9-12 YeARS
the Teeth
Children lose their remaining primary teeth during this stage.
The upper and lower first molars and lower canines usually fall out around 9-10.
The upper and lower second molars and upper canines usually fall out between 10-12.
Variations are normal.
If the teeth are lose, encourage your child to wiggle them out.
The permanent 2nd molars grow in around age 12 in as well.
Soft diet and OTC pain medications are recommended.
Once they’re fully in, dental sealants are recommended as a preventive measure.
Early in this stage, your child may be a candidate for early braces (phase one orthodontics).
This is usually a short treatment to correct a specific problem.
Diet
Same applies as before.
Your child is likely in school and may be eating school provided lunches.
Be proactive to ensure that school-provided snacks and meals are not full of sugar.
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.
It’s still important to take care of the primary teeth.
Your child is probably brushing on their own at this point. Make sure you check at night-time.
You may have to do a follow-up brush.
If you child does not want to brush, really limit sugar and carbohydrate frequency in the diet.
