Come On In, The Water’s Fine
Every kid is different. And every story is special. At Blue Fish Dental and Ortho, Dr. Cate and the team take the time to get to know your family so they can help you build healthy habits, catch issues early, and offer preventative dental care that actually fits your life. At every stage, we believe less is more, which is why we practice minimally invasive dentistry. No scary vibes, no rushing, just a warm and welcoming office where little fish actually look forward to coming in.
Every age brings something new. Dr. Cate and the team know exactly what to look for and when, so nothing slips through the net. Dive into your age group below and see what we focus on for your little one.
Guppies, Barely Off the Reef
0-3 Years
Resources for Guppies:
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Dress Rehearsals: Get comfy before any real treatment. No rush.
Tooth Trauma: What to Do When Things Go Sideways
Nutrition & Snacking: Best and Worst Foods for Little Teeth
Tiny humans, big foundations. You might be surprised to see a dentist talking about dental care for toddlers, but this is when the real groundwork gets laid. We recommend bringing your little guppy in around their first birthday or when that first tooth makes its grand appearance, whichever comes first. Dr. Cate and the team keep it super gentle at this age. We check that everything is coming in right, talk through habits like bottle use and pacifiers, and make sure you feel totally confident taking care of those tiny new chompers at home. We even offer new patient and six-month checkups at no cost for the first two years, because every fish deserves a great start.
Little Swimmers, Finding Their Fins
4-6 Years
Resources for Little Swimmers:
Cavity Free Club
Sealants: Extra Armor for Little Teeth
Tooth Trauma: What to Do When Things Go Sideways
Nutrition & Snacking: Best and Worst Foods for Little Teeth
This is a fun age because little personalities are in full bloom, and so are their teeth. By around age three, most baby teeth have made their entrance, and now we focus on keeping them healthy and happy until the grown-up ones show up. Dr. Cate and the team check for early signs of decay, bite issues, and spacing concerns while making sure every visit feels more like an adventure than an appointment. We also love teaching kids how to brush because good habits started early stick around for life.
Sea Explorer, Making Real Waves
7-11 Years
Resources for Sea Explorer:
Sealants: Extra Armor for Growing Teeth
Orthodontics: Is Your Child Ready for Phase One?
Laser Dentistry: Gentle Care for Growing Smiles
Tooth Trauma: What to Do When Things Go Sideways
Nutrition & Snacking: Best and Worst Foods for Growing Teeth
The big switch is happening. Baby teeth are heading out, and adult teeth are moving in, and Dr. Cate and the team are right there making sure everything goes smoothly. Around age six, the first permanent molars start coming in, and this is also when we begin having real conversations about phase one orthodontics. Catching crowding and bite issues early can mean way less treatment down the road. This is also a great age for sealants to protect those brand-new grown-up teeth before cavities even get a chance.
Big Fish, Water Ready
12-17 Years
Resources for BIg Fish:
Orthodontics: Braces and Invisalign for Teens
Insurance & Payments: Let’s Figure It Out Together
Oregon Health Plan (OHP): See If You Qualify
Tooth Trauma: What to Do When Things Go Sideways
Nutrition & Snacking: Best and Worst Foods for Teen Teeth
Teens are busy, we get it. But this is actually one of the most important windows for dental health. Adult teeth are fully in, habits are forming that can last a lifetime, and topics like wisdom teeth and orthodontic treatment start to enter the conversation. Dr. Cate and the team keep it real with teens, no lectures, just straight talk about how to keep their smile looking great now and down the road. We also know that navigating insurance and payments can feel overwhelming, so we make that part easy, too.
Full Grown, No Current Too Strong
18-Older
Resources:
Orthodontics: It’s Never Too Late for a Great Smile
Virtual Appointments: Care That Fits Your Schedule
Insurance & Payments: Let’s Figure It Out Together
Oregon Health Plan (OHP): See If You Qualify
Some patients need a little extra love when it comes to the dentist, and we get it. Whether your child or adult family member has sensory sensitivities, anxiety, autism, ADHD, or other special needs, our team is trained, patient, and genuinely excited to meet them where they are. We offer Happy Visits, no drills, no pressure, just a chance to explore the office, meet the crew, and get comfortable at their own pace. We’ll count some teeth, maybe take a peek with a mirror, and call it a win. Every patient’s journey to a healthy smile looks a little different, and we’re here to make sure theirs is a good one.
Special Needs
Resources:
Dress Rehearsals: Get comfy before any real treatment. No rush.
Quiet Rooms: Low stimulation, high comfort. Just ask when you book.
Birdie: Our therapy dog. She’s magic. Enough said.
Spoiler alert, it’s never too late. We never kick anyone out of the reef. Whether you grew up coming to Blue Fish or you’re new to the school, Dr. Cate and the team are happy to keep caring for your smile as you head into adulthood. Same friendly faces, same great care, just with a little more independence and maybe a wisdom tooth or two to deal with. We also offer virtual appointments for busy adults who need a little flexibility in their schedule.