12+ YeARS
the Teeth
Your child should have all of their adult teeth now.
The last teeth that could grow in are the 3rd molars or wisdom teeth
Your dentist will take a radiograph of the whole jaw (Pan) to evaluate and give recommendations.
If your child is a candidate for braces, it typically happens around this age.
Diet
Same applies as before.
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.
Hygiene
Continue to brush the teeth twice daily for about 2 minutes.
If you want to use a fluoridated toothpaste, use only a pea size amount.
Try to floss daily.
Your child is brushing on their own at this point. Encourage proper brushing.
Some pictures of poor teeth provided here for motivation.
If you child does not want to brush, really limit sugar and carbohydrate frequency in the diet.
