Monitoring your child’s dental development is essential for ensuring they maintain a healthy smile as they grow. Understanding key milestones in dental development helps parents know how to support their child’s oral health and when it is appropriate to seek professional care. At Tebo Dental, we are here to guide you through each stage of your child’s dental journey, ensuring a smooth transition as they grow. Here is a year-by-year guide to dental milestones and expectations at each stage of development.
Infancy (0-12 Months)
- First Tooth Eruption: Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months of age, usually the lower central incisors. Some may experience discomfort during teething while others may not.
- Oral Care: Before the first tooth appears, it is essential to clean your baby’s gums with a soft cloth after feedings. Once the first tooth erupts, switch to a baby toothbrush and use a small amount of fluoride-free toothpaste.
- First Dental Visit: At Tebo Dental, we recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit within six months of their first tooth coming in or by their first birthday. This visit helps establish good oral health habits early on and allows the dentist to check for any potential issues.
Toddlerhood (1-3 Years)
- Full Set of Baby Teeth: By age 3, most children will have their full set of 20 baby teeth. These teeth play a vital role in speech development and serve as placeholders for permanent teeth.
- Brushing and Flossing: At this stage, parents should begin brushing their child’s teeth twice a day with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Flossing should also be introduced once teeth begin to touch.
Preschool Age (3-6 Years)
- Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers: By this stage, it is crucial to reduce habits like thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use because they can affect the alignment of teeth and the development of the jaw.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Maintain dental visits every six months to monitor the health and development of baby teeth.
School Age (6-12 Years)
- Losing Baby Teeth: Between the ages of 6 and 12, children will enter the “mixed dentition” phase, during which they start to lose baby teeth and gain permanent teeth. This typically starts with the central incisors (front teeth).
- Orthodontic Evaluation: Around age 7, an orthodontic evaluation is recommended to detect any potential alignment or bite issues early on. Early intervention can reduce the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later.
Adolescence (12-18 Years)
- Full Set of Permanent Teeth: By age 13, most children have all of their adult teeth, excluding wisdom teeth. It is essential to continue good oral hygiene habits since these teeth will need to last a lifetime.
- Orthodontic Treatment: If needed, braces or other orthodontic treatments are usually recommended between ages 10-14. This ensures that teeth are aligned properly as the child’s jaw continues to grow.
- Wisdom Teeth Monitoring: Between ages 17-21, wisdom teeth (third molars) may start to emerge. Regular dental visits will determine whether they need to be removed due to overcrowding or improper growth.
Key Takeaway: Understanding Dental Milestones Will Keep Your Children Smiling Year-Round
Understanding your child’s dental milestones helps ensure they receive timely dental care, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. At Tebo Dental, we are committed to guiding you and your child through every stage of dental development with personalized care and expert advice.
Need to Schedule Your Child’s Dental Checkup? Contact Tebo Dental today to schedule your child’s next appointment and ensure they are on track for a healthy, happy smile.
