Dr. Slayton, DDS, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Washington. She is a board certified Pediatric Dentist and a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She received her D.D.S. degree in 1992, a certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and a Ph.D. in Genetics in 1998, all from the University of Iowa. She had a faculty appointment at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry for four years. Dr. Slayton is the director of the residency program in pediatric dentistry. She teaches dental students and residents in the clinics at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center.
Dr. Slayton’s research focuses on caries risk assessment tools and genetic factors that contribute to dental caries susceptibility.
Dr. Rama is a graduate of Bellevue High School and a UW undergraduate in Psychology. She attended dental school at the University of Pennsylvania’s, School of Dental Medicine where she graduated in 2000 at the top of her class. She earned multiple awards while at Penn including being voted “Most Outstanding Dental Student” by the dental school faculty.
Enjoying her time on the east coast, she completed a fellowship in pediatric dentistry at the prestigious Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Following her fellowship, she completed two years of residency training in pediatric dentistry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Dr. Rama served as Chief Resident in Cincinnati, treating children in the emergency room for dental trauma and the operating room under general anesthesia. The pediatric dentistry program at Cincinnati is widely regarded as the best in the country.
Upon returning to the northwest, she enrolled in a two year fellowship in pediatric dentistry at the University of Washington. In between training new dentists on how to be pediatric dentists, she earned a Master of Public Health degree with a specialty in Maternal Child Health in the fall of 2005 and earned a certificate in the Teaching Scholars program.
Dr. Rama is also thrilled to be the Washington State Dental Director for the Special Olympics, where she screens athletes and educates them and their families about oral health. She also practices part-time at the Tulalip Dental Clinic in Tulalip, Washington.
She is also active with the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) training of medical professionals in oral health.
To view Dr. Rama's academic achievements and professional affiliations click here.
Dr. Leena B. King completed her residency in Pediatric Dentistry and Master in Public Health from the University of Washington in 2007. Prior to moving to the West Coast, Dr. King attended dental school at Tufts University in Boston, MA.
While in dental school, Dr. King created an oral health awareness and literacy program for pre-school aged children.
In her spare time, Dr. King enjoys spending time outdoors in the beautiful Northwest mountains.
Infant Tooth Eruption
A child’s teeth actually start forming before birth. As early as four months of age, the primary or “baby” teeth push through the gums—the lower central incisors are first, then the upper central incisors. The remainder of the twenty primary teeth typically erupts by age three, but the place and order varies.
Permanent teeth begin eruption around age six, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until around age twenty-one. Adults have 28 secondary (permanent) teeth—32 including the third molars (wisdom teeth).
We will make every effort to be on time for your child's appointment. Occasionally, an emergency may occur which could result in a delay. If you are unable to keep your appointment, no charge will be made for rescheduling, provided 48 hours notice is given so that your child's time can be given to another patient.
We value serving your children, and trust that our time to do so will be valued as well.
At Woodinville Pediatric Dentistry we believe that every child is entitled to a beautiful smile and we are committed to making a difference from day one.
As Pediatric Dental Specialists, Dr. Oskouian, Dr. King and Dr. Slayton have considerable experience and extensive training caring for children's oral health care needs. Our entire office is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for your children.
We value serving your children, and trust that our time to do so will be valued as well.
We offer a full range of Pediatric Dentistry, from preventive care including education about nutrition for healthy teeth, fluoride treatments and sealants to tooth colored fillings and early interceptive orthodontics.
At Woodinville Pediatric Dentistry we strive to build healthy smiles during the formative years and ensure your children's healthy growth and development. When Dental concerns are diagnosed early, parents can usually avoid more extensive, expensive corrections later. Ask about our Preventive Dentistry Program.
Remember a child's good dental hygiene requires team work and depends on your active involvement. We want your children to keep their bright, healthy smiles for many years to come.
We will make every effort to be on time for your child's appointment. Occasionally, an emergency may occur which could result in a delay. If you are unable to keep your appointment, no charge will be made for rescheduling, provided 48 hours notice is given so that your child's time can be given to another patient.
Teething
Normally the first tooth erupts between ages six to twelve months. Gums may be sore, tender and sometimes irritable until the age of three due to the eruption of the baby teeth. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon or a cold, wet cloth helps soothe the gums. Teething rings works well, but avoid teething biscuits—they contain sugar that is not good for baby teeth.
While your baby is teething, it is important to monitor the teeth for signs of cavities. Examine the teeth, especially on the inside or the tongue side every two weeks for dull spots (whiter than the tooth surface) or lines. A bottle containing anything other than water and left in an infant’s mouth while sleeping can cause cavities. This happens because sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel. Each time a child drinks liquids containing sugar, acids attack the teeth for about 30 minutes. When awake, saliva carries away the liquid. During sleep, the saliva flow significantly decreases and liquids pool around the child’s teeth for long periods, covering the teeth in acids.
Infant’s New Teeth
Primary teeth (baby teeth) are vital to development of the jaws and for guiding the permanent (secondary) teeth into place when they replace the primary teeth around age six.
Since primary teeth guide the permanent teeth into place, infants with missing primary teeth, or infants who prematurely lose primary teeth may require a space maintainer, a device used to hold the natural space open. Without a maintainer, the teeth can tilt toward the empty space and cause permanent teeth to come in crooked. Missing teeth should always be mentioned to your family dentist. The way your child cares for his/her primary teeth plays a critical role in how he/she treats the permanent teeth. Children and adults are equally susceptible to plaque and gum problems—hence the need for regular care and dental checkups.
Parents are welcomed in the treatment area. By joining us in the treatment area we are able to teach and reinforce those good home care habits that you are fostering in your child. From healthy eating habits and proper brushing and flossing, our staff positively builds on "the next step" to secure your child's healthy smile. By participating in the visit everyone learns more, and most children, especially smaller children, appreciate the presence of a parent.
Clean your infant's mouth.
Brush your toddler's teeth.
Wean from the breast or bottle by the first birthday.
Do not put your child to bed with a bottle.
Help brush your child's teeth until he or she is eight years old.
Use a fluoride toothpaste.
Floss your child's teeth as soon as the teeth fit closely together.
Use a fluoride supplement or rinse if recommended by the dentist.
Encourage your child to avoid sweets and sticky foods.
Teach your child to brush after snacking.
Check your child's teeth for white, yellow, or brown spots, which are signs of decay.
Make sure your child visits the pediatric dentist every six months.
Your first visit is an opportunity for all of us to become acquainted. Therefore, extra time is allotted to answer your questions and to become friends with your child. Establishing a positive and comfortable relationship is key to continuing successful care.
Most first visits include a thorough cleaning and radiographs, if indicated. However, your child's medical history, past dental history, emotional comfort level, and chief concerns all influence the steps of a first visit. Please bring your completed medical history with you at your first visit.
We are so fortunate to be a part of the lives of the children and families that are members of our practice.
Our goal is through education, informed decisions and mutual respect to provide the highest quality of pediatric dental care in the most enjoyable atmosphere. We are dedicated to excellence through improving our skills, furthering our education and building relationships.
We recognize the infinite value of every child and we are eager to make a difference. We truly look forward to participating in the lives of each other, our patients, and their families. We want to make a difference to love much and laugh often.
Woodinville Pediatric Dentistry is a state-of-the-art facility that specializes in dental care for infants, toddlers, adolescents and children with special needs.
Our office is a modern, kid-friendly, practice featuring digital x-rays (significantly less radiation than conventional film x-rays), computerized charting, and a warm, comfortable atmosphere. We recommend that children see Dr. Rama soon after they get their first tooth or have their first birthday. We will see kids up to their 18th birthday. Children and adults with special needs are always welcome.
