Important milestones help you keep track of your child’s growth and development. Dental milestones are no different: they can help you understand and prepare for the next steps so you can care for your child’s oral health.
From the time they get their first baby tooth, use these dental milestones to ensure your child grows up with a smile that’s healthy and strong.
1st Tooth: 6 Months to 1 Year
Your child will probably get their first tooth sometime between six months and their first birthday, but they could start teething as early as three months old. Prior to the eruption of their baby teeth, you should still care for their oral health by gently wiping their gums with a wet cloth after they eat. Your child’s first visit to the dentist should be around their first birthday or when they get their first tooth — whichever comes first!
A Full Set of Baby Teeth: By Age 3
Most children get their front teeth first, followed by their canines and molars. Molars are the last teeth to develop and are known to cause fever and headache and can turn your sweet child into a fussy toddler. By the age of three, your child should have a full set of teeth. Even though your child’s baby teeth aren’t permanent, it is still important to care for them. Problems like overcrowding or poor oral hygiene can lead to problems with permanent teeth.
Losing Baby Teeth: From Age 6 to 12
Around the age of six, your child will begin losing their baby teeth. This will occur in roughly the same order as eruption: the front teeth are the first to go, followed by canines and molars. By 12 or 13, your child should have all of their permanent teeth — except for their wisdom teeth.
Wisdom Teeth: Late Adolescence to Early Adulthood
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, usually begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth are notorious for causing issues with overcrowding, bite alignment, and infection. In many cases, we recommend that patients get their wisdom teeth removed prior to eruption in order to avoid future problems. At Smiles Dental, our expert team will keep a close eye on your child’s wisdom teeth using dental X-rays and visual examinations.
More Questions? We Have Answers
To ask our team any questions about important milestones in your child’s development or to schedule your next appointment, call us today! We care about your family’s oral health.
Discover the Smiles Dental difference today!
Are you ready for the happy, healthy smile of your dreams? When you choose Smiles Dental Services, you’re putting your smile in the hands of highly-trained professionals you can trust. Above all, we provide our patients with leading-edge dentistry that goes above and beyond to deliver high-quality results with a gentle, personal touch.