Track These Important Dental Milestones for Your Child

There are so many milestones in a child’s life! Have you ever considered all of the dental-related milestones that kids can achieve? While every child’s exact timeline is unique, here are some common dental milestones that most children should experience:

First Baby Tooth

Your baby could get their first tooth as early as 6 months old! By age three, they should have 20 teeth. While periods of teething can be a stressful time, it’s also exciting since it means your baby is growing! Their new chompers will open up a wider variety of food options, and eventually help them express themselves verbally.

First Visit to the Dentist

The American Dental Association recommends that children have their very first dental visit around the time their first tooth grows in or by their first birthday, whichever happens first. First dental visits involve introducing your child to the dental office, dental team, and a few tools. At our office, we examine their gums and any teeth to check that everything is developing normally and are healthy. We brush their teeth and answer any questions you may have about their oral healthcare. We’ll also give them a little prize!

Losing Their Baby Teeth

Unless a tooth suffers from gum disease or trauma, a loose baby tooth means some of your child’s underlying adult teeth are ready to start growing in. When their first tooth becomes wiggly, your child will likely feel eager to have it finally come out! However, refrain from pulling the loose tooth out. Encourage your child to keep wiggling it with a clean finger or tissue. It will fall out when it’s ready.

When your child’s first set of adult molars grow in around age 6, we recommend having their dentist fill the grooves with dental sealants to help protect these teeth from developing tooth decay.

Orthodontic Consultation

Patients as young as seven years old can be evaluated for orthodontic intervention. Some patients think that they should wait until their child is a teen before they are evaluated for orthodontic treatment. However, scheduling an orthodontic consultation a few years earlier can allow for more treatment options and result in a more efficient and shorter overall treatment plan for your child. While it may not be recommended for your child to receive treatment at their first consultation, their orthodontist can estimate an ideal time for them to begin treatment.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Many patients have their wisdom teeth removed in their late teens or early twenties. Some lucky patients don’t have wisdom teeth or never need them removed. During your child’s routine dental exams, we will take X-rays and examine their teeth and jaw to determine if and when they should have their wisdom teeth removed. If your child is nearing the age of 17 and has been complaining of pain near the back of their mouth, contact us to schedule a wisdom teeth consultation. We can assess the situation to see if their wisdom teeth are growing in incorrectly, causing their discomfort.