suggest gentle, positive ways to help. See thumb-sucking and pacifier habits.
What if my child is afraid of the dentist?
Fear is common and completely understandable. We use simple words, show each tool, go at your child’s pace, and let a parent stay close. Positive first visits go a long way. For some children, nitrous oxide may be an option. Bring your questions when you call, and we will plan the visit around your child.
Is nitrous oxide (laughing gas) safe for kids?
When administered properly and monitored, nitrous oxide is a safe, reversible way to help some children relax. Your child stays awake and breathes normally, and the effects wear off quickly once the gas is stopped. It is available at Bien Dental when appropriate, and Dr. Hsu decides case by case. See nitrous oxide for kids.
Do you offer other kinds of sedation for children?
The sedation option we offer for children is nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), when appropriate. Dr. Hsu decides case by case. If your child’s needs call for something beyond that, Dr. Hsu will talk with you honestly and help you understand your options, including whether a referral makes sense. Call us at (503) 822-0096 to talk it through.
Does my teenager need a different kind of dental care?
Teens face specific risks, including sugary and acidic drinks, sports injuries, braces, and wisdom teeth on the horizon. Regular checkups, mouthguards for sports, and honest conversations about habits help protect their smiles. Dr. Hsu welcomes teens and treats them with respect. See teen dentistry.
Do you see adults, or only children?
Both. Kids are our focus, and Dr. Hsu leads their care. Dr. Jovan Gvozden, DMD, provides general dentistry for adults, including exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, and implant placement. Many parents schedule their own care with us. See general and family dentistry.
How often should adults have a dental exam and cleaning?
Many adults do well with a checkup and cleaning about every six months, but the right schedule depends on your gum health, cavity history, and overall health. Some people benefit from more frequent visits. Dr. Gvozden will recommend a schedule that fits you. Read about adult exams and cleanings.
I have not been to a dentist in years. Will I be judged?
No. Life gets busy, and dental fear is common. We will listen first, do a careful exam, and build a plan at a pace you are comfortable with. Nobody needs to apologize for the time that has passed. Reaching out is the important part.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring photo ID, your insurance card if you have coverage, a list of medications and allergies, and any questions. We will share new-patient paperwork when you book. Our new patient guide walks through the visit step by step. For a child, it also helps to bring a comfort item, such as a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, and to share anything you have noticed about their teeth.
Where is Bien Dental located, and what areas do you serve?
We are at 18355 SW Alexander St, Beaverton, OR 97006, in the Aloha–Beaverton area near SW 185th Avenue and Tualatin Valley Highway. Families visit from Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard, Tualatin, and Sherwood. We are easy to reach from US-26 and OR-217 for many west-side families. See areas we serve for neighborhood details.
What are your office hours?
We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call (503) 822-0096 to schedule, or send an appointment request any time and we will follow up. For a dental emergency during office hours, please call us right away.
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
Stay calm. If it is a permanent tooth, pick it up by the crown, not the root, gently rinse it, and try to place it back in the socket, or keep it in milk, then call us immediately. Do not try to replant a baby tooth. If your child has trouble breathing, is unconscious, or has a serious head injury, call 911. See children’s dental emergencies.
What counts as a dental emergency, and who do I call?
Severe pain, facial swelling, a knocked-out permanent tooth, bleeding that will not stop, or a serious mouth injury needs prompt attention. Call our office at (503) 822-0096 and describe what is happening. For life-threatening symptoms, such as trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911. See our emergency dentist page.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept almost all dental insurance, including PPO and HMO plans, state-sponsored coverage and Medicare plans with dental benefits. Coverage varies by plan, so we are happy to check your benefits before the visit. See our insurance and payment options page.
Do you accept the Oregon Health Plan (OHP)?
Yes. We welcome patients with the Oregon Health Plan. Bring your OHP ID and your dental care organization card if you have one, and we will verify eligibility before your visit. Call (503) 822-0096 with any questions.
What if I do not have insurance?
That is okay. Call us at (503) 822-0096 and we will talk through costs and options before treatment, so nothing comes as a surprise.
Ready to book your child’s visit?
Tell us a little about your family and we’ll reach out to find a time that works. New patients — kids, teens and adults — are welcome, and we accept almost all dental insurance and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).