Why Find a Pediatric Dentist in Johns Creek for Your Preschooler?
By the time your preschooler is 3-5 years old, he or she may not be old enough to perform proper dental care on their own yet they are certainly old enough to begin developing proper habits that will lead them to become healthy adults. The first step is finding a pediatric dentist specializing in preschooler dentistry, and Children’s Dental Zone in Johns Creek, GA is precisely the specialist you need.
Your Child’s First Tooth!
It is possible that around the age of 5, your child will lose their first tooth, which is certainly an exciting time for them (and we hope you are ready for the tooth fairy!).
Shortly after your child loses their first tooth, a permanent tooth will begin to break through the gums and come in. When this happens, it is a good idea to see a pediatric dentist to ensure the tooth is coming in properly and everything looks good.
Proper Dental Care Starts at Home
Proper dental care begins at home, which is why it is important to perform the following set of steps.
Brushing the teeth is the most important aspect of preschooler dentistry. Use a soft toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, both of which must be approved for children’s use by the American Dental Association (ADA). It is also important to begin flossing as soon as your child’s baby teeth begin aligning closely together, as food particles will become trapped in-between and could lead to cavities if not cleaned properly.
Brushing Your Preschooler’s Teeth
When brushing your child’s teeth, make sure to pay special attention to the back teeth as well as the gum line. A thorough cleaning of these areas will help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other problems later in your child’s life. Establish a regular brushing schedule after breakfast and just before bedtime, and encourage brushing after meals and snacks whenever possible.
What To Look For in a Child’s Toothpaste
Your child’s toothpaste should be supplemented by the fluoride naturally found in drinking water, as fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes it significantly more resistant to bacteria and decay. The amount of fluoride contained in a regular adult toothpaste is 1000 times higher than in fluoridated water, and thus it should not be swallowed in large quantities. Unfortunately, young children are prone to unintentional swallowing of toothpaste, which could lead to staining on their future permanent teeth.
Teaching Proper Brushing and Flossing to Preschoolers
Your child may want to try brushing and flossing on their own, but you must be there for assistance and supervision at all times. Most children develop proper brushing skills by the time they are 6 years old, with flossing skills developing shortly afterwards – by 8 years of age. A preschooler will usually lack the dexterity required for accommodating the rapidly changing needs of his or her growing mouth.
To learn more about preschooler dentistry, please do not hesitate to contact us at Children’s Dental Zone today. Your Johns Creek pediatric dentist is only one call away!
Preventing Cavities with Hygiene and Proper Diet
Many parents aren’t aware that children can develop cavities in either their primary teeth or their new permanent teeth if they are not adequately cared for. Here are a few tips to keep your child from developing cavities at such a young age:
- At this age, your child still may drink a lot milk. It’s important that you assist them in adequately cleaning their teeth before bed (don’t let them fall asleep with a cup of milk)!
- Limit the amount of sugary foods that your child consumes, as too much sugar can create the perfect set of circumstances for bacteria to grow and potentially lead to cavities.
You’ll also still need to supervise your child while they brush their teeth at this age. If you teach them proper brushing form and oral care habits at a young age, they’ll be more likely to stick with them for life!
Dental Emergencies Happen!
We probably don’t need to tell you that kids at this age are extremely active and seemingly get into everything! This can lead to a variety of bumps, cuts, and bruises, including possible dental trauma.
If your child is experiencing a dental emergency related to trauma, the best course of action is to take them to the local emergency room, and it is what we usually recommend to parents calling our practice regarding emergencies!