How can you help your preschooler to maintain a healthy smile? Three- to five-year-olds may not understand the need for pediatric dentistry services—or even why brushing their teeth twice a day is important. But, as the parent, you know the benefits of routine children's dentist office and at-home care. If your preschool-aged child doesn't make their teeth a priority, take a look at the easy ways that you can help.

Talk About Dental Check-Ups

Does your preschooler know what happens during the dentist's office visit? If this is your preschooler's first pediatric dentist appointment or they just can't remember their last check-up/cleaning, talk openly about the visit. Explain what happens in words that your child easily understands. Open the discussion to questions and answer in an age-appropriate way.

If you're not sure how to bridge this subject with your child on their level, start with children's picture books on the dentist and the dental check-up. After reading a few select titles with your child, roleplay a dental office scene. Turn your child's favorite stuffed animal or doll into the patient and let your preschooler become the dentist. 

Watch Your Child Brush Their Teeth

Preschoolers are independent and have the ability to tackle many self-care tasks with minimal adult assistance. But this doesn't mean you should hand your child a brush, a tube of toothpaste, and assume that they'll know what to do. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), children between three and six years of age need a pea-sized amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste each time they brush. Your preschooler may not have the fine motor skills to squeeze the just-right amount of paste from the tube onto the brush.

Not only may your young child struggle to get enough or not-too-much toothpaste onto their brush, but they may also have difficulty brushing for the necessary amount of time. While some brushing is better than no brushing, a quick swipe with a toothpaste-covered brush won't significantly decrease the risk of dental decay. After you help your child to apply the toothpaste, watch them brush.

Ideally, your child should brush their teeth for two minutes twice daily. This should include the front and back of each area. Provide directions as you watch your child brush. If they miss specific areas or can't maneuver the brush well, take over and complete the cleaning for them. With directed practice, your child will learn how to properly brush their teeth and get a better idea of the length of time needed for a complete cleaning.