Preschool Dental Care (Ages 3–5): Complete Guide for Parents

By the ages of 3 to 5, children typically have a full set of 20 baby teeth. This stage is crucial for building strong oral hygiene habits, preventing cavities, and preparing for permanent teeth.

At Divine Dental in Lewisville, TX, we help parents protect their preschooler’s smile with expert pediatric dental care.

Baby Teeth Development in Preschoolers

  • Teeth usually erupt in this order:

    1. Lower front teeth

    2. Upper front teeth

    3. First molars

    4. Canines

    5. Second molars

  • By age 3, most kids have all their baby teeth.

  • Permanent teeth often begin erupting at age 6, but some children lose their first tooth as early as 4–5 years old.

  • Regular checkups every 6 months allow your dentist to track growth and development.

Why Are Baby Teeth Important?

Parents often ask: “Why care for baby teeth if they fall out?”

Baby teeth are essential because they:

  • Maintain space for adult teeth

  • Guide jaw and facial development

  • Support speech and nutrition

  • Prevent pain, infection, and costly orthodontic issues later

Untreated decay in baby teeth can lead to pain, swelling, and misalignment of permanent teeth.

How to Prevent Cavities in Preschoolers

Between ages 3 and 5, children gain independence but still need parental help with dental care. Here’s how to prevent cavities:

  • Brush twice daily with a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste

  • Floss daily if teeth touch

  • Limit sticky snacks, candy, and daily juice intake

  • Offer juice only during meals, not between

  • Encourage rinsing with water after snacks

Children cannot brush effectively on their own until around age 8. Parents should always supervise.

Brushing & Flossing Made Simple

Brushing Routine

  1. Sit or stand behind your child so they feel secure.

  2. Angle bristles toward the gumline.

  3. Use gentle circles on all tooth surfaces.

  4. Brush the chewing surfaces and tongue.

  5. Encourage spitting, not swallowing toothpaste.

Choosing a Toothbrush

  • Use a child sized brush with soft bristles.

  • Replace every 3–4 months or sooner if worn.

  • Both manual and electric brushes work well let your child pick a fun design.

Thumb Sucking & Pacifiers

While normal in infants, thumb sucking and pacifiers beyond age 4 may cause:

  • Crooked or flared teeth

  • Bite problems (teeth not closing properly)

  • Speech issues

  • Narrow dental arches

Preventing Dental Injuries in Preschoolers

Preschoolers love to climb, run, and explore, which increases the risk of dental injuries. To protect their teeth:

  • Supervise active play

  • Avoid hard toys that can damage teeth

  • Save your dentist’s number for emergencies

  • Call 911 for serious injuries like jaw trauma or heavy bleeding

Fluoride: Essential for Strong Teeth

Fluoride strengthens enamel and prevents decay. Preschoolers can get fluoride from:

  • Low-fluoride toothpaste (pea-sized amount, twice daily)

  • Tap water (Lewisville water is fluoridated)

  • Healthy foods like fruits and vegetables

Ask your dentist if your child could benefit from professional fluoride treatments.

How Often Should Preschoolers Visit the Dentist?

Children ages 3–5 should visit the dentist every 6–12 months. These visits help to:

  • Detect early signs of cavities

  • Guide brushing and flossing techniques

  • Reduce dental anxiety with positive experiences

At Divine Dental in Lewisville, TX, our kid-friendly team makes every visit fun, comfortable, and educational.

Keep Your Preschooler’s Smile Healthy

Healthy baby teeth lead to healthy adult teeth. With daily brushing, smart nutrition, and regular dental visits, your child can stay cavity-free and confident.

📞 Call Divine Dental in Lewisville at (469) 240-5590
🗓️ Book Your Appointment Online