This is what happens during second dentition

The teeth change from milk teeth to the lasting set of teeth (mixed dentition) from around the sixth year of life. During second dentition, the roots of the milk teeth gradually dissolve until the milk teeth ultimately fall out. Within a few weeks, the gaps between the teeth created in this way are filled by permanent teeth that push their way out of the jaw, mostly free of pain. The complete set of permanent teeth comprises 28 teeth plus a maximum of four wisdom teeth.

The tooth fairy comes when the first tooth falls out

The first tooth falling out is a special event for a child and the parents because the little nursery school child is now turning into a schoolchild. This becomes apparent from a great number of surges in development in this phase. The children are also pleased to belong to the more grown-up group. They look forward with anticipation to their teeth wobbling and falling out because they have already heard of the tooth fairy. This mythical being comes at night, takes the tooth that has fallen out with her and in return leaves a little present. Remember to have the present at hand in due time because you never know when the first tooth will actually fall out.

Information

The three phases of second dentition

Phase 1 – incisors and molars
Second dentition takes place in three phases. The first phase (during the first years of primary school) involves the breaking through of the first molars and the replacement of the incisors in the upper and lower jaws. The permanent molars often break through unnoticed underneath the milk molars. Particularly in this first stage, the replacement teeth growing through frequently appear unusually large in comparison to the milk teeth.

Phase 2 – premolars and canines 
The second phase of second dentition (at around nine to twelve years of age) involves the replacement of the premolars and canines. The second molars also break through.
 

Phase 3 – wisdom teeth
Then the teeth settle down for the time being. In phase 3, the wisdom teeth finally break through – assuming that they are present in the jaw. This takes place between the 17th and 24th year of age.

Cleaning properly to combat caries

A set of milk teeth free of caries is a good basis for teeth to remain healthy. If there are already holes in the milk teeth, the caries can be transmitted to the permanent teeth when they break through. The enamel of the permanent teeth is double the thickness of the enamel of milk teeth. This generally makes them more resistant. The freshly erupted teeth are, however, initially especially susceptible to caries as the enamel is still hardening (known as maturation of enamel). Now it is especially important to clean the teeth regularly and thoroughly and to use a toothpaste suitable for growing children with a higher fluoride content. Around three years after a permanent tooth has erupted, the tooth enamel around the tooth is really hard.

To nenedent® Junior toothpaste

Advanced teeth-cleaning

The right teeth-cleaning method should consist of a combined rolling and sweeping technique. It is suitable for adults and children who already have the necessary manual dexterity (from around eight to ten years of age).

Apply the head of the brush at an angle of around 45° to the axis of the tooth, half on the tooth and half on the gum line. Apply light pressure to the toothbrush and make small circular movements in one position.

After three or four circular movements, pull the head of the brush away to the top edge of the teeth with a rolling stroke from the wrist. Now place the brush on the gum line and sweep upwards to the crowns of the teeth.
Repeat this wiping movement five or six times in one area of two or three teeth each and clean them section by section. It’s best to proceed systematically in order to avoid missing any areas.

An electric toothbrush can be especially helpful in this respect but here, again, each and every tooth should be considered and cleaned from the front, the top and the inside.

Remember follow-up cleaning

Generally speaking, your child will not have the fine motor skills needed to clean their teeth thoroughly and effectively before they are seven or eight years of age. Until your child is able to write smoothly in joined-up writing, you should help with follow-up cleaning. This is the only way to ensure that deposits and food remnants really are cleaned away thoroughly enough. Plus, it is also a good idea to clean your own teeth together with your child. In this way, they will see you as a role model and learn the right cleaning movements by imitation.