How to Prevent Dental Problems in Your Preschooler

Your preschooler's baby teeth reserve space until adult teeth develop, and teeth lost too early can cause future crowding and misalignment. The American Dental Association recommends a visit to the dentist no later than your child's first birthday, but the preferred time is six months after his first tooth appears. By the time your child reaches preschool age, it's time to focus on a regular dental health ritual to avoid future dental problems.

Things You'll Need

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste

Instructions

    • 1

      Visit a dentist with a specialty in pediatrics annually and have your child's teeth cleaned and an evaluation done to identify potential problems with teeth, mouth development and gum tissue.

    • 2

      Set up a regular schedule for exams and cleanings based on your dentist's recommendations. Some preschoolers have more plaque compared with others at the same age which may mean extra visits to keep teeth clean. Dental professionals sometimes also recommend fluoride treatments to discourage plaque development and tooth sealants to prevent decay during the preschool years.

    • 3

      Purchase the proper equipment for your preschooler's brushing routine. Ask your child to help select a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles in a favorite color and a small tube of fluoridated toothpaste. Longer brush handles also help your child reach the back teeth. Preschoolers have a difficult time with large tubes and adult-sized brushes that don't fit into tiny mouths.

    • 4

      Show your child how to properly brush teeth and clean the tongue. Humming a favorite song helps preschoolers estimate the time needed to brush the top teeth. Repeat the humming ritual for the bottom teeth. Practice using a pea-sized glob of paste, and encourage your preschooler to avoid swallowing the toothpaste. Some dentists recommend a mouthwash that highlights teeth missed by brushing. This easy-to-use wash helps your child learn to take time to brush and to pay attention to giving front and back teeth equal brushing time.

    • 5

      Establish a home routine of brushing and tongue cleaning and follow it daily. Begin with brushing after breakfast, lunch and dinner and also after snacking on food that sticks to the teeth.

    • 6

      Review your preschooler's diet and snack habits, and limit the amount of sugary juices, regular soda and candy that he ingests. High-starch foods also contribute to tooth decay in preschoolers. More saliva in the mouth reduces tooth enamel damage, and certain food combinations create additional saliva in your child's mouth. Food and nutrition researchers at Colorado State University Extension recommend balancing starch servings with low-sugar foods; eating dairy products with meals and snacks; and combining high-sugar carbohydrates with fruits and vegetables to neutralize the impact of sugar. The combinations also add saliva to reduce your preschoolers risk for cavities.

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