Ages 7-12

2X2: Teeth should be brushed twice a day for 2 minutes, 30 seconds in each of the 4 parts of the mouth.

RULE OF THUMB: If your child cannot tie his or her shoes, they are not ready to brush alone.

Brush morning and at night time after the last meal. 

Using a fluoride tooth paste can help prevent the  daily breakdown of teeth from normal eating and drinking along with remineralizing the teeth and keeping them strong.

Cavities are the result of breakdown of tooth structure by acid, sugar and bacteria.

If you notice white spots, discoloration or holes in you child's teeth, inform your pediatric dentist.  Cavities should be evaluated and treated as soon as possible to prevent further breakdown of teeth.

Baby teeth serve as placeholders for the adult teeth.  Between the ages of 6-13, every baby tooth in the mouth will be replaced with an adult tooth.  Some children may not loose their last baby tooth until age 13 or 14.  Cavities in baby teeth can lead to pain, infection, and worst case, premature loss of the baby tooth.  Thus it is extremely important to keep baby teeth cavity free.  

The first baby tooth is typically lost between ages 4-6.

Shark-teeth? Not to worry are seeing two rows of teeth is normal. Often times if the baby tooth has not fallen out before the adult tooth erupts, both sets will be in the arch at the same time.   Encourage your little one to "wiggle his/her tooth". If the tooth still hasn't fallen out or is causing discomfort, make an appointment with your pediatric dentist.

Sealants are a safe way to protect newly erupted molar and premolar teeth.

Sealants are placed in pits and fissures of the biting surfaces of teeth and can prevent caries lesions by keeping food and bacteria out.

Sealants can reduce cavities by 80%.

 As the remaining adult molars erupt, the pediatric dentist will recommend the appropriate time to place the sealants.

Part of childhood involves getting your fair share of bumps and bruises.  Sometimes these bumps can result in injury to teeth,  especially the front teeth. 

If your child has had any known trauma to their teeth, keep an eye on any changes of color, mobility of tooth, or abscesses in the gums.  Damage to these teeth may also affect the adult tooth forming beneath.  Contact the pediatric dentist immediately for evaluation.