11 years and over
It is important to encourage your child to keep going with the good brushing and diet, which have been learnt in the early years. By the age of about 13 years, 28 adult teeth should be present. A lot of people will get 4 more adult molars or wisdom teeth in their late teens or early twenties, to make the complete set of 32 teeth.
Cleaning
You can ask your Dentist to show your child how to clean their teeth. It won’t hurt to be reminded how to do this well. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is essential to establish and maintain a good routine for life. Once in the morning and once at night just before bedtime.
Diet
Sugary foods are OK to eat at some mealtimes but not between meals. This will reduce the amount of times teeth are exposed to sugar. Fizzy drinks are not only sugary but also acidic – which means that it could lead to acid erosion or wearing away of the teeth.
Visiting the Dentist
Ensure that your child visits the Dentist regularly. Your Dentist will tell you how often they need to be seen.
ORTHODONTICS
At Passage House Dental Care we are proud to have a Specialist Orthodontist, Amelia Jerreat. Amelia works as a Consultant Orthodontist as well as treating patients at Passage House Dental Care.
During the 11+ age range, your child, yourself and your dentist may decide together that your child’s teeth need correcting with orthodontics (corrective treatment for teeth). This could be due to teeth that are crowded/not straight. The child’s upper and lower jaws may not meet as well as needed. Orthodontics is used to sort out these issues and will help with the following along the way:
Straighter teeth, help maintain healthier teeth and gums, help prevent tooth loss, correct some speech and/or chewing problems, could stop abnormal wear and tear to teeth and prevent jaw problems.
If you are considering orthodontic treatment for your child – speak to your dentist and they will advise you well.
MOUTHGUARDS
Don’t forget to order your child’s sports mouth guard from your Dentist at Passage House Dental Care. A range of colours is available!
Don’t forget these 3 simple steps for a lifetime of healthy teeth:
- BRUSH TWICE A DAY
- EAT A HEALTHY DIET, NO SUGARY SNACKS/DRINKS BETWEEN MEALS
- VISIT YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY
HAPPY BRUSHING!