In the Know for You to Know

I’ve received quite a few questions from parents about dental care for their preschoolers.

Preschooler’s are the in-between age, where you’re not quite sure what to do.

As a mom and pediatric dentist this is where my 2 lives met. Being a mom who had 4 preschoolers at the same time I understand how hectic life can be. This is why it’s so important to know how often you should schedule your child’s dental appointment. As well as what to do if they take a tumble and hurt a tooth.

Today, I’m answering your top 5 questions about taking care of your preschooler’s teeth.

How often should preschoolers visit the pediatric dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child’s teeth be examined and cleaned every 6 months. This is important because during these appointments we examine and talk about several key points for you to know ~

• oral hygiene,
• fluoride,
• diet and how it affects their teeth,
• what you can expect in terms of growth and dental development,
• habits such as thumb or finger sucking, and pacifiers.

My preschooler has difficulty sitting still, how do you handle this?

We approach this together. Sometimes you and I sit facing each other in a knee to knee position supporting your child’s head on my lap. Some children this age may want to sit in the dental chair and show us “how big they are” or they may sit after a little reassurance that they’re safe and will be getting their teeth counted. There are times when they’ll want to sit on your lap in the chair.

There’s no pressure. It’s about what works best for your child.

What should we be doing at home?

Your child needs your help brushing and flossing their teeth. I advise parents you need to brush and floss your preschooler’s teeth. In fact, I recommend that parents brush and floss until their child can wash, dry and style their own hair. It’s all about their developing manual dexterity.

Are there any special dental issues to be aware of for my preschooler?

Children love to explore. Whether they toddle, walk, run, climb, or jump, the possibility always exists that teeth can get hurt. Falls from high chairs, strollers and shopping carts, as well as automobile accidents, are frequent causes of tooth and/or mouth injuries.

The teeth most commonly hurt are the upper and/or lower front teeth. These teeth can be moved around or broken in all different ways. There’s also the possibility that the gums, tongue, cheeks or lips may be bruised or cut.

What should we do if an injury does occur?

If anything ever happens, contact your pediatric dentist and/or go to the closest emergency room immediately.

The most common type of dental injury in preschoolers is a baby tooth that has been knocked out. It’s important to know that this tooth should not be put back into the mouth.

Common types of dental injuries and what to do ~

Tooth Moved: Call your pediatric dentist or go to the closest emergency room

• Tooth knocked out out and in your hand,
• Tooth not visible, may be out and not found or possibility swallowed,
• Tooth pushed into gums,
• Tooth loose,
• Tooth very loose,
• Tooth moved forward, back, or sideways.

Broken Tooth: Call your pediatric dentist or go to the closest emergency room

• Chipped tooth,
• Large Chipped tooth (nerve exposed, you’ll see red line or red dot),
• Tooth broken off and in your hand,
• Crown broken off and can’t find, possibility swallowed.

There’s a lot to know about your preschooler’s teeth. Tooth brushing is one part of what you can do to protect your growing child’s teeth. By introducing dental health early, dental visits can be fun and positive. Every child deserves a lifetime of good oral health.

Even if you haven’t sent in any questions, have I helped answer what has been on your mind? If I haven’t, what are your questions? What are your concerns for your preschooler’s teeth? Have I brought up any topics that you have more questions about? I’d love to hear from you about tips and experiences that have worked for your family.
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More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!