Primary Pearls

4-6 YeARS

This is a holding period. No new teeth erupt and no teeth fall out (exfoliate).
If you see crowding in the teeth at this age, unfortunately it will likely only get worse as the permanent teeth grow in.
If your child gets a cavity on a back tooth, we typically recommend fixing it.
- The back teeth don’t fall out until your child is between 10-12 years old.
Some children do start to lose teeth as early as 5. Usually it’s the lower front teeth.
- You can read our blog about the infamous double row or “shark teeth.”

Same applies as before.
Your child is probably transitioning to a diet similar to your own.
- Try to keep your diet healthy and low in sugar - your children mimic what they see.
When giving your child carbohydrates - try to limit refined sugars and sticky carbohydrates (gummies, crackers, etc.) to mealtimes.
When it comes to sugar and teeth - it’s not how much sugar you give, it’s how often you give it.
- If you give your child something sugary, keep it with a meal or on a special occasion.
Do not keep sugary foods in your house.
Unless advised by your pediatrician, do not give you child any liquids except for milk and water.
- Juice or sugared beverages may be recommended when your child is sick, that is OK.
- Other than that, unless advised otherwise - No Juice. No Soda. No Sugar Sweetened Beverages.

Continue to brush the teeth daily for about 60 seconds.
- If you want to use a fluoridated toothpaste, use only a pea size amount.
- Molars are likely contact each other now - try to floss between them a few times a week.
Make it a fun activity. Try to brush all of the tooth surfaces the best you can.
This age can be very challenging. Do the best you can.
- Night-time brushing is the most important if you can only do it once a day.
- If it’s very difficult to brush the teeth, really limit sugar and carbohydrate frequency in the diet.