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1201 SE 223rd Ave. Suite 240
Gresham, OR 97030
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(503) 663-8141
Douglas Park DDS Pediatric Dentistry Douglas Park DDS Pediatric Dentistry Spaceship

Helping Your Child to Succeed with Dental Health


Boy standing up brushing teeth. At Douglas L. Park, DDS, Pediatric Dentistry in Gresham, OR we want to help your child succeed with dental health.
Dental health starts early before the first baby teeth erupt. As your child grows, it is important to help them take care of their mouth. Helping them to take care of their teeth at a young age will help them to develop habits that will last a lifetime. Fostering these habits will also help them to prevent serious issues like cavities and gum disease. At Douglas L. Park, DDS, Pediatric Dentistry, we are here to provide you with tips on how to help your child succeed with their dental health.

Dental Health Begins Before Teeth


Helping your child succeed with dental health begins before the eruption of their first teeth. While your child is still an infant, you can use a damp washcloth to gently wash their gums after every feeding, which will help to remove lingering sugars and oral bacteria. This action acclimates your child to the idea of having their mouth cleaned.

Brushing Teeth


Brushing should begin as the baby teeth begin to erupt. Typically, the teeth begin coming in around the age of six months. Some children get their first teeth earlier, while some may not get their first teeth until later. Use a soft-bristled brush and a rice-sized amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste and use gentle circular motions. Make sure that the toothbrush is designed for infants and toddlers. These toothbrushes have smaller heads and are designed for smaller mouths. Brushing should be done at least twice a day.

As your child gets older, you can let them begin to start brushing their teeth. For very young children, make sure that you stay with them and monitor their brushing. You may need to go through their teeth once they are done. Usually, around the age of 6, your child can begin brushing on their own, but you should continue monitoring them from a distance until they reach the age of 11.

Flossing


Flossing should begin once the baby teeth begin to come together and touch one another. This usually occurs between the ages of 2 and 6. In the early stages of flossing, you will need to perform the task for them. Around the age of 6, your child can start flossing their teeth. Your child can floss with traditional floss or with specially designed floss picks. Make sure that you work with them to teach them proper technique.

The Importance of Dental Visits


Along with oral care at home, your child should also have their teeth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year. The first visit should occur six months following the eruption of their first teeth, or by their first birthday, which ever one comes first. Regular dental visits are crucial for helping to prevent oral health issues and spot issues in their earliest stages. We can monitor the growth and development of the mouth and help them to understand the importance of good oral care.

Helping your child to develop good oral hygiene habits at a young age will help to ensure a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile for a lifetime. If you have any questions about how to help your child call Douglas L. Park, DDS, Pediatric Dentistry today at (503) 663-8141.
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Location 1201 SE 223rd Ave.
Gresham, OR 97030

Contact

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(503) 663-8141

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(503) 666-6787

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info@parkdds.com

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Limited Fridays
Douglas L. Park DDS Pediatric Dentistry | parkdds.com | (503) 663-8141
1201 SE 223rd Ave., Suite 240, Gresham, OR 97030
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Helping Your Child to Succeed with Dental Health | Douglas L. Park, DDS
At Douglas L. Park, DDS Pediatric Dentistry, we want to help your child learn to take care of their teeth at a young age, so they can develop habits for a lifetime.
Douglas L. Park DDS Pediatric Dentistry, 1201 SE 223rd Ave., Suite 240, Gresham, OR 97030 ^ (503) 663-8141 ^ parkdds.com ^ 12/1/2023 ^ Page Phrases: pediatric dentist Gresham OR ^