Dental Tips for your Preschooler

Following these dental tips for your preschooler is important because their dental routine should be just as carefully planned as yours. What are some tips for ensuring that your preschooler’s teeth are well taken care of? What are some things many dentists advocate for the young patient? What do you do when your preschooler has (ouch!) a toothache? Find out here…

Why these Preschooler Dental Tips are so Important

In April 2007, a news release from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics indicated an increase in baby tooth decay in 2-5 year olds, while the oral health of all other age groups improved. This means as a caregiver you should pay important attention to these tips and take action with them too!

Preschooler Dental Tips & Tricks

1. Start brushing your child’s teeth when the first tooth appears to help prevent dental problems and to teach your child the importance of this habit.

2. Start using toothpaste with fluoride after the age of 2-3, unless your dentist recommends it sooner.

3. Use a soft bristle nylon toothbrush for optimal brushing. It’s recommended that parents brush their preschooler’s teeth twice a day until they are about 5 years old, when they can take over this important habit. Make sure toothpaste is only dabbed on in a pea-sized amount and make sure your preschooler spits out the toothpaste. Flossing by the parent before brushing may be recommended by your dentist (ask them!)

4. Drinking fluoridated tap water is better for your preschoolers because fluoride strengthens teeth and prevents cavity formation. If your preschooler drinks bottled water, or you live in an area with no fluoride in the tap, fluoride intake may be insufficient and your pediatric dentist may recommend fluoride supplements (again, ask them!)

5. If your preschooler is still sucking his or her thumb by age 4, it’s important to find alternatives and substitutions. Asking your pediatric dentist for advice about this is important. Prolonged thumb-sucking or bottle use can cause misaligned teeth formation and bite problems.

6. A warm saltwater rinse should be used for toothaches. If the surrounding mouth area is swollen, a cold compress should be used. Give your preschooler a tablet of acetaminophen for pain, but don’t put any medication on the gum itself. The toothache indicates there is a problem so make an appointment with the dentist right away.

7. Make sure your preschooler’s diet is balanced with fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, protein and dairy. This means refined sugar like candy and excess starches like chips and crackers, should be limited. Healthy snacks like fruit, yogurt and cheese are better substitutes. In addition sugary drinks set up your preschooler for a lifetime addiction to beverages like this, as well as an increased risk for dental decay.

By: Pia Chaparro

References

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Available from http://www.aapd.org/

American Dental Association Available on http://www.ada.org

CDC National Center for Health Statistics. Trends in Oral Health Status: United States, 1988-1994 and 1999-2004. Series 11, Number 248. News Release available on http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/07newsreleases/oralhealth.htm