2-5 Year Old: How Best To Take Care of Their Teeth

Taking care of a child’s oral health is no easy task, and sometimes it can get downright confusing.
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Parents might understandably wonder how careful they need to be regarding their 2-5 year old's teeth, considering they will fall out eventually anyways.
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Keep reading to find out why baby tooth brushing is important, and learn some useful tips that can help you protect the child’s oral health.
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Baby Teeth and Brushing: Why Is It Important?

When you brush your child’s teeth, you remove food particles that the bacteria in their mouth can feed on and increase the risks for cavities and other oral health issues.
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Even if primary teeth fall out, they can still develop cavities or even get infected. When this happens, it can cause significant discomfort for the child, such as swelling, sensitivity, and pain.
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Moreover, untreated tooth infections can sprea d to other areas, such as the gums, bones, or sinuses.
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As a result, pediatric dentists recommend brushing children’s teeth as soon as the first baby tooth starts to erupt. And before that, you should gently clean the child’s gums after every feeding with a soft washcloth.
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This removes unwanted bacteria and food or milk particles, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. 
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Taking Care of Your Child’s Teeth

When they’re younger, you will need to brush your child’s teeth yourself, and then slowly teach them how to do it.
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Here are some oral care tips for children ages 0-2:
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• Take them to see a dentist for a routine consultation as soon as their first baby tooth appears;‍
• ‍Brush the child’s teeth at least twice a day, but ideally after every meal;‍
• ‍Use a soft-bristled toothbrush;‍
• ‍Use a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste, combined with one formulated for kids;‍
• ‍Make sure their last activity before bed is brushing their teeth, and don’t give them any snacks or drinks other than water after;‍
• ‍Instruct them not to swallow the toothpaste;‍
• Ask them to spit, but don’t rinse with water
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The same tips can apply to older children. But, by the time the child is 4-5, you can also add:
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• Floss their teeth daily, before bed;‍
• ‍Let them try brushing their teeth as well;‍
• ‍Take them for routine dental appointments and professional cleaning;‍
• ‍Limit their intake of sugary treats or drinks;‍
• ‍Give them fresh fruits and vegetables as much as possible.
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Bring Your Child to Pediatric Dental World

No matter how old your little one is, the Pediatric Dental World team is here to ensure their smile grows happy and healthy.
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Whether you need a routine consultation to inspect a growing primary tooth or the child is dealing with a cavity, you can find compassionate and expert pediatric dental services here.
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To get started, schedule a visit to Pediatric Dental World online.
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Want to learn more about our services? Call us at (972) 317-6997 today.